Director of Finance

Director of Finance

High School - Nashville, TN 37221

Position Description and Qualifications

Ensworth seeks a highly analytical problem-solver and technical accountant with expertise in accounting, budgeting, audit, non-profit tax and compliance, and finance. The Director of Finance oversees core accounting and financial reporting functions, supports budgeting and financial planning, coordinates audit and tax compliance, maintains appropriate financial controls, and serves as a key financial partner to the CFOO and School leadership.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated, self-sufficient, technically strong, organized, and comfortable working across both detailed accounting responsibilities and broader financial analysis. The Director of Finance supervises key Business Office functions and works closely with the CFOO, Human Resources, Auxiliary Programs, Institutional Advancement, and other school leaders and departments.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Abides by Ensworth's Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct
• Commits to the ideals expressed in Ensworth's Mission Statement, Vision Statement, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
• Adheres to the Essential Expectations of an Ensworth Faculty, Staff, or Administrator
• Serves as primary contact for the annual audit and 990 tax returns, working closely with external service providers as well as internal individuals responsible for preparing supporting documentation
• Oversees month-end and year-end close processes, including review of reconciliations prepared by Business Office and HR teams and resolution of significant or unusual items
• Prepares and analyzes quarterly internal financial statements, ensuring that the financial information presented is complete, accurate, and timely
• Prepares year-end audit documentation related to significant estimates, such as pledges receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts, endowment accounting, net assets, net assets released from restriction
• Primary responsibility for reconciling and maintaining the endowment fund in accordance with directives of the Investment Committee and Office of Institutional Advancement
• Supervises the Accounting, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable (including Financial Aid) functions
• Assists the CFOO with debt and financial modeling, budgeting, cost containment strategies, new system/policy/procedure implementation, and other special projects
• Assists the CFOO with overseeing other operations of the school, such as concessions, spirit store, food service, construction, etc.
• Supports the annual operating budget process, including development and monitoring of budget assumptions, analysis of departmental requests, forecasting, budget-to-actual analysis, and financial reporting
• Maintains and supports financial planning and modeling used for long-range planning, forecasting, scenario analysis, enrollment and tuition planning, compensation planning, capital needs, and other key financial considerations
• Takes minutes for Investment and Finance and Building & Grounds committee meetings
• Provides accurate, timely, and clear financial and statistical reporting to the business office and other stakeholders, assuring consistency and integrity in the financial operations
• Partners with directors of the School's auxiliary programs (e.g. AfterCare, Aquatics, Sports camps/clinics/leagues, dance, tennis, summer enrichment, day camps, trips, etc.) to ensure that each program is profitable, mission-driven, school-centered, and executed with the needs of each student/parent end-user at top of mind
• Establishes and maintains effective financial policies, procedures, internal controls, and workflows and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and service
• Develops and maintains positive and productive relationships with faculty, staff, and parents, cultivating an ethic of high-quality customer service among Business Office staff
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required; Master's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field is preferred
• Certified Public Accountant is required
• Prior experience in public accounting is preferred
• Aptitude and EQ for leading in a not-for-profit setting; at least five years of experience in a management role at an independent school is preferred
• Advanced understanding and ability to use computers and technology; prior experience and proficiency using Microsoft Excel, ERP systems (e.g., Blackbaud, Senior Systems, Counterpoint, CampBrain, etc.) is required; prior experience with HRIS systems (e.g., Paycom, ADP, ExponentHR, etc.) is preferred
• Well-developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with all constituents in a school environment, including students, co-workers, parents, alumnae, volunteers, and the public.
• Adaptability, honesty, self-reliance, teamwork, organization skills, dependability, flexibility, willingness to listen and learn, work ethic, determination, persistence, problem-solving and analytical skills, loyalty, and congeniality are essential.
• Must successfully complete background screening and verification

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Regularly works in standard office or classroom conditions and climate; occasionally works outdoors in varying weather conditions and climate
• Regularly uses close vision and works at a computer screen for extended periods of time
• Works at a desk for extended periods of time; regularly moves around campus and between campuses to supervise auxiliary programs in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations
• Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 30 lbs. across the campuses/office
• Works in a stressful environment, effectively dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts; frequently requires the stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruption
• Ability to regularly work flexible hours to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual deadlines and to support before and after-school or weekend activities
• Ensworth requires employees to be physically present on campus, with limited exceptions that are at the sole discretion of the School. Under extraordinary circumstances, some or all of the workforce may be required to move to a remote working environment. Additionally, certain individuals may also be approved for limited remote work, based on the nature of the job description, specific circumstances, and only with written prior approval by a direct supervisor

Application Requirements:

Qualified candidates should complete an online application for employment and attach a cover letter and résumé. Contact View email address on click.appcast.io with any questions.

About Ensworth School:

Ensworth is a kindergarten through twelfth grade, coeducational independent school. The School promotes academic excellence and inspires students to be intellectually curious, to use their talents to the fullest, to be people of integrity, and to be contributors to society.

Located on two campuses in Nashville, Tennessee, Ensworth enrolls around 1,250 students and serves families in more than 50 zip codes. Ensworth is recognized among the leading independent schools in the nation. The school's challenging academic program is embedded in a culture of support and encouragement and reflects a commitment to the core skills of observation, collaboration, communication, analysis, questioning, evaluation, and most importantly, the application of knowledge. Graduates have the adaptability, resilience, and resourcefulness necessary for success in the 21st century and are not only prepared to meet the demands of the future but are also imbued with a sense of purpose and service to others.

Ensworth School is an extraordinary place to work and seeks employees who are passionate about learning and motivated by the opportunity to awaken that passion in students.

It is Ensworth's policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law. It is the intent and resolve of Ensworth to comply with the letter and the spirit of the law in the implementation of all facets of equal opportunity. This equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, evaluation, promotion, disciplinary action, termination, compensation and training. Employment decisions at Ensworth will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities.