Director of Finance

Director Of Finance

Walnut Hill School for the Arts seeks an experienced Director of Finance to join the Business Office. The Director oversees the daily financial operations of the School's Business Office, ensuring the integrity of financial data, maintaining robust internal controls, and producing accurate financial reporting. This role manages general ledger functions, net asset accounting, tuition billing, accounts payable, and payroll reconciliation. The ideal candidate balances technical expertise as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a community-minded approach, collaborating closely with School leadership, faculty, and families to support the School's educational mission. Active CPA license is required.

This is a 12-month position reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active and engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field, participating in school events and supporting students in their arts, supporting other faculty/staff members, and who have the ability to self-reflect on their own practice.

Responsibilities Include:

• Financial Operations & General Ledger
• Reporting, Compliance & Audit
• Tuition Management, Accounts Receivable, & Accounts Payable
• Budgeting & Support
• Supervision & Leadership
• Community Involvement & Engagement
• Collaboration, Professional Development, and Training

Qualifications & Requirements

• Certification: Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is required;
• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting;
• Experience: A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, with a minimum of 2 years in public accounting or auditing. Experience in auditing an independent school, higher education, or non-profit organization using net asset accounting is highly preferred. Demonstrated successful experience in supervising and leading a team;
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in GAAP, with non profit accounting experience strongly preferred. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, financial modeling) and Google Suite; experience with school/non-profit management software (e.g., Veracross, Blackbaud Financial Edge/Tuition Management, Sage, Senior Systems, or QuickBooks) preferred.

Key Competencies & Attributes

• Analytical Thinking: Exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and a high degree of accuracy;
• Mission Alignment: Enthusiasm for working in a vibrant, collaborative educational environment and contributing positively to the School community by attending assemblies and participating in weekend teams. Cultural competence and commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive community; share an educational and artistic vision that aligns with the core principles of Walnut Hill;
• Communication Skills: Ability to translate complex financial concepts to non-financial staff, faculty, and parents. Ability to positively engage with all members of the community warmly and transparently. Skilled in fostering a collaborative, positive work environment that encourages open communication. Ability to receive and provide supportive and consistent feedback to department members;
• Discretion & Integrity: Absolute commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive financial, payroll, and family data.

About us:

Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, Massachusetts and 20 minutes from Boston, is an independent boarding and day high school offering a transformational educational experience designed for student artists in grades 9–post graduate.

Commitment to the School's Core Values, of Community, Growth, Excellence, Creativity, and Respect are imperative to the success of all Walnut Hill faculty, staff, and administration members. All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active and engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field, participating in school events, supporting students in their arts, supporting other faculty/staff members, and who have the ability to self-reflect on their own practice.

Physical demands include dexterity for office machine and supply operation including but not limited to writing, using electronic devices, computer, phone, calculator, copy machine, fax machine, and printers. Stooping, bending, lifting, traveling to/from locations on campus or other locations, ascending/descending stairs, reaching, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common.

To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter through the Walnut Hill School for the Arts online Career Center.

Note: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of state and federal background checks. Walnut Hill does not provide visa sponsorship.