Director of Finance

Position Title

Director of Finance

Job Details

Full-time

Salary: $85,000.00 Annually

Application Deadline: Sep 1, 2026

Reports To

Head of School

Work Environment

Frederica Academy lives the mission: To maximize the potential of each student and to prepare every student for college and adult life through the development of mind, body, and spirit. Employment at Frederica is more than a job. It is an opportunity to join a community of learners who seek challenge, commitment, and strong relationships. We serve as advocates for our students. Because we are a dynamic, forward‑thinking independent college preparatory school, much is required of our administrators, faculty, and staff. We challenge and inspire each student to fulfill his/her promise and to better the world. In a highly competitive school landscape, our emphasis on the whole child and our legacy of excellence in teaching set us apart. The work environment is noted for being family‑friendly and flexible.

Position Summary

We are currently seeking an experienced, multi‑faceted accountant who works in all levels of accounting. This position involves overseeing all financial and accounting operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance. This position manages a four‑person team, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in daily financial activities, and partners with senior leaders to provide financial insights. This is a 12‑month, fulltime position, which provides two weeks of vacation each summer in addition to 23 school holidays observed throughout the year as listed on the school’s annual calendar.

Responsibilities

• Serve on the Head of School’s Administrative Leadership Team.
• Be an active participant in the daily life of the school.
• Oversee all Business Office functions including all financial reporting to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and various committees.
• Serve as chief staff liaison to the Board of Trustees’ Finance, Investment, and Audit Committees.
• In partnership with the Investment Committee, oversee the administration of the school’s endowment.
• Internal lead for the 403b annual audit.
• Help build and/or maintain the school’s short and long‑term strategic financial models.
• Provide strategic leadership, analysis, and management of finance.
• Establish financial and capital strategies that are consistent with strategic priorities.
• Financial Management: Overseeing day‑to‑day financial activities, including cash management, capital spending, investments, budgeting, ledger management, reconciliations, financial database management (QuickBooks, FACTS), and the proper classification of all financial transactions.
• Financial Reporting: Preparing and analyzing financial statements, ensuring compliance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles).
• Accounting Operations: Oversees accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and managing general ledger activities.
• Audit and Compliance: Preparing for and managing the annual audit, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and internal controls.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Assisting in the development and management of the school’s budget, and providing financial forecasts.
• Maintain strong relationships with banks and lenders to ensure that funding is secured for the needs of the school and compliance with loan terms.
• Helps administer and manage all employee benefit programs including health insurance, retirement, workers’ compensation, life insurance, and other related plans.
• Manage insurance programs including property, casualty, medical, and workers’ compensation.
• Ensure compliance with all local and state reporting requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with the Advancement, Admission, and Athletic departments as well as the three division directors as needed.
• Coordinate closely with the Director of Operations for budget management of the physical plant, grounds, and construction operations.
• Team Leadership: Managing and mentoring accounting staff, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborating with senior leaders to provide financial insights and contribute to strategic planning.
• Tuition and Financial Aid Support: Collaborating with the Admission Office to ensure a seamless onboarding experience for families by efficiently supporting tuition contracts, payment processes, and the need‑based financial aid program.
• Systems and Processes: Managing financial software, developing and implementing accounting standards, and ensuring the integrity of financial data.

Qualifications and Personal Attributes

• Strong attention to detail;
• Experience managing a team, setting clear goals, responsibilities, expectations, and clear methods of accountability;
• Superb communication skills; excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills;
• Demonstrated ability to understand complex subjects, distill them, and then communicate them to varied audiences;
• Demonstrated experience in the development of analysis for strategic decision‑making, such as key cost drivers, competitive analysis, market analysis, organizational strengths, and weaknesses, etc.;
• Ability to think and plan strategically and creatively;
• Ability to supervise, manage, and delegate multiple functions and activities;
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and work effectively under pressure;
• Aptitude for high customer‑service standards;
• Demonstrated commitment to equitable and inclusive practices;
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to connect with all constituencies;
• Interest in participating actively and regularly in a fast‑paced and lively school environment; and a
• Track record of strong integrity.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Three years of experience with a senior‑level finance or accounting role, preferably with the education sector.
• Proficiency in financial software, QuickBooks, and strong knowledge of GAAP.

Frederica Academy is dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities to all personnel and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a veteran, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local laws.