Financial Director

Our client is a nonprofit, mission‑driven educational institution in Madison, WI. This role sits on the executive leadership team and will oversee finance, accounting, human resources, risk management, and facilities for a well‑established organization with a long history of serving its community. The institution is financially strong, supported by an endowment, and is entering an exciting phase of operational refinement and strategic growth.

Our client is seeking a thoughtful, relationship‑oriented financial leader who enjoys partnering collaboratively across an organization, strengthening processes, and shaping long‑term financial strategy. Someone who can translate the numbers for a broad range of stakeholders and lead with humility, clarity, and vision will thrive here. The position is based on site in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Director of Finance will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the development of both preliminary and final annual budgets, assemble departmental requests and establish institutional priorities in consultation with the administrative team.
• Prepare long-range financial forecasts and projections aligned with strategic initiatives and Board‑approved priorities.
• Offer strategic insights and recommendations on enrollment trends, tuition strategy, compensation planning and long‑term financial sustainability to the President, Principal and Board of Directors.
• Provide timely, accurate, and transparent financial reporting and analysis to the President, Principal, administrative team and Board committees.
• Act as the primary liaison with the school’s external audit firm and lead the annual audit or financial review process.

Budget Oversight & Cost Control

• Manage the school’s operating budget, endowment, and financial aid program ensuring expenses are monitored and controlled.
• Identify and implement revenue‑generating and cost‑saving initiatives as required, balancing financial limits with the school’s educational and operational needs.

Accounting & Business Operations

• Supervise Business Office staff and oversee all accounting functions, including: General ledger; Accounts payable and receivable; Payroll and benefits administration; Cash management; Financial systems and reporting; Establish and maintain procedures and internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations.
• Maintain accounting records for the school’s endowment fund and provide reporting to the Investment/Endowment Committee.
• Work closely with the Director of Development to ensure accurate recording and stewardship of donor‑restricted gifts and funds.
• Collaborate with the Director of Admissions and the Registrar to ensure proper recording of student financial accounts, tuition charges, and payment plans.
• Oversee the financial aid application, analysis, and award‑recommendation process and serve on the Financial Assistance Committee.
• Oversee the school’s human resources function, ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations and maintaining personnel and payroll records.
• Support high standards of fairness, accountability, and ethical practice in employment matters.
• Oversee the school’s risk management framework, including policy development, exposure monitoring, insurance relationships and regulatory compliance.
• Review contracts and agreements and work with legal counsel to protect the school’s institutional interests.

Facilities, Operations & External Partnerships

• Work closely with the Director of Facilities and Safety to ensure maintenance recordkeeping aligns with industry standards and best practices.
• Provide financial oversight and leadership for cafeteria operations, ensuring sustainability, vendor accountability and alignment with student nutritional needs.
• Maintain professional relationships with bankers, auditors, attorneys, investment managers, insurance brokers, contractors, vendors and regulatory bodies.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with Edgewood University and Edgewood Campus School employees and stakeholders.
• Represent the high school as a key member or officer of the three‑school Edgewood Condominium Board.
• Consistently integrate the mission of Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart and a service‑oriented approach to daily decisions and recommendations.

Governance & Board Engagement

• Serve as an ex officio member of the Board’s Business and Finance Committee and Investment/Endowment Committee.
• Provide clear financial reporting and insight to support Board governance and fiduciary responsibilities.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• 5+ years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit, educational, or mission‑driven organization.
• Significant experience in, or knowledge of, nonprofit accounting, compliance, and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience working with Boards or Finance Committees.
• Proficient in financial management systems and advanced spreadsheet modeling.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, communicating clearly and constructively across departments and stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgement, and ethical stewardship of institutional resources.
• History of collaboration with respect and inclusion, and contribution to a culture of lifelong learning.
• Effective prioritization, management of multiple deadlines, and calm response to interruptions.
• Excellent analytical and abstract reasoning skills.