Shanghai American School (SAS) is an English-language day school offering an American curriculum, prekindergarten to grade 12, for expatriate families living in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China (PRC). SAS is one of the few independent, non-profit, coeducational day schools in Shanghai. SAS is an entity duly registered, licensed and regulated by the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau and the Shanghai Education Commission. SAS is governed, however, by the Shanghai American School Association of Parents. Every parent, by virtue of their child’s SAS enrollment, is a member of the Association. SAS has two campuses, one in Pudong (East), one in Puxi (West), each offering a full PK-12 program. Each high school offers a wide range of AP courses, as well as the full IB diploma. SAS is the largest international school in China with over 2,700 students and over 650 faculty and staff members.

SAS seeks a chief financial officer (CFO), to start later this summer. The CFO is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial health and integrity of the school. The CFO provides strategic financial guidance, planning, and leadership while ensuring the effective management of the school's financial resources. Reporting directly to the head of school, the CFO plays a pivotal role in shaping the financial future of the institution. The CFO oversees two business units (Finance; Purchasing and Contracts), each with a director that supervises managers and other staff that support their respective business units. This position includes a competitive salary range, plus a generous benefits package that allows for a very comfortable lifestyle and incredible savings potential. SAS values its employees and compensates accordingly.

SAS is open to two options, depending on a candidate's availability: a two-year interim contract (Summer 2024 through Summer 2026) or, preferably, a standard three-year contract (Summer 2024 through Summer 2027 with an option to renew). When applying for the position, please indicate in your cover letter whether you would prefer a two-year interim contract, a standard three-year contract, or are neutral to either option. SAS is open to both arrangements and will ultimately select the candidate that presents the best alignment of skills, experience, interest, motivation, and mission-alignment–regardless of which contract that candidate prefers.

By signing with Shanghai American School, you join not only one of the oldest and most reputable international schools in Asia but also become a member of a dynamic and innovative learning community. Anchored in its mission and core values, SAS balances a focus on the distinctive needs of every student with a commitment to world-class learning outcomes. SAS values its diversity and is actively committed to ensuring its behaviors promote equity and inclusion to create a sense of belonging for all members of the SAS community. The strong financial standing of SAS affords a highly competitive compensation and benefits package and allows for a resource-rich learning environment. To lead at SAS is to collaborate, looking to set the standard for an international education that is caring, impactful and forward-driven.

12M Recruiting is running the search on behalf of SAS. Applications submitted by April 29 will receive priority review. For application instructions and the full job opportunity statement, please visit:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Location : Shanghai, China

Initial contract term : SAS open to two years (interim) or three years (standard)

Applications Accepted Starting : April 1, 2024

Priority Deadline : April 29, 2024

Virtual Interviews by SAS : Early-to-mid May

On-Site Finalist Visits : Late May / Early June

Expected Announcement : June 14, 2024

Start Date : August 2024 (Negotiable)

Reports To : Head of School

SPECIFIC DUTIES

Divisional Leadership : Supervise two direct reports and oversee a division that includes approximately 14 indirect reports, all of whom work in one of two mission-critical departments: (1) Finance, and (2) Purchasing and Contracts.
Financial Strategy Development : Develop, implement, and communicate the school's financial strategy to ensure long-term financial sustainability in alignment with the institution's mission and objectives.
Budgeting and Forecasting : Lead the annual budgeting process, collaborating with relevant departments, and prepare accurate financial forecasts to guide informed decision-making.
Financial Oversight : Provide oversight of the school's financial operations, including financial reporting, accounting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and purchasing to maintain the school's financial integrity.
Financial Compliance : Ensure compliance with all financial laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, particularly those specific to educational institutions.
Risk Management : Identify and assess financial risks and implement strategies to mitigate them effectively, safeguarding the school's financial stability.
Financial Reporting : Generate and present financial reports to the Board of Trustees and other stakeholders, translating complex financial data into understandable insights.
Investment and Asset Management : Manage the school's investments and assets, optimizing returns while adhering to the school's investment policy.
Audits and Internal Controls : Coordinate external audits and maintain effective internal financial controls, ensuring the school's finances are accurately represented.
Collaboration : Collaborate with school leadership to provide financial guidance and support strategic initiatives, helping to achieve the school's mission.
Staff Mentorship and Development : Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Resource Allocation : Allocate financial resources to support the school's academic and operational needs effectively.
Fundraising Support : Collaborate with the Advancement team to support fundraising efforts, aligning financial strategies with development goals.
Financial Policy Development : Develop and update financial policies and procedures in line with best practices, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Emergency Preparedness : Develop and maintain financial contingency plans for emergencies and unexpected financial challenges.
Strategic Initiatives : Undertake other strategic duties and initiatives as assigned by the Head of School to contribute to the overall success and vision of the school.

SAS IS LOOKING FOR CANDIDATES WHO CAN DEMONSTRATE…

Professional Qualifications

Possession of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; an MBA or other advanced degree preferred
10+ years of experience as a finance director, and 5+ years at a senior management / executive level, preferably in a large-scale educational institution, enterprise-level non-profit organization, or mission-driven for-profit company
Experience serving on, liaising with, or supporting nonprofit boards of trustees; prior experience supporting or leading board-level finance committees preferred

Essential Competencies

Financial Leadership : A demonstrated ability to provide visionary financial leadership and develop strategies to ensure the financial sustainability of the school
Strategic Vision : Profound understanding of the organization's mission, values, and goals, with the ability to align financial strategies with the school's overall strategic objectives
Financial Planning : Proficiency in financial forecasting, budget development, and long-term financial planning, while identifying opportunities to maximize financial resources
Financial Stewardship : A strong commitment to financial stewardship, ensuring transparent, ethical, and accountable management of financial resources
Financial Compliance : An in-depth knowledge of relevant financial laws, regulations, and compliance requirements, including those specific to educational institutions.
Data-Driven Decision-Making : Skillful use of data and financial analysis to inform decisions, drive cost-effectiveness, and identify areas for financial improvement
Team Leadership : Experience in recruiting, mentoring, and leading a collaborative finance team to achieve financial goals and foster a supportive work environment
Communication and Collaboration : Exceptional communication skills to work effectively with various stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees, school leadership, and staff, fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration
Mission-Alignment : An excitement and an eagerness to serve and support a diverse, innovative, collaborative, and highly motivated educational community comprising over 2,700 students and 660 employees on two outstanding campuses in Shanghai

TO APPLY

For more information please visit the following link, which contains the job opportunity statement and complete application instructions.

About Shanghai American School

12M Recruiting, along with its subsidiary, Ed Tech Recruiting, is a consulting firm with expertise in executive and leadership hiring. We are engaged most often by mission-aligned organizations to support thoughtful, intentional, and inclusive searches for a specific leadership opening. As part of each search, we help define not just the position but also a hiring strategy and forward-thinking vision for the role, all of which are embedded in our custom-designed, informative, and truly exceptional opportunity statements.

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