Director of Finance

Position Summary: In close collaboration with the Head of School, the Director of Finance manages all financial functions of the School, including budgeting, financial planning, analysis, and reporting. This key role ensures the financial stability and long-term health of the School by guiding decisions on investments, expenditures, and financial strategy. The Director of Finance works with the Head of School to align financial strategies with the School's goals, driving financial planning and decisions to achieve the School's strategic objectives.Overall Duties and Responsibilities:Understand, support, and execute Far Brook School's Statement of Purpose and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Financial Planning and AnalysisCreate and manage budgets, forecast revenue and expenses, analyze financial trends, identify risks and opportunities, and develop financial business plans for the School.Accounting OversightSupervise accounting staff, review financial statements, monitor cash flow, and ensure the accuracy of financial records in compliance with accounting standards.Audit and Tax ReportingCoordinate all audit and tax return activities, prepare and approve financial reporting materials, and communicate timely and accurate bi-annual financial statements.Capital Projects - Financial PartneringBudget and track funds for capital projects, working with departments and leadership to ensure projects align financially with the School's mission and vestment ManagementEvaluate investment options, make strategic decisions, and monitor portfolio performance.Policy and Standard Operating ProceduresDevelop procedures and processes for managing financial activities, including accounting, budgeting, investment, payroll, fundraising, and procurement.Professional DevelopmentEngage in ongoing financial professional development to implement best practices in financial management.Risk ManagementIdentify and mitigate financial risks and implement internal controls to protect company assets.Reporting and CommunicationPrepare and communicate financial reports to senior management and stakeholders, translating complex financial data into clear information.Strategic Decision MakingProvide financial insights to leadership, advising on key decisions with financial implications.Tuition Assistance CollaborationWork with the Director of Enrollment Management and the Head of School on the management and administration of the tuition assistance process, including serving on the tuition assistance committee or designating a Finance team member to this role.Essential Leadership Responsibilities:Team LeadershipManage and develop the finance team, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations, ensuring adherence to the School's Professional Standards of Conduct and Employee Handbook expectations.School LeadershipRepresent the School to financial partners, including government agencies, financial institutions, donors, foundation executives, auditors, and public officials.Collaborate regularly with directors to ensure department budgets align with the overall School plan.Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to provide financial reports and solutions.Actively participate in leadership and School events, including committee engagements.Board LeadershipCollaborate with the Board's finance, audit, and investment committees, assisting in financial reporting, planning, and forecasting, and providing reports as necessary.Supervisory Responsibilities:Recruit, interview, hire, and train staff within the Business Office.Provide direct reports with ongoing coaching, constructive performance evaluations and ensure department success through a supportive, collegial relationship.Education and Experience:Required: MBA or CFA.Preferred: Certified Public Accountant (CPA).Required Experience: Minimum of 10 years in a financial role at a school, non-profit or organization.Preferred Experience: Minimum of 10 years of supervisorymanagement experience.Required Skills and Abilities:Strong Financial Acumen: Deep understanding of accounting principles, financial analysis, budgeting, and cash flow management.Leadership Abilities: Proven experience leading and motivating teams, with the ability to delegate effectively.Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyze complex financial data and provide actionable insights for business munication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication to present financial information clearly to diverse audiences.Technical Proficiency: Expertise in financial software and systems, including Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word), Blackbaud, Paymerang, Finalsite, SchoolAdmin, Primepoint, and related systems and presentation platforms (e.g., PPT).Reporting Relationship:Reports directly to the Head of School.

Created: 2025-03-09