Position Title:                  Chief Financial Officer

FLSA Classification:        Exempt

Reports to:                       Head of School

Position Purpose:             Manages and coordinates business operations, including budget preparation, business/financial forecasting, reporting, and filing. Coordinates business operations including cash management, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, contract management, risk management, audits, and banking relationships.

Work Hours:                    7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Work Calendar:                Full Year

Description

The Chief Financial Officer serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and works under the direction of the Head of School. The CFO provides the Head of School and the Board detailed financial forecasts and works in partnership with the Head of School to implement the school’s strategic plan, school goals and initiatives as outlined by the Head of School. The CFO works with the Head of School and budget managers in the preparation of financial forecasts and budgets. This individual is the supervisor for the Controller and business office employees.

Essential Functions

• Provides reliable and accurate financial information to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, its officers and committees, external auditors, donors, federal, state, and local authorities, and others internal and external to the school as directed and necessary.
• Supports the Head of School in implementing the strategic plan, school goals, and initiatives outlined by the Head of School.
• Oversees development and maintenance of the chart of accounts, establishment of accounting policies, and ensures internal financial control and financial regulatory compliance.
• Assumes administrative responsibility for the school’s endowment and investments and provides appropriate information on invested funds.  Implements decisions of the Board’s Investment Committee; coordinates with the investment manager and other custodians of the school’s funds to implement effective endowment allocation, performance, and reporting. 
• Directs all fiscal activities including all general ledger activities, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, bank deposits, account reconciliations, and financial reports.
• Oversees the business office role in the preparation and distribution of enrollment contract.
• Works with the Head of School and Human Resources to prepare and budget for employment contracts and benefit programs.
• Assists in maintaining congruency between the school’s board-approved Mission Statement, the Long Range and Strategic Financial Plan and all activities of the business department.
• Supports and adheres to school policies in all areas of the school’s operation.
• Maintains congruence between the school’s board-approved Mission Statement, the Long Range and Strategic Financial Plan,
• Assists in the recruitment and selection of new and replacement instructional and support faculty as needed.
• Commits to the Employee Expectations and Standards of Professional Excellence as the non-negotiable foundations for employment at St. Francis Episcopal School and complies with Physical Requirements and Work Environment.
• Be assessed through the Professional Growth and Evaluation Program.
• Performs other tasks and duties as assigned by the Head of School and/or supervising director or head. 
• Employee may be required to work remotely or engage in telework activity as determined in the employer’s sole discretion.  
• This job description is intended to describe the basic, critical elements of the job and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. 
• This job description does not constitute a contract. It may be modified or amended at any time as determined in the employer’s sole discretion.

Essential Tasks

• Works as part of the Executive Leadership Team, focusing on strategy, vision, and leadership for all aspects of the mission, vision, and ethos of the school.

• Establishes and maintains relationships with banks, auditors, school attorneys, other financial institutions, and insurance brokers.
• Takes responsibility for the details of cash control and management and reports fraud.
• Signs contracts and checks on behalf of the school.
• Serves as the primary contact with the dining program vendors for both campuses.  Coordinates with vendors, Head of School, and division leadership on dining program matters.
• Participates in the financial assistance awarding process and the resulting preparation and distribution of financial assistance enrollment contract addenda.
• Oversees purchasing, inventory control, auxiliary services, and regulatory compliance according to established laws, policies, rules, and regulations and establishes internal controls and procedures.
• Supports committees of the Board of Trustees as directed by the Head of School.  Serves as the primary staff member for the Finance and Investment Committees and prepares reports and models as needed. 
• Attends Executive Leadership Team meetings and board meetings as required.
• Maintains a strategic financial plan and overall financial model that will demonstrate the trends and requirements of the school’s development plan and will forecast future years cash budgets and positions.
• Proactively works with staff and the Head of School on alternative revenue streams and various financial models to ensure the long-term financial health for the school.
• Coordinates with the Parish Business Manager as necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the community.
• Keeps the Head of School informed of all the school's financial affairs and condition.
• Develops, researches, and attends professional development.
• Knowledgeable about Senior Systems, Veracross, and Blackbaud software and uses both financial and enrollment management modules and/or other school management software programs.
• Completes various tasks related to the employee’s yearly goals and the school’s long range and strategic financial plan.
• Evaluates the Business Office’s strengths and weaknesses and develop goals/plans and systems that will improve department performance and customer service in accordance with the school’s strategic plan.
• Coordinates all aspects of the school’s risk management.
• Supports all budget managers and provides training as needed.
• Demonstrates consistency with the school’s four cornerstones.
• Serves as a role model and embodies servant leadership
• Supports the school’s mission in financial decision-making and leadership.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Head of School.

• Employee may be required to work remotely or engage in telework activity as determined in the employer’s sole discretion.  

• This job description is intended to describe the basic, critical elements of the job and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. 

• This job description does not constitute a contract. It may be modified or amended at any time as determined in the employer’s sole discretion.

Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant with a Bachelor’s degree in business or public administration required, Master's degree preferred; minimum of ten years experience in the areas of financial and business administration as described in job description. 
• Experience in an independent school is preferred; individuals with strong financial and leadership skills with other non-profits may be considered
• Experience supervising and managing others.
• Ability to communicate effectively with school representatives, parents, students, and representatives from the business community in written and oral expression.
• Knowledge of business and not-for-profit accounting policies, procedures, practices, and software programs.
• Ability to think and plan strategically and creatively.

• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and work effectively under pressure.
• Customer service-oriented and skilled at negotiating and entering into contracts with external vendors.

• Ability to work effectively as a team member and as an executive-level administrator.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Occasionally lift to 30 pounds.
• Generally, works in standard office conditions and climate.
• May work in varied extreme outside weather conditions during school events, special activities, and fundraising events.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines.
• May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, stand, walk, reach.

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