Director of Finance in Short Hills, NJ for Far Brook School

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:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Financial Planning and Analysis

• • Create and manage budgets, forecast revenue and expenses, analyze financial trends, identify risks and opportunities, and develop financial business plans for the School.
• Accounting Oversight
  • Supervise accounting staff, review financial statements, monitor cash flow, and ensure the accuracy of financial records in compliance with accounting standards.
• Audit and Tax Reporting
  • Coordinate all audit and tax return activities, prepare and approve financial reporting materials, and communicate timely and accurate bi-annual financial statements.
• Capital Projects – Financial Partnering
  • Budget and track funds for capital projects, working with departments and leadership to ensure projects align financially with the School’s mission and goals.
• Investment Management
  • Evaluate investment options, make strategic decisions, and monitor portfolio performance.
• Policy and Standard Operating Procedures
  • Develop procedures and processes for managing financial activities, including accounting, budgeting, investment, payroll, fundraising, and procurement.
• Professional Development
  • Engage in ongoing financial professional development to implement best practices in financial management.
• Risk Management
  • Identify and mitigate financial risks and implement internal controls to protect company assets.
• Reporting and Communication
  • Prepare and communicate financial reports to senior management and stakeholders, translating complex financial data into clear information.
• Strategic Decision Making
  • Provide financial insights to leadership, advising on key decisions with financial implications.
• Tuition Assistance Collaboration
  • Work 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 Leadership

• Manage 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 Leadership

• Represent 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 Leadership

• Collaborate 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.

Reporting Relationship:

• Reports directly to the Head of School.

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 supervisory/management 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 strategy.
• Communication 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).

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