Director of Finance

Position Overview:The Director of Finance is responsible for setting the strategic fiscal direction of the school. Responsibilities include management of the business office to ensure that appropriate financial controls are effectively utilized and accurate reporting is assured. Staff areas of responsibility include finance, budgeting, planning, purchasing, collections, legal compliance, and risk management. Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Director manages the Human Resources and Finance Offices. The position requires active interaction and teamwork with the Head of School, administrators, faculty, students, staff, parents, and Board of Directors. The Director of Finance works in close partnership with the Director of Operations and Strategic Priorities to ensure that financial objectives and operational objectives are in harmony.Essential Functions and Responsibilities:The Director of Finance is a member of the leadership team that  oversees the development and implementation of strategic goals that define the course of the school. The Director of Finance works closely with the Head of School to address the financial, investment, and business objectives of the school.Work with the Head of School, senior administrators, the faculty, staff, and the Board of Directors to provide strategic direction and implementation of the school’s educational mission that serves the studentsProvide financial information and planning that builds understanding and trust among the faculty, administration, staff, and Board of Directors.Manage and direct the annual operating budget. With the Controller, plan and prepare forecasts of financial condition of the school. Report to the Head of School, Board of Directors, and Finance Committee on the results of the present and future operations. This includes overseeing the on-going maintenance and updating of the ten-year financial model.In partnership with the Director of Operations, oversee the PPRRSM/Capital Reserve Fund to ensure that it is deployed to meet the strategic needs of the institution.Manage and direct the day-to-day operation of the business office to include payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accounting functions.Supervise the work of the business office personnel and use standard accounting (FASB) and bookkeeping procedures to keep an accurate and continuous record of cash and the financial position of Near North. Manage the financial operation of the school so that the institution remains financially stable in a greater context of sustainability. Communicate risks, opportunities, and trends via the collection of comparative data by creating or participating in school surveys.With the Controller, prepare operating statements for the Head of School and the Board of Directors and provide monthly reports of expenditures for use of each individual budget center within the school.In concert with the Finance Committee, establish a plan and schedule for the preparation of the annual budget that will permit the setting of the succeeding year’s tuition and compensation at a Board of Directors meeting early in the calendar year.With the Controller and Audit Committee, provide for the securing of an annual audit of the school’s financial records and financial positions.Oversee all the school purchasing and contracts, financial investments, banking activities, payroll, and benefits program.Oversee the school’s financial investments, including endowment. Implement the investment decisions of the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors.Provide staff/liaison support, in conjunction with the Head of School, to the Audit, Finance, and Investment Committees of the Board of Directors. Document all committee meetingsEstablish, review, revise, and ensure legal compliance and risk mitigation with regard to the following practices, procedures, and publications of the school.Pension documentationHealth Insurance InformationEmployee HandbookParent and Student HandbookEnrollment AgreementsEmployment AgreementsEmployment PoliciesExempt/NonExempt Employee StatusNondiscrimination policiesFingerprinting requirementsTruth in Lending Act (TILA) compliancePolicy regarding tuition collectionsData Security policies and procedures990 policiesDocument retention and destruction policies and proceduresConflict of Interest policyDonor agreementsAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues related to personnel, admissions, enrollment, and accommodationsMedical policies and proceduresSafe Harbor Act and rebuttable presumptionReport and collect data to and from the school associations (NAIS, iSACS, INDEX etc.) and manage surveys of data from the benchmark groups.Assist the Head of School with decisions regarding salaries and benefits for all personnel, including the evaluation of support staff.Complete annual evaluations of all members of the Finance officeServe as a member of the Leadership Council & Senior Leadership TeamRepresent the school at various regional, state, and national associations relative to the role of the CFO/Business Manager. Act as the school’s liaison with appropriate local officials. Serve on committees, task forces, and study groups as needed.Support faculty, staff, and school leadership.Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.