Job Description

Position: Director of Finance

Updated: May 1, 2026

Reports to: Head of School

100% FTE: Exempt

Role Description

The Director of Finance is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the school. Working in collaboration with the Head of School, professional and lay leaders, including our Board of Trustees, the Director of Finance manages the day-to-day finances of the school, prepares the annual budget, formulates recommendations for the school’s tuition to the Board of Trustees and develops both short and long-term financial plans. S/he reports to the Head of School and provides administrative support to the Board of Trustees, specifically the Budget and Finance Committee and the Investment Committee in an ex officio capacity. S/he works closely with and supervises the staff accountant.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Finance:

• Day-to-day management of the operating budget and working with all school departments to ensure expenses are managed efficiently and according to budget
• Prepare the school’s annual and multi-year budgets that reflect the long-term goals of the school
• Prepare financial statements on a regular and timely basis, and present them to the Budget and Finance Committee
• Responsible for AR/AP, purchasing, accounting, cash management and sound business practices in general
• Serve as an ex-officio member of the Budget and Finance Committee and the Investment Committee
• Stay up to date on new developments and changes to GAAP in the non-profit sector
• Responsible for all banking, cash management and investment activities of the school
• Oversee and keep current an inventory of all fixed assets
• As needed, oversee the preparation of loan documents and compliance with all covenants therein
• Prepare and coordinate annual audit with external auditors
• Oversee preparation and submission of 990 tax return based on Audited Financial Statements
• Oversee the allocation and distribution of tuition assistance. Serve as a member of the Tuition Assistance Committee

Personnel Management and Human Resources:

• Manage salary review process, benefits administration, and long-range salary forecasting
• Assist the Head of School in establishing the salary and benefits package for the school
• Oversee the selection and implementation of the school’s employee benefit program
• Manage the contractual relationship with the HR consulting team
• Liaise with the outsourced HR consulting team to assure compliance with current employment law, review the Employee Handbook on an annual basis, and process monthly payroll
• Provide internal support on the implementation of HR policy and pay & benefits administration to employees

School Facilities:

• Work with the Head of School to develop long-range plans for improvements and repairs to existing facilities
• Oversee capital repair and replacement budgeting
• Develop capital budget
• Serve as a primary contact for leased facilities

Risk Management:

• Select and maintain appropriate insurance to protect school property and cover the liability of the school, its employees and the trustees of the school.

Government and Legal:

• Responsible for filing all reports, as required, to city, state and federal agencies
• Provide leadership to the school in areas of legislation that affect the school, particularly those associated with personnel policies

Other:

• Assist the Head of School and Board of Trustees in long-range and strategic planning for the school
• Represent the school at regional, state and national associations as it relates to the role of Director of Finance
• Collaborate with the Advancement team to reconcile all methods of donations such as cash, stock transfers, eCommerce, corporate matching, grants, and planned giving bequests
• Assist the Head of School and relevant department heads with negotiating and maintaining all vendor contracts
• Maintain strict confidentiality handling the sensitive financial information of the school and families
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or MBA is preferred.
• 3+ years of finance experience, with significant experience in budgeting, forecasting, and audit preparation.
• Experience with non-profit or independent school finance, including restricted and unrestricted fund accounting. Knowledge of California School Accounting Code Structure (SACS) for charter/private schools is preferred.
• Experience leading small teams, managing staff accountants, or working with a board of directors.

Key Skills & Expertise

• Strong understanding of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and FASB requirements.
• Advanced skills in Excel, Google Sheets, and Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT, and Gusto is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of California labor law, payroll taxes, and HR compliance.
• Ability to explain complex financial data to non-finance stakeholders, including board members and faculty.

Details

• Salary range is $125,000 - $175,000, depending on prior experience and education. Medical, dental, life and long-term disability, and retirement benefits are provided. More information about the school can be found on our website at
• Open to full-time in person or hybrid work arrangement.

Instructions for Applying

• Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to ***email_hidden***. Citizenship, residency, or work VISA in the United States required.

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