CFO/Business Manager

CFO/Business Manager
Montrose School seeks a dynamic and experienced business manager to be responsible for a wide range of financial and administrative management responsibilities. Reporting to the Head of School and working with the school administrators and the Board of Trustees, the Business Manager must be a strategic thinker who will provide strong, innovative financial stewardship, grants management, campus development and oversight. The Business Manager ensures strategic implementation of long-term strategic goals. The Business Manager will serve as a resource to members of leadership team on financial, personnel and operations matters. The incumbent assists the Head of School with oversight of all financial, operational and administrative activities and serves on a variety of committees such as the Finance Committee, Campus and Facilities Committee, Enrollment Management Committee, Safety Committee (Chair), Strategic Information Technology Committee, Tuition Assistance Committee, etc.  

Qualifications and Skills Required for Position:
Montrose School seeks candidates with the following skills and qualifications:
-Five years of commensurate experience creating and executing financial planning and management strategies with at least several years of experience working in or strategic consulting for private schools. 
-Hands-on experience implementing, managing and analyzing budgets and financial reports.
-Outstanding leadership skills; fosters and models a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
-Proven ability to work effectively and proactively with all members of the community, the Head of School and the Board to evaluate and improve business processes and operations and to advance the mission of the School.
-Demonstrated ability to manage a team of direct reports in diverse operational areas.
-Experienced problem solver who takes initiative and identifies solutions that best meet the needs of the varied constituents.
-Strong technical knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, including familiarity with not-for-profit accounting.
-Sophisticated understanding of the complexities of an independent school, inclusive of financial aid process and fundraising.
-Some experience in the following areas is preferred: personnel management, employee benefits, legal/contract management, facilities management, risk management, campus safety and security.
-Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
-Degree in business and/or accounting required, advanced degree or CPA certification preferred.
-The ideal candidate will appreciate the opportunities to interact with faculty members, staff, students and parents.

Essential Functions and Key Objectives:
I  Strategic Financial Management 
-Serve as a strategic business partner to the Head of School and Leadership Team.
-Provide school-wide strategic leadership, planning, analysis and management of the school’s finances
-Comfort with navigating all legal and compliance standards for grants, foundations and major gifts management
-Establish financial and capital strategies consistent with Montrose strategic priorities.
-In consultation with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees, create, administer, monitor and adapt the school’s strategic financial plan, operating and capital budgets and other financial matters as needed.
-Supervise the school controller.
-Prepare and present management reports to the Board and various committees
-Evaluate and improve financial systems, internal controls and operations by championing continuous improvement, adopting best practices and effectively utilizing technology
-Manage all business office operations including budgeting and accounting, financial modeling and analysis, payroll, human resources, risk management, employee benefits, tuition assistance, cash management, accounts receivable and payable, and contract administration.
-Manage operational cash flow, manage banking, loan and lease agreement and assess and develop plans to meet anticipated financial requirements of the school.
-Work with auditors to ensure compliance with applicable accounting procedures and standards; oversee and actively participate in the annual audit process.
-Manage the timely and accurate filing of all required financial reports in accordance with GAAP and in compliance with the IRS and other regulatory standards and requirements
-Manage financial aspects of the school rental properties.

II Human Resources Administration
-Act as the school’s primary human resource executive and supports the Head of School in all human resource activities.
-Provides guidance in establishing appropriate benefits programs and recommends changes to enhance benefits and/or reduce costs.
-Manage all payroll services, interfacing with outsourced functions as well as consult with the Head of School to determine compensation administration.
-Manage group health insurance administration with provider, including overseeing and participating in administration of flex spending accounts.
-Ensures the school’s personnel policies support its programs and that the school’s actions regarding hiring, compensation, training, promotion and separation comply with state and federal requirements.
-Manage life and disability insurance programs
-Administer 401(k) accounts, arrange for employee education on same.
-Conduct CORI, SAFIS and other employee background checks.

III Planning, Development, Response Administration
-Coordinate with the Associate Head of School and Facilities Manager to plan for school security, coordinating dates for evacuation and security drills, planning and purchasing security-related equipment, scheduling human resources appropriate to security; Chair the school Safety Committee.
-Manage institutional risk to ensure the safety of personnel and students in their use of facilities; implement appropriate safety policies and maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect property and cover the liability of the school and the school’s employees and directors.
-With the Head of School, architects and the Facilities Manager, plan campus development and oversee capital projects management and strategic planning.
-Supervise the Facilities Manager in establishing and maintaining standards of plant cleaning/housekeeping, maintenance, and repairs commensurate with the limitations of financial resources available with respect to the preservation of property, safety, the quality of students and faculty life, functional use and aesthetic values.
-With the Academic Dean and the Technology Committee, plan technology innovations to support teaching and learning.
-Manage school vehicles and transportation requirements.
-Serve on the Management Team and the Emergency Response Team.
-Support the Head of School and other administrators during accreditation reviews.
-Work with colleagues to identify areas in which greater coordination or collaboration can improve the quality or cost-effectiveness of operations, services and administrative support.
-Collaborate effectively with and provide support for the Office of Advancement and the Admissions Office; serve on the Enrollment Management Committee.
-Communicate effectively with parents regarding tuition assistance and tuition administration.
-With the Head of School, maintain positive relationships with Montrose’s neighbors and local town officials.
-Complete annual surveys and reports for benchmarking purposes.
-Attend and participate in Board meetings; prepare various reports as required.
-Other duties as assigned.
 
Back
An independent school for girls in grades 6-12
Inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church