Chief Financial Officer

Description

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides leadership and management of the School's operating and capital budgets, investments, and overall financial strategy. The CFO is responsible for the supervision, coordination, and administration of all aspects of the School's Business Office, ensuring financial sustainability and operational efficiency.

The CFO's primary responsibilities include preparing the School's tuition proposal, annual budget, quarterly financial reports, and audited financial statements. Additionally, the CFO oversees the School's endowment investments, serves as the plan administrator for retirement plans, and manages financial aspects related to maintenance and construction projects. The role also includes overseeing accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and human resources functions, while ensuring legal and risk management compliance.

As a key member of the School's senior leadership, the CFO participates in the Strategic and Operations Groups, reports directly to the Head of School, and is an active participant in all Board of Trustees meetings. The CFO also leads the Finance & Facilities, as well as the Investment Committees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Finance and Accounting:

Develops and manages the full cycle of budgeting, reporting, and chart of accounts.

Prepares monthly financial reports for the School at both the aggregate and division levels.

Oversees all accounting functions, ensuring the implementation of appropriate financial procedures and internal controls.

Manages annual audits for the School's financials and defined contribution retirement plans, collaborating with auditors on tax filings.

Oversees relationships with banks and investment partners, managing the School's cash and investments.

Monitors long and short-term debt, analyzing and negotiating financing options.

Acts as administrator for St. Mary's retirement plans, optimizing cash management and tracking endowment fund values.

Allocates investment earnings and manages fund withdrawals.

Serves with the Director of Admissions on the Financial Aid Awards Committee and administers the State of TN Educational Freedom Scholarship EFS) funds.

Implements financial strategies aligned with the School's strategic plan, forecasting financial sustainability and key metrics.

Prepares and manages the capital budget and financial aspects of new construction projects.

Coordinates with the Church of the Holy Communion as needed on financial matters.

Human Resources, Insurance, and Contracts:

Collaborates with the Head of School to create salary scales and issue annual faculty and staff employment offers.

Evaluates and supervises employee benefit programs, including health and life insurance.

Manages the procurement and oversight of property, liability, directors and officers, and workers' compensation insurance programs.

Reviews and negotiates vendor contracts (e.g., telecommunications, office equipment, etc.).

Ensures compliance with federal and state employment regulations, including HIPAA, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, OSHA, and EEO.

Buildings, Grounds, and Transportation:

Partners with the Director of Operations to prepare the School's long-term maintenance plan.

Oversees facilities budgeting, including PPRRSM (Plant, Property, Repairs, Replacement, and Scheduled Maintenance).

Reviews contracts for services related to janitorial, landscaping, and mechanical equipment maintenance.

Reviews any facility usage agreements.

Coordinates vehicle replacement and fleet management with the Director of Operations.

Governance and Strategy:

Prepares agendas and materials for Finance & Facilities and Investment Committee meetings.

Leads financial discussions related to tuition setting, capital expenditure, and long-term financial forecasting with the Board Treasurer.

Partners with the Chair of the Investment Committee to review the School's Investment Policy Statement and oversee the Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO).

Actively participates in professional development and growth opportunities such as NBOA.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field (MBA preferred).

A minimum of 5+ years of experience in a CFO, Controller, or equivalent role, with supervisory responsibilities preferred.

Extensive experience in finance, budgeting, investing, and cash management.

Previous experience in a non-profit organization or educational institution preferred.

Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.

Familiarity with risk management and compliance requirements.

Advanced proficiency in technology, including database management software, Microsoft Word, and Excel.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this role, you must be able to:

Climb stairs, sit, turn, bend, reach, walk, talk, and hear while interacting with faculty, staff, and others in person and by phone.

Work in a high-stress environment with diverse challenges, deadlines, and contacts.

Work at a desk and computer.

Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

St. Mary's does not discriminate in its hiring on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, political opinion, marital status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable state and federal law. Employment at St. Mary's Episcopal School is contingent upon the successful completion of a background, fingerprint, and reference check.