Director of Finance & Human Resources

Summary: The Director of Finance has primary responsibility for activities related to developing, managing, and stewarding the funds to facilitate the mission of Menaul School. This includes providing oversight of the financial affairs, employee benefits, and bursar functions of Menaul School.

The success of Menaul’s reputation and ultimate ability to achieve its vision of sustainability rests on the cultivation of branding, donor trust, donor support, high enrollment confidentiality, and effective communications. This position requires creativity and innovation and a close working relationship with the President & Head of School, Assistant Head of School, Menaul School Foundation, the Admission team, Executive Board (Treasurer, Chairman and Vice Chair), the Board of Trustees, and all Department Heads.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial/Accounting Operations & Infrastructure

• Lead Menaul School’s day-to-day accounting operations and supervise the general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and bursar functions.
• Make sure that systems and procedures are in place to ensure that the accounting transactions, donor contributions, vendor payments, and employee wages are paid accurately, timely coded, and efficiently recorded in the General Ledger to facilitate the preparation of the Financial Statements.
• Prepare monthly and fiscal year-end financial closes.
• Prepare/review reconciliations monthly to include, but not limited to, bank accounts, investment accounts, and all balance sheet accounts, making journal entries as needed.
• Track the performance of invested assets in keeping with policies and the appropriate accounting for future Menaul School endowment and investments.
• Establish and maintain internal controls to ensure compliance with all GAAP, regulatory, and funding requirements.
• Oversee and recommend updates to internal policies, procedures, and systems and maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and oversee the annual audit.
• Human Resources - The Finance office manages various aspects of human resources, including managing employee benefits, contracts, and payroll. In cooperation with the Head of School & HR Assistant, the Business office ensures compliance with employment laws and regulations and maintains accurate personnel records. It also provides guidance and support to staff regarding HR-related matters, handles employee grievances and conflict resolution, and fosters a positive and inclusive work environment. The office may utilize an outside Human Resources consultancy where appropriate. 
• Tuition and Fee Management - The Finance office plays a key role in managing tuition and fee structures. This includes setting tuition rates, fees, and payment policies in collaboration with the school's leadership and Board. In collaboration with the Admission Office, the Business Office should communicate clearly with parents/guardians regarding payment schedules, available payment options, and financial aid opportunities. Timely and accurate billing, as well as robust collection processes, are crucial for maintaining a healthy cash flow. 
• Financial Aid and Scholarship Administration - in cooperation with Admission Department, help administrate financial aid programs and scholarships, as it is an important initiative, particularly as Menaul School offers significant needs-based and merit-based scholarships. The office should ensure fair and transparent processes are practiced on scholarship programs, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. 
• Develop a reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism and oversee cash accounting, including bank reconciliations, cash management, and routine cash flow needs.
• Coordinate and oversee revenue recognition and cash receipt process with the Menaul School Foundation Department.
• Assist the Board Treasurer, HoS, and departmental leadership in support of the annual budgeting and planning process; review all financial plans and compare to actual results with a view to identify, explain, and correct variances as appropriate.
• Support the HoS in engaging the Board’s audit and finance committees around financial and accounting issues and trends.
• Ensure financial tools are operationalized in such a way to highlight meaningful insights and guide short- and long-term decision-making, including revenue forecasting and programming decisions.
• Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.

Qualifications:

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a leader with five or more years of accounting and finance experience, ideally beginning in accounting and audit, followed by experience gathering, evaluating, presenting, and reporting financial information to executive teams and board members. The candidate will ideally have experience in a nonprofit and education environment with multiple programs.

Specific requirements include:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Accountancy, Finance, or related degree
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years, with some management/supervisory experience.
• Experience coordinating audit activities and managing reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, payroll, and accounting for investments.
• Technology savvy and an advanced knowledge of accounting and reporting software – specifically with Excel, QuickBooks, and Donor Perfect - with experience in the selection and installation of finance and accounting systems.
• Keen analytic, organization, and problem-solving skills, which allows for strategic data interpretation versus simple reporting.
• Confident, results-oriented self-starter with time management skills. Flexibility and the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects
• Strong interpersonal skills with excellent oral and written communications.
• Commitment to recruiting, mentoring, training, and retaining a diverse team; the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and unwavering commitment to Menaul School’s mission; a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who, in partnership with the Head of School, will be an integral part of providing fiscal management and oversight for Menaul School.