What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Finance position at Riverside School?
Company Description
Riverside School is a private school that serves students in grades K-8 with dyslexia and similar language-based learning differences. We provide one-on-one reading instruction, small class sizes, and a nurturing environment so that students can return to mainstream education fully prepared to realize their highest potential.
Position Summary
The Director of Finance is the school's chief financial and strategic steward, responsible for ensuring its long-term financial health and operational efficiency. This role is pivotal in leading the entire financial lifecycle, from strategic financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting to comprehensive financial reporting for the Head of School and Board of Trustees. The Director manages all core accounting functions (A/P, A/R, general ledger) and establishes robust internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with GAAP and non-profit regulations.
About the Position:
- It reports directly to the Head of School
- It is a 12 month, part-time position working 20 hours per week
- Flexible scheduling primarily around a school-year calendar (M-F, beginning at 7:30 a.m. when school is in session)
- Flexible hours in June and July
- Availability for periodic late afternoon and early evening meetings (e.g., Board and Finance Committee meetings) is required
Knowledge, Skills/Abilities:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Effective task management amidst dynamic and evolving priorities
- Self-motivated and able to work independently
- Highly collaborative and effective as a member of a team
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree is required with a preference for accounting or finance major
- Experience managing a budget of approximately $1M
- Minimum of three (3) years of related professional experience in a finance office setting.
- Proficiency with financial and administrative software, including QuickBooks Online, Clarity preferred, and Google Suite.
Core Responsibilities:
Financial Strategy and Reporting
- Lead the annual budget creation process in collaboration with the Head of School, monitoring performance against the budget, and providing variance analysis and forecasting throughout the fiscal year.
- Serve as the key financial advisor to the Head of School and Board of Trustees on long-range financial planning, tuition setting, and financial sustainability.
- Prepare and present comprehensive monthly and annual financial statements to the Head of School, the Board of Trustees, and the Board’s Finance Committee.
- Complete financial surveys from third parties (DASL)
- Coordinate and manage the annual independent financial audit, ensuring all financial practices comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and non-profit regulations (e.g., IRS Form 990).
Accounting Operations and Internal Controls
- Manage all core accounting functions, including Accounts Payable (A/P), Accounts Receivable (A/R), general ledger maintenance, cash management, and bank reconciliations.
- Oversee the billing, invoicing, and collection of tuition and fees, including managing the Financial Aid platform (Clarity) and committee.
- Establish purchasing policies, manage vendor contracts, and oversee general school procurement.
- Develop and maintain strong internal financial controls to safeguard school assets and ensure accurate financial record-keeping.
- Manage daily cash flow, overseeing banking activities, and manage the school’s financial investments to maximize returns while ensuring liquidity.
Business Office Management
- Oversee and support the Bookkeeper/Facilities Coordinator for all school needs within those respective areas.
- Manage the end-to-end payroll function.
- Work closely with the Head of School on all matters pertaining to the school's finances, including providing assistance with decisions regarding salaries and employee benefits.
- Track and report on labor costs, benefits expenses, and turnover costs.
- Support Human Resources in benefits administration.
Risk Management
- Oversee all school insurance requirements (property, casualty, liability, etc.) and maintain appropriate coverage to protect property and cover liability.
- Develop and implement policies to manage institutional risk, including ensuring the safety of personnel and students.
- Manage school-wide risk and ensure the safety of personnel and students in their use of facilities.
Perform related duties as assigned by the Head of School.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time
- Physical agility to climb stairs and walk across campus
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer