What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Finance & Accounting position at Spire Academy?
Position Overview
SPIRE Academy is an international high school and post-graduate academy built within a premier sports-performance complex in Geneva, Ohio. We are dedicated to developing elite student-athletes through the integration of academics, athletic performance, mindset development, and life skills.
The Director of Finance & Accounting is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing all financial operations, strategic financial planning, and ensuring the fiscal health and integrity of SPIRE Academy. This role will be instrumental in guiding financial decisions, optimizing resource allocation, and maintaining robust financial controls to support our ambitious growth and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Operations & Reporting: Oversee all accounting operations, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, and payroll. Manage the team to ensure consistent closing cycles and timely, accurate financial reporting. Conduct balance sheet reconciliations and reviews.
- Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis: Drive strategic financial planning, including cost-benefit analysis and return on investment (ROI) assessments for key purchase decisions. Analyze budget versus actual performance, identifying risks and opportunities, and collaborating with functional areas to enhance financial performance.
- Revenue Management & Profitability: Revamp and optimize revenue booking policies and procedures. Oversee event reconciliations and determine profitability for various programs and events.
- Compliance & Controls: Serve as the primary gatekeeper for spending policies, ensuring adherence to financial guidelines and best practices. Create and implement robust processes for audit preparation and compliance.
- Stakeholder & Investor Relations: Act as a key liaison with ownership, providing transparent financial insights and recommendations. Manage investor status, reporting, and loan obligations.
- Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, train, and manage a high-performing finance team of 4-6 employees, fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required. CPA or MBA preferred.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
- Proven experience in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to implement and improve financial processes and controls.
- Experience with investor relations, loan management, and working with ownership.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
- Proficiency in NetSuite.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
Reporting Structure
Reports To: Executive Leadership
Collaborates With: Department Heads, Academy, Admissions, Athletics, Events, Business Development, Camps and Ownership
SPIRE Leadership Philosophy
At SPIRE Academy, we believe academic excellence and elite athletic performance are not competing priorities. We are building a future-ready learning environment where students are challenged, supported, known, and prepared for success beyond graduation.
We seek leaders who are innovative, relational, adaptable, and deeply committed to helping students grow as learners, leaders, competitors, and people.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Employee discounts.
- Work Location: In person.