School Business Manager

Position Overview

The School Business Manager is a key member of the administrative leadership team, responsible for overseeing the financial, human resources, and administrative functions of the school. This position ensures that the school’s resources are effectively managed to support its mission, educational goals, and long-term sustainability.

The Business Manager provides strategic guidance and day-to-day management in the areas of budgeting, accounting, human resources, risk management, and compliance. This role acts as a liaison with external vendors, auditors, and regulatory agencies, and works collaboratively with leadership to support informed decision-making and efficient school operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Finances

• Maintain General Ledger using Quickbooks Software. All input and balancing is the responsibility of the Business Manager with final approval by the Head of School.
• Manage tuition collection; communicate directly with parents on all tuition collection issues
• Pay invoices and reimbursements and prepare checks for signature
• Record all incoming receipts (cash, checks, credit card, Paypal, etc.) and make bank deposits
• Conduct periodic reconciliation of all accounts to ensure their accuracy
• Maintain petty cash
• Manage bank accounts, including auto-payments for credit cards, utilities, and various vendors, as well as direct deposits, check printing, and monthly account reconciliation
• Manage credit card accounting and payment
• Prepare/review/input all interim and year-end general journal entries related to tuition, receivables, employee benefits, loans, depreciation, etc.
• Prepare/review year-end reserve balance
• Assemble information for/oversee the external auditor for the annual audit
• Prepare Sales Tax exemption certificates, as needed
• Collaborate with Head of School to prepare board reports:
• Quarterly and year-end financial statements and reports
• Annual budget and budget variances
• Quarterly cash flow statement
• Accounting and finance-related Board resolutions
• Monitor HR system bi-monthly to initiate payroll distribution
• Run Budget Scenarios to assist Board and Head of School on setting the Annual Budget
  
  

Human Resources

• Coordinate the following with Oswald Companies
• Conduct annual reviews and quote solicitation for employee benefits
• open enrollment process
• Benefits enrollment and maintenance for all benefit plans
• Review government regulations
• Initiate COBRA for terminated employees
• Process FMLA
• Provide payroll data - salaries, benefits, deductions
• Calculate negative Employee leave balances in coordination with payroll.
• Coordinate benefits specific to Faculty/Staff with students enrolled at the school including tuition discounts, Before/After School activities discounts, etc.
• Exercise discretion and confidentiality
• Interact with grace and courtesy
  
  

Insurance/Risk Management

• Be responsible for ongoing review of risk management procedures and evaluation of liability exposure
• Perform yearly review of all insurance policies and be responsible for maintaining appropriate coverage
• File any necessary insurance claims
  
  
  

Position Requirements:

• Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA preferred).
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in financial and operational management, preferably in an educational or nonprofit setting.
• Experience working in or with a Montessori or mission-driven school environment is strongly preferred.
• Strong proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Employee Navigator, Paycor, FACTS, or similar).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel), Google Workspace, and financial reporting tools.
• Knowledge of payroll systems, HR processes, and compliance regulations.
• Familiarity with budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.

• Core Competencies
• Exceptional attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in financial work.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Values & Disposition
• Alignment with Montessori principles, including respect for the individual, intentionality, and a calm, orderly approach to systems.
• A commitment to ethical stewardship of school resources.
• A solutions-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• A High level of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Nurturing, calm, kind and respectful, with an open attitude towards all children and families. Is creative, flexible, loving, and patient. Enjoys working with children aged 18 - 32 months.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced atmosphere
• Additional Requirements:
• Physical ability to work around small children including sitting, standing, and climbing stairs
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25 pounds on an occasional basis
• As part of the hiring process, the candidate will be required to submit: a list of three professional references, Copies of transcripts for the highest level of education, Copies of his/her Montessori Credential, and Documentation from a medical provider stating that the employee is approved to work in a childcare setting.
• Prior to working, the employee must: Complete a FBI/BCI background check, Attend a Protecting God’s Children Professional Development Course, Be First Aid and CPR certified
• To be completed after hiring: Franciscan Religious Education Introduction training, FEMA virtual training (100c and 700b), set up accounts with ODE and OCCRRA
  

Equal Employment Opportunity

St. Joseph Montessori School is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. We will recruit, select, promote, train, compensate and discipline individuals in full compliance with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability in an effort to provide fair and equal treatment to all employees and job applicants.

Organizational Overview

St. Joseph Montessori School is a Catholic Montessori School located in Columbus, Ohio, serving students 18 months through 8th grade.

St. Joseph Montessori School (SJMS) was established in 1968 as a preschool preparation program for St. Joseph Academy, operated by the Sisters of Notre Dame. The Academy consisted of grades one through twelve. Recognizing the value of the Montessori approach to education, parents requested and were granted the extension of the program into the elementary school.

Although declining enrollment forced the closing of the 100-year-old high school in 1977, a cooperative effort between the Sisters and the parent body resulted in the transition of SJMS into a private Pre-K-8 Diocesan Montessori school with nonprofit status and an elected parent Board of Trustees.

In 2021, SJMS opened its first Toddler program, accepting students as young as 18 months of age. In 2023, St. Joseph Montessori School became the first American Montessori Society Accredited Montessori School in Central Ohio and is 1 of 222 AMS accredited schools worldwide.

We offer an alternative educational program to families in Central Ohio, serving families from 44 different zip codes. Our school is located in a vibrant and historic residential neighborhood minutes from Downtown Columbus and The Ohio State University. We have made many additions to the school, such as adding a new library, a greenhouse, and multiple classrooms to accommodate our expanding population.

The Montessori Method allows students to learn and receive individualized lessons in small group settings with a low student-teacher ratio. Students learn to become independent, confident, and curious learners. They thrive in a peaceful environment while developing a responsibility for themselves and the natural world.

School Mission:

St. Joseph Montessori School provides a Montessori Catholic learning community that honors the whole child and their immense potential.

School Vision

To be a school of choice sought out by Central Ohio families attracted to the power of the Montessori Method of educating children in a diverse, engaging, and compassionate community.