Chief Financial Officer

Windward School•White Plains, NY

18h•Onsite

About The Position

This position is the lead financial officer of The Windward School, primarily responsible for managing and facilitating the functions of the business office, including payroll and vendor management. The CFO also supports the Head of School in institutional advancement. Reporting directly to and serving as a strategic partner to the Head of School, the CFO is a member of the Executive Team and serves on the Board of Trustees Finance Committee and other committees as directed by the Board. The role involves leadership and management of the school’s finances, supervising, coordinating, and administering all aspects of the Business Office, plant and facilities, risk management, employee management, and policy management. In partnership with the Head of School, the CFO maintains relationships with banks, professional accountants, legal counsel, and insurance companies.

Requirements

Understanding of and commitment to Windward’s mission and core values
Complete knowledge of not-for-profit administration and accounting practices
Excellent skills in oral and written communications
Strong understanding of employment law and practices
Strong understanding of school administration
Customer-oriented with great people skills
Ability to work with and get along well with others.
Ability to balance multiple tasks and projects, and handle time deadlines.
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Finance required
10+ years of related experience

Nice To Haves

CPA or MBA desired

Responsibilities

Support the Head of School and the Board of Trustees in the development of school policies and procedures that support the mission of the school and safeguard the well-being of the school and its employees.
Develop and manage, with the Head of School and Finance Committee, the annual operating budget, the long-range financial plan and budgets related to special projects and/or capital campaigns.
Prepare regular financial reports for the Finance Committee and the Board which reflect the financial position of the school in comparison with the approved budget.
Oversee all school purchasing, cash management, financial investments, banking activities, payroll and benefits program.
Secure an annual audit of the school's financial records and financial positions.
Oversee the preparation of financial records for annual independent audit and assist the audit team in preparation of form 990 and other returns, including the form 5500.
Supervise the work of the business office staff and use standard accounting and bookkeeping procedures, to keep an accurate continuous record of the cash and financial position of the school and manage the financial operation of the school so that the institution remains financially stable.
Work in collaboration with the Director of Human Resources to maintain and improve human resources functions, including assessing, writing, and implementing appropriate personnel policies; overseeing the preparation of payroll and benefits programs including health insurance and retirement programs; overseeing the administration of hiring, retention, termination, and personnel records; ensure all programs are in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
Provide a regular report of expenditures for use of each department within the school.
Manage risk at the school to ensure the safety of personnel and students in their use of the facilities and to maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect the property and to cover the liability of the school.
Oversee the administration of financial assistance awards as a member of the Financial Aid Committee, working with the Head of School, the Associate Head of School, and the Director of Admission; support the re-enrollment process for students.
Collaborate with the Windward Institute in developing annual budgets.
To represent the school at various regional, state, and national associations relative to the role of being the lead financial officer.
To perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
To support the school and its leadership.