Director of Finance and Budget Systems

Catholic Schools • Lakeland, FL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Finance and Budget Systems serves as the senior financial and operational officer for the school, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and stewardship in all fiscal activities. This role combines traditional controller responsibilities with forward-looking financial management, technology-driven budgeting, and process efficiency initiatives. The Director oversees all accounting operations, develops and maintains a live encumbrance budgeting system accessible to department heads, conducts periodic studies of operational efficiency, and ensures compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Diocesan financial standards. The Diocese of Orlando’s four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by employees: Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living. Respect: Affirming each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration (CPA or CMA preferred).
• Demonstrated technical ability in accounting or finance with five to eight years of professional experience in positions of increasing responsibility.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, and web-based financial tools.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit fund accounting.
• Experience with budgeting, variance analysis, and forecasting.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ethical standards and confidentiality in all financial matters.
• Familiarity with the structure and mission of the Catholic Church and its educational institutions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with data analytics, financial dashboards, or business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI or Excel data modeling) is a plus.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate data into action.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Commitment to mission-driven stewardship and Catholic values.

Responsibilities

• Manages all accounting functions, including general ledger, payables, receivables, payroll, tuition billing, collections, and bank reconciliations.
• Maintains an organized system of financial records, internal controls, and documented accounting procedures.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements consistent with GAAP and diocesan reporting standards.
• Ensures accurate tuition billing and timely collections.
• Monitors cash flow to ensure sufficient liquidity for operational needs.
• Acts as the primary fiscal liaison between the school and the Diocesan Director of School Finance on all financial matters.
• Leads the annual budget process in collaboration with the President, Principal, and Diocesan Director of School Finance.
• Develops and maintains encumbrance budgets that track commitments, expenditures, and balances.
• Creates a web-based or cloud-enabled budgeting platform (e.g., Google Sheets with protected ranges, Power BI dashboards, or QuickBooks Advanced budgets) accessible to department heads and the Controller.
• Provides the Diocesan Director of School Finance with full access and oversight capabilities.
• Identifies and investigates budget variances; presents analyses and corrective actions as needed.
• Provides financial analyses for capital projects, pricing decisions, and vendor contracts.
• Conducts a comprehensive study of operational efficiencies to identify opportunities for savings or improved processes.
• Evaluates contracts, vendor relationships, and services models to leverage economies of scale and cost-sharing opportunities.
• Recommends and implements process improvements in collaboration with the President and Diocesan Director of School Finance.
• Prepares written reports on findings and actionable recommendations for leadership and board review.
• Ensures compliance with Diocesan financial policies, GAAP, and applicable regulations.
• Coordinates with auditors and diocesan finance personnel during audits or reviews.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing publications, and engaging in continuing education.
• Supports the mission and Catholic identity of the school through responsible financial stewardship and transparent reporting.
• Attends Diocesan required meetings and workshops.
• Coordinates school’s property and liability insurance, worker’s compensation.
• Performs additional projects as required by the President.
• Complies with Federal, State, and local legal requirements by studying requirements; enforcing adherence to requirements; filing reports; advising management on needed action.
• Protects operations by keeping information confidential.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees