Director of Finance

Merritt Academy • Fairfax, VA

7d • $130,000 - $160,000

About The Position

The J127 Education Foundation is seeking a Director of Finance to lead financial operations for the Foundation and its schools: Merritt Academy, First Steps Academy, and The Appletree School. The organization has approximately $13 million in annual revenue. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on financial management and partners closely with school leadership to connect financial resources with school operations and programming.

The Director oversees development of the annual operating budget, helps budget managers assess tradeoffs between program goals and spending, develops multi-year financial models covering overall operations, enrollment, capital investments, and strategic initiatives, and prepares reports and recommendations for the Executive Director to evaluate and share with the Board. The position leads a three-person Finance team.

Requirements

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• 10 or more years of progressive finance and accounting leadership in a complex operating environment with multiple revenue streams and significant reporting requirements.
• At least three years of supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of accrual accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger management.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to colleagues with varying levels of financial experience.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to build positive relationships across diverse school communities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and exercise sound judgment under pressure.
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Professionalism, pride in work, initiative, a strong work ethic, and support for parents as partners in education.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced education or relevant professional training.
• Experience in an independent school, higher education institution, or similar nonprofit organization.
• Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily financial operations, including general accounting, student billing, internal controls, and financial policies, and prepare accurate, timely reports with clear analysis and recommendations for Foundation and school leadership.
• Oversee the annual budgeting process, partnering with the Finance team, Executive Director, and budget managers to evaluate requests, establish priorities, and align resources with institutional goals.
• Partner with academic and administrative leaders to understand program objectives, operational plans, and resource needs, and provide financial guidance for informed decision-making.
• Manage cash flow and financial resources to support daily operations and long-term stability.
• Ensure accurate accrual accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger management.
• Provide oversight and review of the annual audit and Form 990 preparation, supporting the Finance team’s work and coordinating with external partners.
• Maintain strong internal controls, ensure adherence to financial policies, and recommend improvements.
• Oversee corporate insurance coverage, renewals, and related coordination.
• Supervise, coach, and support the Finance team, encouraging collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Serve as a trusted resource to school directors on financial questions, operational planning, and resource allocation.
• Evaluate financial best practices, proposed programs, and opportunities to improve efficiency and support sustainable growth.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement program
• Professional development training opportunities
• Competitive pay
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options for eligible employees
• Vacation and sick leave
• Retirement plan with employer matching
• Life insurance
• Discounted tuition rate for children attending any J127 Education Foundation school

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director