Director of Finance

AVERY COONLEY SCHOOL•Downers Grove, IL

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Avery Coonley School (ACS), a nationally recognized leader in gifted education serving students in grades PK–8, seeks a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking Director of Finance to join its senior leadership team. Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Director of Finance serves as the school’s chief financial strategist and operational thought partner. This individual will play a central role in stewarding the financial health of the institution while helping to shape its long-term vision, sustainability, and growth. This is an exceptional opportunity for a finance leader who is eager to serve as a trusted advisor to the Head of School, lead with both technical expertise and strategic insight, modernize financial systems and build operational efficiency, and grow into broader institutional leadership and impact.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
7–10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience, ideally in nonprofit, independent school, or mission-driven organizations
Demonstrated success in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
Experience working with nonprofit Boards of Trustees and Finance Committees
High level of proficiency with financial systems, tools, and technologies, including financial management and accounting platforms, data analysis and reporting tools, systems implementation and process optimization
A track record of improving efficiency through automation and system design

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree preferred
CPA or equivalent credential strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a key advisor to the Head of School on all financial and operational matters
Work close with the Head of School and the Finance Committee of the Board to create tuition pricing strategy
Partner with the Head of School, Director of Enrollment and Financial Aid, and Finance Committee of the Board to enhance and continually review financial aid strategy and execution
Partner closely with the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee, including regular presentations and strategic guidance in close collaboration with the Head of School
Lead the development of short- and long-term financial models aligned with the school’s strategic priorities
Provide clear, actionable financial insights to support institutional decision-making
Oversee all aspects of the school’s financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, investments, accounting, cash flow management, and financial reporting
Manage relationship with key vendors, including auditors, investment advisors, external vendors, and third-party administrators (e.g., First American, Morgan Stanley, Pentegra, etc.)
Develop and manage the annual operating budget, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities
Ensure accurate, timely financial reporting in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
Lead the modernization of financial systems and processes, with a focus on leveraging financial tools and platforms to improve efficiency and transparency, reducing manual inputs and minimizing the risk of error, building streamlined, scalable workflows and reporting systems, and identifying and implementing best-in-class financial technologies
Oversee employee compensation and benefits, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term cost management, while partnering with Human Resources to manage benefits administration and the annual open enrollment process.
Manage the monthly close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial statements, reconciliation of accounts, and adherence to accounting standards and internal controls
Serve as the primary liaison for the school’s 403(b) retirement plan, overseeing plan administration and regulatory compliance.
Lead, mentor, and develop the business office team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Build internal capacity and systems that support long-term organizational effectiveness
Partner cross-functionally with academic and administrative leaders to support effective resource allocation
Ensure compliance with all regulatory, legal, and audit requirements
Lead the annual audit process and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors
Oversee internal controls, risk management, and insurance programs
Oversee payroll governance, maintaining accurate processes, and full compliance with applicable federal, state, and regulatory standards.
Serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team
Work closely with the Alumni Relations & Development Team to develop financial models, establish benchmarks, and track performance related to annual giving, major gifts, endowment growth, and other philanthropic initiatives
Coordinate with the HOS, Finance Committee, and Buildings & Grounds Committee of the Board on capital planning
Contribute to school-wide strategic initiatives, including campus planning, enrollment strategy, and program innovation
Partner with the Head of School on initiatives that strengthen operational excellence and institutional sustainability
Serve as a strategic thought partner in expanding and diversifying revenue streams, such as auxiliary and summer programs, while ensuring alignment with the school’s mission, values, and community culture.

Benefits

Group Health Insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL with 6 medical plan options including HSA compatible plan)
Dental PPO plan
Vision plan (EyeMed network)
Flexible Spending Account
Employee discount program through Blue 365
Employer Provided Life/AD&D Insurance (Term Life Insurance coverage equal to the full-time employee’s annual salary, 100% cost contributed by school)
Employer Sponsored Disability Benefit (Short (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through ALL One Health
403(b) Plan through TIAA (ACS will match employee contribution based on years of service)
Competitive paid time off policy (13 days sick leave, 5-7 personal days, vacation leave increasing with service for 12-month employees; accrual for part-time employees)
Parental Leave (six-week maternity/paternity adoption leave at full salary)