Career Center

Job Summary

The Chief Financial Officer is an integral part of the senior leadership team and is responsible for managing the school’s financial, operational, and physical resources.

The Foote School is deeply committed to diversity and an inclusive curriculum and community. We actively encourage applications from candidates with broad and diverse backgrounds and from individuals of all races, nationalities, and beliefs. We seek candidates who have a clear interest in being part of a community that challenges prejudice and is committed to diversity and inclusion. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Chief Financial Officer/Business Manager will:

• Lead the organization and management of the Business Office including accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable (tuition and fees), cash management, purchasing, budgeting, financial reporting, investment, banking, human resources, payroll, employee relations and benefits program.
• Serve as the school’s liaison to the Finance, Investment & Retirement, Audit, and Buildings and Grounds committees of the Board of Trustees. 
• Manage the process for preparing the School’s annual operating budget that will permit discussion and approval by the Board of Trustees. Manage and report financial operations, and monitor and report on the budget throughout the year to ensure the School remains financially stable. 
• Secure an annual external audit of the School’s financial records and manage preparation of financial statements and tax returns for the School.
• Maintain a 10-year projected financial model that facilitates long-term strategic planning and decision making by the Head of School and Board of Trustees, including tracking revenues and expenditures associated with capital and major gifts campaigns. 
• Provide oversight and implementation of risk management strategies relating to the financial health of the School, including but not limited to accident prevention, fraud and cyber threats, contractual risk, internal fraud and financial liquidity. 
• Ensure that personnel policies conform to state and federal laws and, through regular staff meetings, professional development, and annual evaluation, support and monitor the administrative staff. 
• In consultation with the School’s legal counsel, maintain a working knowledge of government regulations, policies and related issues of importance to Foote School. Where appropriate, serve as the School’s representative in legal matters. 
• Work with the Director of Operations and Information Technology to strategically plan and implement technology infrastructure and capital budgets, device purchasing and inventory, use protocols and cyber security.  
• Work closely with the Director of Operations and Information Technology to oversee the Facilities Department in its stewardship of the Foote campus and strategically plan for capital expenditures. 
• Review and analyze major contractual obligations of the institution such as construction and professional services and contract and grant proposals.
• Advise Head of School and Board of Trustees in matters of policy and financial management.
• Ensure the School’s effective financial procedures by consistently examining current processes to ensure excellence that moves the School forward to meet strategic goals.
• Work with the Leadership Team to steward Foote’s workplace culture, proactively seeking to maintain a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Provide information, empathy and support when employees have questions or concerns about workplace policies or experiences. 
• Collaborate with the Parent Teacher Council as needed. 
• Responsible for benchmarking data for NAIS and DASL.
• Communicate and work with families to ensure they meet their financial obligations.
• Serve on the Financial Aid committee and other committees as needed.
• Manage and lead other projects as assigned by the Head of School.

Qualifications

The Foote School seeks the following personal values and professional skills and work experiences in the new Chief Financial Officer/Business Manager.

• The ability to serve as a strategic thinker, capable of providing positive and proactive solutions to complex issues.
• An open, collaborative and sophisticated management leadership skill set, a team player.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and skills engaging with and learning from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Knowledge and experience in setting up effective financial controls, and proven financial modeling and forecasting skills.
• Experience in fund accounting.
• Effective negotiation skills in developing contracts with external vendors.
• Creativity, analytical skills, project development and management skills.
• A strong background in accounting, financial management and modeling, investment and risk management, support services administration, business services, human resources and benefit administration.
• An effective financial and business manager, capable of earning the respect and attention of the faculty, administration, staff, families, and the Board of Trustees. 
• Ability to interface with all constituencies of the school community.
• Experience and ability to use technology to support the School. Ability to lead, motivate and manage a high-quality staff, and hire new talent.
• Experience in an independent school, college or university setting is preferred, although individuals with strong financial and leadership skills in a related field are encouraged to explore this leadership opportunity.
• Bachelor’s degree required, CPA and/or M.B.A and/or a master’s degree in a related field strongly preferred.
• 5+ years work experience in a financial and business leadership position.

To explore this senior-level opportunity on a confidential basis, please send resume, letter of interest, and a list of five references (who will be contacted only if mutual interest is determined) to employmentinquiries@footeschool.org