Career Center

The Montessori School of Greater Hartford (MSGH) is seeking an innovative, creative and collaborative individual for the role of Director of Finance to work in close collaboration with the Head of School and play an integral role in the day-to-day finances and operations of a thriving school. The Director of Finance will liaise with the Head of School to interface with the Board of Trustees focusing on the financial health and strategic direction of an institution with deep roots, growing enrollment and expanding programs.

Founded in 1964, MSGH is a close-knit community, enrolling approximately 180 students over two campuses, and is fully committed to providing an authentic Montessori experience for all its students, aged fifteen months to fifteen years. MSGH has been consistently recognized by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) since 1974 and is accredited by the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). MSGH is committed to cultivating and celebrating diversity and inclusion and proactively fosters an atmosphere of personal and cross-cultural curiosity.

Along with working closely with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees, the Director of Finance will liaise with the Program and Advancement (admissions, marketing, communications and development) Departments and collaborate with the school’s Facilities Manager and Technology Coordinator to harness the school’s resources to take full advantage of a growing interest in Montessori education, as a child-centered, developmentally based educational approach that nurtures each student’s potential.

The Director of Finance position is supported by one full time person.

Mission:  The Montessori School of Greater Hartford fosters a strong foundation for confident, compassionate participation in the world by nurturing each child’s unique gifts, passion for learning, and independence.  As a community, we enrich families, live our diversity, and embody the Association Montessori Internationale standards of excellence. www.msgh.org

In summary the position organizes and manages all business processes including accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, purchasing, budgeting, financial reporting, investment, and human resources. Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Finance ensures that integrity of all accounting processes and systems, and internal control structures; oversees the compilation, analysis, and preparation of financial information for the various users of such information; monitors human resources management; and coordinates with facilities to prioritize the needs of the school.

• A Bachelor’s degree in accounting.
• Experience in an educational or nonprofit business office setting, a professional accounting environment, or comparable experience.
• Experience in an independent school business office is preferred, although individuals with strong financial and leadership skills in a related field are encouraged to apply.
• Work in an organized manner with detailed information with a high degree of accuracy.
• Resourcefulness to research, educate oneself and execute tasks independently.
• Knowledge and experience in nonprofit accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll; financial modeling and forecasting skills; benefits administration, employment law and other human resource management issues.
• Able to use database software effectively and efficiently. Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Effective Leadership

An effective Director of Finance has a critical role in the success of MSGH and should -

• earn the respect and attention of the faculty, administration, staff, families, and the Board of Trustees.
• communicate clearly and proactively, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues, families and outside parties, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
• be a strategic thinker, capable of providing positive and proactive solutions to complex issues.
• be professional, open, collaborative, and a team player.
• openly support the school’s mission and interface positively and respectfully with all constituencies of the school community.
• proactively seek professional development opportunities to enhance skills and deepen understanding of Montessori pedagogy as it relates to the position.