Director of Finance and Operations Job Description 2026-2027

About Cascades Academy

Cascades Academy was founded in 2003 with a deep commitment to experiential learning, academic excellence, and community engagement.  The school is a leader in innovative, 21st century education and will be the first school in Oregon to implement the Mastery Transcript (sending class of 2027).

Now in its 23rd year, the school has grown to 240 students PreK-12 and has expanded its campus footprint to include 45 beautiful acres on the scenic Deschutes River.   The school is actively considering its next phase of campus master planning to accommodate future enrollment growth and strategic initiatives. 

Cascades Academy strives to cultivate and maintain a supportive, inclusive community for all employees and actively promotes access and inclusion.   Cascades Academy values employees who are committed to our mission, are prepared to engage fully in a learning community, and are excited to bring their authentic selves to work. Cascades Academy’s culture is highly collaborative and puts what is best for students at the center of the work. Regularly named one of the Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon, our faculty and staff see each other as teammates and feel motivated to do their best work here. 

Position Overview

Cascades Academy seeks an experienced Director of Finance and Operations. This dual role oversees both financial management and operations, playing a key part in shaping the future of the institution. 

Reporting to the Head of School, The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO)  is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for the overall financial health, financial reporting, and strategic financial oversight of the school.  The DFO is also the school’s operational leader responsible for overseeing long-range planning, risk management, health & safety, human resources, and facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage as a strategic partner to the HoS,  senior leadership team, and Board of Trustees
• Establish short- and long-range financial objectives that align with the school’s strategic plans and initiatives
• Identify and implement systems, policies, and procedures to ensure operational effectiveness and efficiency 
• Supervise the work of the Accountant/HR Coordinator, Technology Services/Business Office Coordinator, Facilities Manager, Health Coordinator and associated staff;

Finance and Accounting

• Use standard accounting and bookkeeping procedures ensuring appropriate internal controls to keep an accurate continuous record of the cash and financial position of the school; and manage the financial operation of the school so that the institution remains financially stable
• Oversee the closing process and preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, as well as the annual financial audit
• Create, revise, and maintain the annual and multi-year budget forecasting models
• Monitor and report variances in financial results and suggest corrective actions
• Oversee cash, investments, and asset management
• Develop and monitor policies supporting reserve, endowment, and debt obligations as applicable
• Review and ensure the application of appropriate internal controls and financial procedures
• Develop and maintain investment advisor, banking, legal advisor and insurance relationships
• Analyzes and advises on the financing alternatives for new projects, as well as existing debt holdings
• Recruit, hire, and supervise business office personnel
• Prepare forecasts and projections to provide financial insights to the HoS and Board of Trustees in evaluating new business opportunities and other strategic initiatives
• Ensure the timely collection of all receivables and manage collections
• Review general journal adjustments, accruals,  in order to prepare monthly Profit & Loss Statement, Budget v. Actual and Balance Sheet for HOS and Finance Committee
• Create and oversee the PPRRSM budget
• Oversee all school purchasing
• Serve as staff lead for the Financial & Campus Sustainability Committees of the Board of Trustees
• Collaborate with the enrollment office to administer the school’s tuition assistance program as well as enrollment management to reach budgeted net tuition revenue
• Work with the  development office to develop annual and long-term philanthropic goals
• Ensure all aspects of the school’s financial management and accounting functions as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization reflect sound and prudent stewardship and compliance with regulatory agencies

Human Resources (HR)

• Ensure the school’s hiring processes, personnel records, and Employee Handbook are conducted using lawful and best practice methods.  
• Partner with hiring managers in the recruitment, hiring, and on-boarding of new employees
• Strategize with school leadership on recruiting and retention strategies
• Oversee all onboarding and separation of employees, benefits programs, and insurance policies
• Monitor and ensure compliance with local, federal, and state employment laws and regulations and stay abreast of best practices. Review and recommend changes to the school’s policies and practices. Update annually the school’s employee manual in collaboration with the Head of School and school’s legal counsel
• Communicate HR policies and other related information to employees. Train and provide guidance to school leadership and employees on various HR topics
• Assist the HoS with decisions regarding salaries and benefits for all personnel, including the evaluation of support staff
• Oversee the provision of employee compensation, benefits, and retirement plans
• Manage the school’s benefit programs. Maintain strong relationships with benefits partners and lead the annual benefits open enrollment process. Review and negotiate benefits, update the design of existing benefits and plans as necessary, and introduce new benefits
• Analyze local, regional, and national salary and benefit data in order to better understand the school’s compensation practices and policies. Develop recommendations to ensure the school remains competitive in attracting and retaining the best faculty and staff. Provide data to NWAIS, NAIS, and other organizations to participate in meaningful data comparisons
• Oversee all employee leaves, both paid and unpaid 
• Manage compliance of 403b retirement program including filing of form 5500
• Lead resolution of all employee disciplinary matters and disputes, and conduct investigations as necessary
• Track trends in turnover, communicating patterns and recommending changes to school policies and practices if needed 

Facilities

• Oversee the long-term campus master planning process
• Identify and initiate enhancements to the school’s physical plant to maintain, preserve and ensure asset value
• Partner with the Facilities Manager to oversee the maintenance and operation of school facilities; ensure planned construction, renovation, and maintenance projects are implemented
• Partner with the Facilities Manager to oversee school transportation, including vehicle maintenance, fleet management and replacement
• Develop and monitor the school’s contracts and act as a liaison to outside vendors and organizations

Auxiliary Programming

• Lead auxiliary revenue strategy 
• Set auxiliary programing revenue goals and monitor performance to achieve goals
• Partner with the Auxiliary Coordinator in the management of all auxiliary programming including summer program, extended day programs, food-service operations, facility rentals, and any other auxiliary enterprises of the school
• Ensure safety and risk management compliance during year-round auxiliary programming
• Coordinate athletic related facility and field rentals with Athletic Director

Compliance and Risk

• Manage risk at the school to ensure the safety of personnel and students, on and off campus
• Partner with Health Coordinator to manage public health related responses
• Remain current on changes in government regulations impacting the school
• Manage and maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect the property, employees, students, and trustees of the school
• Ensure regulatory compliance as a non-profit corporation, as a school, and as an employer. This includes compliance with federal, state, and local regulation in the areas of financial and tax reporting, human resource management, employee benefits, information security, data privacy, fire safety, building inspections, facilities/environmental, ADA, OSHA, zoning, and other regulations as applicable.

Other Duties

• Represent the school at various regional, state, and national associations relative to a Director of Finance and Operations
• Participate on committees and special projects, and perform other duties as requested.

Qualifying Education, Experience & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations, accounting, or finance.
• 5-7 years of operations, accounting, and management experience in a leadership position.
• Experience collecting, managing, and generating data-driven reports and metrics
• Strong strategic and analytical skills, with foundational financial acumen.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Ability to present complicated information in a clear and concise format
• Outstanding attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to establish and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively while maintaining high professional standards and confidentiality
• Relentless problem-solver who takes initiative and contributes effectively
• Ability to manage, evaluate, and motivate staff
• Ability to work with diverse constituencies fairly, respectfully, consistently, and with integrity
• Ability to work well with faculty, staff, parents, and the community.
• Demonstrate Integrity, sound judgment, self-confidence, maturity, collaborative spirit, and patience 
• Proficiency with the Google Suite and Excel

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience in an independent school environment
• Experience in the not-for-profit environment
• Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge, Blackbaud Enrollment Management, Blackbaud Tuition Management.

Position Details

Application Instructions

To apply, please complete the application on our website, including your resume, cover letter, and at least two letters of recommendation. No phone calls, please.

It is the policy of Cascades Academy to provide equal employment opportunity, regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental impairment, sexual orientation, veteran’s status or any other status protected by applicable law. Specifically, employment opportunities are and shall be open to all qualified applicants solely on the basis of their experience, aptitudes, abilities and training; advancement is and shall be based on the individual’s achievement, performance, ability, attitude and potential for promotion.

About Cascades Academy

Cascades Academy is a PK-12 independent school located in Bend, OR.

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