Posted: 11-Feb-26
Location: Ojai, California
Type: Full Time
Salary: DOE
Categories:
Salary Details:
Required Education:
Overview
The Business Officer/CFO (CFO) is a critical strategic partner to the Head of School, the Leadership Team, and the Board of Trustees to help shape and execute the school's multi-year fiscal strategy and direction. Proactively identify actions that drive growth, profitability, increase market share, enhance operational efficiency and productivity. The Business Officer provides oversight and is responsible for creating, leading, and managing all aspects of finance, facilities, endowment, operations, compliance, human resources, risk management and ensuring the long-term financial sustainability for the organization.
Organization
Ojai Valley School is a pre-kindergarten to grade 12 independent boarding and day school located on two campuses in Ojai, California. The Lower Campus serves students in grades PK-8 and the Upper Campus serves students in grades 9-12. OVS is a not-for-profit (501c3) organization.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Planning, Management and Advancement: Oversee all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, and cash management. Develop and execute financial strategies to support business goals. Cash flow management is a key for non-for-profits. Lead, manage and develop the school’s finance and accounting organization, driving continuous process improvements across the function, including: employee payroll/benefits, accounts payable, vendor selection, general ledger, annual budget, annual external audit processes, endowment administration, and rental properties. Develop monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements. Ensure the Admissions and Advancement teams are accurate and mission-aligned. Oversee tuition assistance process and work to make sure it aligns with the organization's budgetary needs.
Reporting and Compliance: Ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with regulations. Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including investors and auditors. Lead and manage board-level financial reporting, including the preparation of timely and accurate budgets, forecasts, financial plans and department updates. Participate and complete industry requirements - NAIS, CAIS
Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to shape the company’s financial direction. Analyze financial data to provide insights for decision-making.
Team Leadership: Lead and develop a high-performing business office team. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and cost efficiency. Supervise all Business Office functions, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, purchasing, and financial aid administration. Work with the Business Office team on monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close.
Risk management: Manage auto, employment, general liability, property and workers comp claims (including coordinating with legal counsel). Ensure compliance with all federal, state and local laws. Coordinate with legal counsel when necessary, reviewing legal issues, investigations and documentation.
Benefits and HR: Coordinate annual benefit renewals for medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverages in conjunction with benefits brokers. Benchmark and manage compensation and benefits structures to remain competitive and sustainable.
Retirement Plans: Manage of 401a and 403b plans including plan changes and enhancements. Oversee annual audits (financial, 401(a), 403(b) plan) and prepare all required filings, including all IRS required forms.
Compliance & Audits: Coordinating annual year-end audit. Coordinating annual retirement plan audits. Coordinating annual workers camp audit.
Real Estate and facilities – Participate in the planning and execution of new construction, contracts, construction management, campus renovations and deferred maintenance. Oversee the physical operation of the school, collaborate with facilities staff, including building and grounds maintenance, housekeeping and capital expenditures. Review and track contracts and budgets for the large improvement projects and ongoing departments budget spending.
Qualifications
Education: A bachelor’s degree in business or related field such as finance or accounting. An MBA is preferred.
Experience: Extensive experience in accounting or business administration with a proven track record for leadership roles. Familiarity with not-for-profits, specifically independent schools is a plus. Marketing and fundraising is also a beneficial skill set.
Skills
Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial data and provide actionable insight and strategic budget and cash plans.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills for reporting and presentations to Board of Trustees.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to think critically and long-term about the operations and finances of the organization.
Leadership: Proven ability to lead and inspire employees and teams with the ability to interact with all levels of employees as well as Board of Trustees and donors. Mentor and develop high-performing teams with clear expectations and feedback. Actively participate in community/organizational events and serve as a visible and supportive school leader.
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with financial programs (preferably Veracross), Microsoft Word, Google Drive along with strong Microsoft Excel skills.
Bottom line
The business officer not only manages financial operations but also plays a vital role in shaping the overall business strategy and ensuring the long-term success of the organization. The person must be adaptable, knowledgeable and capable of navigating the complexities of the not-for-profit environment.
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