Position Overview

The Director of Finance is a strategic leader responsible for the oversight, planning, and management of all financial operations of the school. This role ensures fiscal sustainability, transparency, and alignment with the mission and strategic goals of the school. Reporting directly to the Head of School and working closely with the Board of Trustees, the Director of Finance oversees budgeting, accounting, auditing, risk management, human resources, and long-term financial planning.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Develop and manage the school’s annual operating budget in alignment with strategic and educational priorities.
• Collaborate with the Head of School and Leadership Team to align financial planning with the school’s long-range strategic plan.
• Monitor budget performance and make timely adjustments as needed to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Provide timely, accurate, and understandable financial reports to the Head of School, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees.
• Ensure a transparent budgeting process that includes identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining programmatic integrity.

Accounting, Auditing & Compliance

• Supervise all business office operations, including payroll, accounts payable/receivable, tuition billing, general ledger, purchasing, and taxation reporting as it relates to a 501c3 institution.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements, including federal and state filings.
• Prepare and manage the annual financial and retirement plan audits and respond appropriately to auditor recommendations.
• Implement robust internal controls to safeguard the school’s assets and maintain integrity in all financial practices.

Risk Management & Insurance

• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks across the institution.
• Oversee all insurance coverage (liability, property, workers' compensation, etc.) to ensure appropriate protection and competitive rates.
• Regularly review policies and coordinate with legal counsel and insurance consultants on risk-related issues.
• Develop and maintain risk management and crisis response plans.

Human Resources & Payroll Management

• Oversee administration of payroll, benefits, and compensation programs in compliance with laws and policies.
• Collaborate with Head of School on staffing, compensation modeling, and budgetary planning related to personnel.
• Ensure accurate and timely employment tax filings.
• Support the financial administration of hiring, contract renewals, and benefits strategies.

Strategic Financial Planning & Development

• Lead multi-year financial planning, including scenario modeling, to support sustainability and mission-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate with Head of School and Finance Committee on capital projects, endowment strategy, and investment policies.
• Collaborate with the Development Office to ensure alignment of fundraising goals with capital and operating budgets.
• Identify and help implement revenue-generating opportunities, such as auxiliary programs, campus rentals, or community partnerships.

Leadership & Professional Responsibilities

• Lead the business office team with a spirit of collaboration, trust, and shared responsibility.
• Communicate effectively and proactively with faculty, staff, trustees, and families on matters related to finance and operations.
• Represent the school in all financial discussions with integrity and professionalism.
• Attend and contribute to Board and committee meetings as a senior administrative leader.
• Stay current with best practices in school business management through ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• BA/BS is required.  A degree in accounting or finance is desirable; an MBA or advanced degree is strongly preferred.

• CPA certification desired.

• Minimum of 5 years of financial leadership experience, preferably in an independent school or nonprofit setting.

• Strong knowledge of GAAP, accounting systems, financial forecasting, and compliance requirements.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with financial software systems (e.g., Blackbaud, Veracross, QuickBooks, etc.).

• Demonstrated success in leading high-performing teams and managing complex budgets.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with a strong attention to detail.
• Ethical, transparent, and mission driven.
• Collaborative and approachable with a team-oriented mindset.
• Able to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines and maintaining flexibility.

About Dutchess Day School

Dutchess Day School is an elementary and middle school that provides a strong academic foundation, values children’s natural curiosity, and fosters an enduring enthusiasm for learning. In an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect, students are encouraged to take intellectual, athletic, and artistic risks and to develop independence, confidence, and imagination. Dutchess Day School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its employment policies, educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.

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