Meet CCF Life Academy Foundation Inc.

The CCF Life Academy Foundation Inc. (CCF LAFI) is an initiative born from the ministry of Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF). The foundation has a vision to significantly expand its educational footprint across the Philippines. It aims to establish an ecosystem of high-caliber international schools, building upon the successful model currently operating through Life Academy International (LAI). This endeavor is deeply rooted in the Christian faith and driven by the core belief, shared with CCF, that education is a powerful tool for shaping future generations of leaders who are not only academically excellent but also deeply grounded in their faith and committed to living out Christian values. 

LAI currently stands as a testament to the foundation’s commitment to nurturing holistically developed, Christ-like individuals. LAI is a Christ-centered K-12 learning institution located in Pasig City, Philippines, operated under Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) and deeply rooted in biblical truths. It aims to seamlessly combine rigorous academic standards with a strong foundation in Christian character and values. LAI’s foundational mission is “To raise Christ-honoring individuals in key spheres of influence through transformative education”. Its vision is “To be a learning ecosystem with the highest degree of excellence grounded on a biblical worldview, transforming individuals, families, communities, and nations”. LAI offers academic programs including the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the Cambridge Program. The school is currently working towards international accreditation with ACSI and WASC. 

The CCF Life Academy Foundation is actively implementing a strategy to establish an integrated system of Christian schools across the Philippines to achieve its vision. This system encompasses schools designed to serve a variety of contexts and demographics.

A System Services team will support all schools and campuses, functioning similarly to a school district model, and reports to the Executive Director of CCF LAFI. LAFI’s core values are Love and Leadership, Integrity and Innovation, Faith in Jesus Christ, and Excellence. These values are integrated into all aspects of school life. CCF LAFI is currently undergoing significant expansion and development across its integrated school system.

About the Director of Finance

As a key member of the senior leadership team and a strategic commercial partner, the Director of Finance will be the steward of CCF Life Academy Foundation Inc. (CCF LAFI) financial health and future. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive financial strategy that ensures the sustainability, growth, and mission fulfillment of the entire CCF LAFI system. The Director will provide visionary leadership for the business operations, enabling the expansion of campuses and schools while navigating the unique financial and regulatory landscape of the Philippines.

The Director of Finance’s responsibilities include:

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and implement LAI’s long-term financial strategy, aligning resources with the school’s mission, values, and strategic growth objectives, including significant capital projects for new campuses and facilities.
• Serve as a trusted strategic commercial partner to the Executive Director, Managing Director, and Board of Directors, providing insightful financial analysis and guidance to inform critical decisions regarding operations, investments, and expansion.
• Lead the financial planning process, including the development of robust financial models and scenarios to support the vision and strategic initiatives of LAI.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for financial growth, efficiency gains, and revenue diversification to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization.
• Champion a culture of financial stewardship and accountability across the LAI system, consistent with the organization’s Christian mission and values.

Financial Management and Operations

• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Manage the annual budget process, from preparation and approval to ongoing monitoring and analysis, ensuring effective allocation of resources to meet educational and operational needs.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and insightful financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and key financial metrics, to the leadership team, Board, and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls and financial policies and procedures to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the billing and collection of tuition and fees, implementing effective strategies to maximize collection rates while administering financial aid programs equitably and efficiently.
• Manage LAI’s investments and endowment funds in line with approved policies, seeking to optimize returns while managing risk.
• Lead and coordinate external audits, ensuring timely completion and full compliance with audit requirements and tax laws in the Philippines.
• Monitor expenditures closely, identifying opportunities for cost savings and implementing best practices in procurement and resource management.

Team Leadership and Development

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing finance team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.
• Provide financial oversight and guidance to potentially include facilities, engineering, and project management staff involved in capital projects.
• Develop the financial acumen of staff across the organization to support decentralized budget management and financial responsibility.

Stakeholder Relations and Regulatory Navigation

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, and government entities in the Philippines such as customs, immigration, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).
• Navigate the complex financial and regulatory landscape of the Philippines, ensuring CCF LAFI’s full compliance with local laws and regulations.
• Represent CCF LAFI’s in financial matters with external partners and regulatory bodies.

Mission Alignment and Spiritual Leadership

• Through exemplary leadership and prayer, actively foster spiritual growth and commitment among students and staff, integrating faith into financial decision-making and operations.
• Ensure all financial practices and strategies are aligned with and support the mission and values of CCF LAFI to glorify God.

What you bring

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Director of Finance:

Qualifications

• Strong personal commitment to the Christian faith, with a deep understanding of and alignment with the mission and values of Life Academy International.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field from a reputable institution. A Master’s degree (MBA, MAcc, or MFin) and/or a professional accounting designation (e.g., CPA, CMA) is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in financial management, with significant experience in a leadership or directorial role.
• Demonstrated experience as a strategic commercial partner, contributing to organizational growth and strategic decision-making beyond traditional finance functions.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and develop effective teams.
• Experience in the education sector or a non-profit organization is highly desirable.
• Experience managing finances within a complex environment, preferably in an international context.
• Demonstrated experience navigating the financial and regulatory environment in the Philippines, including interaction with government agencies like the BIR.
• Experience with financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario planning to support strategic initiatives and capital projects.
• Proficiency in financial software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to think creatively while upholding strong ethical and values-based principles.  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences.  
• Ability to build and leverage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a track record of identifying and implementing solutions.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to the cultural context of the Philippines.