Application Instructions:  Submit cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references to employment@mercyhs.com

Job Title: Vice President of Finance and Operations – (1.0 FTE)

About Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women

Our Lady of Mercy is an Independent Catholic all-girls middle and high school deeply rooted in the Mercy faith tradition. We welcome all girls in grades six through twelve — inclusive of all incomes, races, and faith affiliations who are seeking an alternative to public school or who wish to continue to pursue a faith-based education. We have a strong history of providing quality education to young women, empowering them to excel academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, along with a dedication to Mercy values sets us apart as a leader in Catholic education. Mercy builds life-changing competence, confidence, and compassion that prepares and inspires young women to achieve the highest level of success in college, in career, and in the community.

Position Summary: Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women seeks a collaborative and experienced Vice President of Finance and Operations to join our Leadership Team. The Vice President of Finance and Operations will report directly to the President and work with the Board of Trustees and the Leadership Team. The role is responsible for the school’s fiscal health and the accounting lifecycle (AP/AR, cashflow, audit, and budgeting) while providing executive leadership to the Human Resources department and driving growth goals for Auxiliary Revenue (summer programs, facility rentals, bookstore, and all other non-tuition income). This position will serve as the school contact for Maintenance and Food Service. As a key member of the Leadership Team, the Vice President of Finance and Operations must be a meticulous accountant, business strategist, and collaborative leader capable of translating financial data into actionable insights for the President and Board of Trustees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Ensure the integration of financial and operational functions with the school’s current strategic objectives, campus development plans, and long-term sustainability goals
• Provide guidance and support to the President & CEO and the Board of Trustees
• Serve as the staff liaison to the Finance, Investment, and Audit Committees
• Collaborate with the Administrative and Operations Leadership Team to guide the creation, execution, and management of departmental budgets

Financial Stewardship:

• Partner with leadership and trustees to build long-term financial models and oversee consolidated financial reporting
• Create and execute financial dashboards for the President & CEO, Board of Trustees and Committees (e.g., Days of cash on hand, debt service ratios, enrollment yield vs. budget projections, etc.)
• Supervise the management of the school’s endowment, ensuring adherence to investment policies and effective implementation of decisions from the Finance and Investment Committees
• Serve as a key member of the project management team for future campus expansions and strategic growth initiatives

Accounting and Financial Reporting:

• Prepare, review, and present comprehensive financial reports, including budget statements, investment performance, and capital project updates, to the President & CEO, Board, and relevant committees
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure timely, accurate reporting of the school’s financial position to leadership and stakeholders
• Oversee all banking operations, loan agreements, and ensure effective management of school funds
• Monitor the school’s debt and financial obligations, ensuring timely compliance with all reporting requirements
• Review, approve, and post all journal entries and account reconciliations
• Work closely with the President & CEO to develop financial strategies that meet the goals outlined in the school’s strategic plan
• Manage cash flow and ensure proper policies are in place for credit, collections, and financial obligations
• Demonstrate a proven track-record of Fund Accounting and knowledge of distinguishing between without donor restrictions, with donor restriction, and permanently restricted funds
• Ensure all inter-fund transfers are booked and are in compliance with spending policy
• Create and maintain a three to five year rolling financial forecast that accounts for demographic shifts, inflation, and facility life-cycle costs

Budget Oversight:

• Lead the preparation of annual budgets and financial forecasts, working closely with the President & CEO, and key departments to ensure alignment with the school’s goals
• Facilitate the prioritization of budget requests in collaboration with leadership and review all spending to ensure compliance with approved budgets
• Create tuition models for headcount and pricing in order to provide counsel on tuition adjustments, financial aid policies, and salary increases in consultation with the President & CEO
• Develop and enforce policies and internal controls to safeguard the school’s assets
• Collaborate with Institutional Advancement team to define financial needs and opportunities in line with the school’s financial strategy

Audit and Compliance:

• Execute the annual audit process of all requested work from our audit partner to ensure the timely and accurate submission and preparation of year-end financial statements
• Address audit findings and implement recommendations to enhance the school's financial processes
• Assist with the preparation of annual filings and respond to auditor’s feedback efficiently
• Ensure the school is in compliance for their 403(b) retirement plan and ERISA standards

Operations and Risk Management:

• Supervise all aspects of the school’s insurance programs, including property, liability, D&O, and workers' compensation
• Manage risk assessment and mitigation strategies to ensure operational continuity
• Evaluate vendor contracts and ensure compliance with agreed terms and performance expectations
• Oversee the Human Resources Department

Board and Governance Support:

• Collaborate with board committee chairs to prepare agendas and supporting materials for Finance, Investment and Audit Committee meetings
• Provide regular financial updates to the Board of Trustees and ensure transparency in financial matters
• Attend board meetings and support committee discussions with relevant financial insights

Other Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Admissions Team to manage financial aid applications and awards
• Coordinate annual surveys and data requests for school associations (e.g., NAIS, BIIS, and NBOA)
• Undertake additional responsibilities as assigned by the President & CEO

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• CPA and MBA, or a Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field is required
• A minimum of five to seven years of experience in senior financial leadership roles, ideally within private/independent schools or nonprofit organizations
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with Blackbaud CRM products (Financial Edge NXT and Raiser's Edge NXT) preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to provide actionable financial insights
• Experience in leading strategic planning, financial reporting, and project management efforts
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate sound judgment in financial decision making

Education and/or Work Experience Preferred:

• Proven expertise in financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting, with a deep understanding of fiscal management
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial concepts to a broad audience, including non-financial stakeholders
• Strong organizational and time management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple and concurrent projects
• Experience in contract negotiation, policy development, and risk management
• A strategic thinker with a collaborative leadership style
• Detail-oriented with the ability to balance long-term strategic goals with day-to-day operational needs
• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders
• A proactive, self-motivated professional who thrives in a dynamic environment

Physical Requirements:

• Clerical office environment
• Sitting, standing, walking, reaching with arms and hands, climbing, balancing, stooping, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, kneeling, or crouching are all part of this position

Pay Range: $120,000 - $140,000 a year (salary commensurate with experience)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy

Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women has a clear vision: to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and do their best work. Helping us achieve this vision is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment, consistent with federal, state, and local laws. Accordingly, all applicants for employment are to be treated without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or citizen status, disability, sexual orientation, marital or veteran’s status, or any other status protected by law. This policy pertains to every aspect of an individual’s relationship with the school, including but not limited to recruitment, selection, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, or termination.