Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Reports to: Head of School

Schedule: Full-Time. This temporary interim role offers an important opportunity in supporting the school's financial leadership while the school conducts a search for a permanent CFO.

Exempt Status: Exempt

Organization Overview

The Branson School is a coeducational, college-preparatory day school of 420 students, grades 9-12, located in Marin County, California. Branson prides itself on fostering nurturing relationships with students while maintaining high academic standards. The faculty values collaboration, professional development, reflection, and continual exploration of good teaching.

• Mission Statement: Branson develops students who make a positive impact in the world by leading lives of integrity, purpose, learning, and joy.
• Diversity Mission Statement: Branson believes the well-being of people and the planet are inextricably linked and are essential to creating a truly excellent learning environment and a vibrant, caring community. We aspire to have every member of the Branson community feel a deep sense of belonging and inclusion.

The Role: Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the strategic and operational leader responsible for the financial stewardship of The Branson School. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CFO partners closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to ensure the school’s long-term financial sustainability, operational excellence, and alignment with mission and strategic priorities.

The CFO oversees finance, budgeting, investments, financial aid, risk management, technology systems, food service, and other operational functions. The CFO also serves as staff liaison to the Finance, Investment, Audit/Risk Management, and Building & Grounds Committees of the Board.

Direct reports include: Senior leaders in finance and facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as chief financial strategist and advisor to the Head of School and Board of Trustees.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year financial model aligned with the school’s strategic plan and campus master plan.
• Lead long-range financial planning, including enrollment modeling, tuition strategy, compensation forecasting, capital planning, and debt management.
• Ensure financial decision-making reflects Branson’s mission, values, and commitment to access and belonging.

Financial Management & Controls

• Oversee all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, and internal controls.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly and annual financial reporting to leadership and the Board.
• Lead preparation for and management of the annual audit and IRS Form 990.
• Maintain strong internal control systems and compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP).
• Monitor liquidity, reserves, debt obligations, and financial covenants.
• Oversee endowment administration in partnership with the Investment Committee and external advisors, ensuring adherence to investment policies.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Lead development of the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Head of School and senior administrators.
• Present budget assumptions and financial forecasts to the Finance Committee and Board.
• Monitor performance against budget and provide clear, actionable variance analysis.
• Oversee capital and facilities budgeting, including major maintenance and campus improvement projects.

Operational Leadership & Campus Services

• Oversee risk management strategy, including insurance programs (property, liability, D&O, cyber, workers’ compensation, fiduciary, travel, etc.).
• Review and negotiate major contracts in consultation with legal counsel.
• Supervise food service, technology and other key outsourced service providers.
• Ensure operational practices support a safe, efficient, and sustainable campus environment.
• Serve as main liaison in all building projects.

Financial Aid & Accessibility

• Partner with Admissions and the Financial Aid Committee to steward the school’s financial aid resources responsibly and equitably.
• Serve as a member of the Financial Aid Committee.
• Support data-driven financial aid modeling aligned with enrollment and access goals.

Governance & Board Relations

• Serve as staff liaison to Finance, Investment, Audit/Risk, and Building & Grounds Committees.
• Prepare materials and presentations that enable strong governance and informed oversight.
• Support the Board in fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities.

Human Resources & Compliance Partnership

• Partner with the Director of Human Resources to support compensation planning, benefits strategy, and employment agreements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations affecting independent schools.
• Stay current on nonprofit tax law, bond financing, employment regulations, and risk-related issues.

Candidate Profile

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic and systems thinking with the ability to translate vision into operational execution.
• Exceptional financial acumen and analytical rigor.
• Integrity, sound judgment, and discretion.
• Clear and persuasive communication skills.
• Collaborative leadership style and ability to build trust across constituencies.
• Comfort navigating complex organizational dynamics.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Deep appreciation for the mission and culture of independent schools.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in finance and operations leadership.
• At least 3–5 years in a senior management or executive role with broad oversight responsibilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field required.
• MBA, CPA, or other advanced degree or certification strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with nonprofit financial management and GAAP.
• Familiarity with endowment management, and long-range financial modeling.

Necessary Skills and Abilities

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
• Ability to navigate and resolve complex conflicts.
• Familiarity with construction and facilities management procedures.
• Deep appreciation for the various arms of an independent school (academics, athletics, alumni/parent relations).

Employment Details

Compensation and Application

• Salary Range: $250,000–$350,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Competitive benefits, including health insurance, retirement benefits, and professional development support.
• To Apply: Please send a copy of your resume and cover letter to: https://thebransonschool.applytojob.com/apply/te4sgJybh1/Interim-Chief-Financial-Officer-CFO

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Branson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other basis protected by law. Decisions are made based on the merits of each candidate.

About The Branson School

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