Director of Finance

Overview

Carney, Sandoe & Associates
, an education recruitment firm, has been retained by an independent school in Palo Alto, CA looking to find their next Director of Finance
.

The ideal Director of Finance is an experienced professional with broad knowledge of accounting, finance, and business principles, a strategic thinker, and an effective leader committed to the practice of sound financial stewardship. The Director of Finance demonstrates the ability to lead change, innovate, and sustain strong working relationships.

• Oversee accounting systems and protocols, ensuring best-practice procedures and use of the SIS (Blackbaud) and other automated methods of commerce.
• Ensure that all activities and operations are carried out in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and laws governing business operations.
• Perform cash management, endowment, and investment accounting, including planned gifts and split-interest agreements.
• Provide staff support for the Investment Committee.
• Perform bond accounting, ensuring that all covenants are fulfilled in a timely manner, including annual debt management reports to the Finance Committee.
• Prepare timely and detailed reports on financial performance on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Serve as a working member of the Retirement Plan Committee.
• Conduct research, analysis, and forecasts as needed.
• Attend and support major school events and activities.
• Engage in ongoing education and professional development. Participate in industry association events.

• Contributes to the delivery of the mission, vision, and values of the school community.
• Demonstrates inclusive and equitable practices to ensure that all members of the community feel a sense of belonging.
• Follows community policies and procedures and models positive behavior.
• Works effectively as a team member and develops professional and productive relationships with colleagues.
• Promotes a trust-based community by keeping appropriate confidences.
• Manages time effectively and meets deadlines and commitments.
• Communicates and responds to all school communications in a timely manner.
• Exhibits flexibility and adaptability to change as needed.

• Master’s degree in Business/Accounting
• Five to ten years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledgeable of accounting standards, audit, and internal control protocols, all applicable federal and state statutes.
• CPA or CMA certification preferred.
• Experience in independent schools or similar environment preferred.
• Demonstrated success in financial management, including business processes, internal controls, and process improvement.
• Strong technology skills, especially demonstrating excellence in Microsoft Suite (Excel Proficient) and Blackbaud products (BBTM, BBEM, Financial Edge NXT, Raiser’s Edge NXT). Experience with ADP and Shopify products is highly preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Experience with capital projects accounting, planned giving, and endowment management highly preferred.

About CS&A:

Our job placement service is free to job seekers. By getting to know you personally -- beyond just your resume -- we connect you directly with hiring schools whose open positions match your specific requirements (location, school type, position type, etc.) and skills, saving you the time of sorting through hundreds of job postings and getting lost in a pile of resumes.

More importantly, as an educator you deserve to have someone on your side who can help you find a position in a school community where you'll thrive. That's our mission.

We do not discriminate on the basis of physical handicap, sex, race, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its services, consulting, events, professional development, or other programs.