Hershey Montessori School is seeking a dedicated individual to join our community as the Director of Finance. The Director of Finance is a member of the Head of School’s Directors’ Group, is a staff liaison for the Board of Trustees, and is the primary staff member responsible for the Finance and Facilities committees of the Board. This individual has oversight of Human Resources, Facilities Management, and the Business Office. The Director of Finance is responsible for the planning, control, accounting, and reporting of income, expenses, and contributed and invested funds of the school. This role manages all activities designated as Business Office responsibilities including student billing and A/R, A/P, physical plant and grounds; risk management and insurance; compensation and benefits budgets; and city, state, and federal government compliance. The Director of Finance is also the Director of Financial Aid and works with the Admissions Director to allocate and administer financial assistance. This role would work primarily at the Concord Campus, but will also spend one day per week at the Huntsburg Campus in Geauga County.
The Director of Finance supports the efforts of the Head of School, Finance Committee, the Board of Trustees, and other ad hoc related task forces, and provides information and analysis on a variety of topics as requested. This individual is required to have a thorough knowledge of not-for-profit accounting and finance issues, outstanding organization and time management ability, supervisory and problem-solving skills, strong written and verbal communication skills, resourcefulness, patience, respect, empathy, efficiency, and creativity. They must also be culturally responsive in working with people from different backgrounds. The highest regard for confidentiality and exemplary ethical standards is necessary, as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects under the pressure of deadlines. As an officer of the school, the Director of Finance is a signatory for the legal agreements for the School.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Manage the financial stability of the school, oversees tuition billing and receivables, banking relationships, cash flows, liquidity, and development of financial models, funding payroll and benefits program.
Manage the financial capital requirements and funding implications of all capital projects.
Create, revise, and maintain the annual budget forecasting model and long-term fiscal plan.
Oversee cash management and work with endowment custodian to monitor endowment balance and performance.
Plan, coordinate, and oversee the completion of the annual financial audit and IRS Form 990 filing.
Prepare, post, and reconcile all investment activity and related accounting entries, and prepare all associated spreadsheets.
Coordinate with the Development Office for gifts recognized and stewardship reports required.
Completion of annual surveys and dashboards for key school factors and trends.
Oversees the annual budget-setting process for the school and establishes a clear, consistent process of budget-to-actual reporting.
In collaboration with the Facilities Manager, oversee work requests and the maintenance and operation of school facilities; ensure planned construction, renovation, and maintenance projects are implemented; collaborates with Facilities and Head of School for risk assessment.
Manage and maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect the property, employees, students, and trustees of the school.
Collaborate with educational and operational leaders to understand and mitigate risk as appropriate.
Works with the Facilities and Office Coordinators to ensure the school’s safety, emergency preparedness, Emergency Handbook revisions, and reporting and activity liability.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting required or significant relevant experience in finance or accounting.
CPA or MBA strongly preferred.
Five years’ experience in a financial or business leadership position. Experience with non-profit or independent schools is highly desirable.
Strong background in finance, budgeting, investing, and cash management required.
Strong attention to detail and understanding of nuanced school environment situations.
Previous supervisory experience required.
Excellent cultural competency, willing and able to excel in working with multiple groups of people from diverse backgrounds.
Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, administration, trustees, and parents/guardians.
Possess high energy, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude.
Collaborative team member.
Advanced technology skills including Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, Google software and financial software.
Who We Are:
Hershey Montessori School (HMS) is an internationally recognized day and boarding independent school located in Northeast Ohio. Our campus in Concord, Ohio educates children from infancy to 12 years of age. The adolescent campus in Huntsburg, Ohio serves grades 7-12 and has a working farm with barns and a greenhouse, residential housing, indoor and outdoor learning environments, and classroom buildings on 97 acres of predominantly wooded land. As students interact on the farm and in their local community, they understand how society is organized and learn division of labor. Compassion, diplomacy, and collaboration skills are developed through experiencing human interdependence. Relationships with animals, plants and the planet are also emphasized, as the importance of sustainability is personally experienced. Students come from all over the world to engage in Hershey Montessori’s unique school. There are currently 245 students enrolled at HMS and over 1,000 alumni. HMS has also impacted over 500 schools globally by hosting the AMI Orientation to Adolescent Studies for teachers at its Huntsburg Campus during the summer months. We welcome culturally knowledgeable candidates who desire to be a part of a community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and who are mindful of equity and social justice.
Please visit our website (www.hershey-montessori.org) to learn more about our school.
Interested?
Please send a resume, references, and a cover letter sharing with us why you are interested in and qualified for this position.
Hershey Montessori School is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
