Pardes Jewish Day School is a premier Jewish independent school for children in grades kindergarten through eighth grade, founded in 1993. Pardes is the largest Jewish Day School in Arizona, located in Scottsdale. The School prepares students to become outstanding members of society through a rigorous secular and Judaic education, a nurturing community, and a foundation in Judaism that welcomes all Jewish traditions.
POSITION: Director of Finance and Business Operations
SALARY RANGE: $110,000 - $130,000
REPORTS TO: Head of School (HOS)
JOB PURPOSE: The Director of Finance (DOF) oversees financial operations, accounting, reporting, cash management, and human resources. The DOF is part of the senior leadership team and is responsible for managing the financial and physical resources of the school.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Collaborate with the HOS to design a dynamic, responsive business office that is efficient, economical and serves the needs of a growing, maturing school
Oversee the financial budgeting and reporting of the school by managing the accounting and internal controls of the Business Office, including monthly balance sheets, income statements, reconciliations, and cash balance in accordance with GAAP
Develop financial policies, and procedures, to safeguard assets, protect confidential information, and ensure accurate reporting related to tuition, collection, accounts payable, contracting, payroll, regulatory reporting and compliance, reporting, and business administration activities.
Work with the HOS to further the financial goals of the school by way of endowment building, financial goal setting, and budget holder engagement.
Collaborate with and assist the HOS and the board of trustees in meeting fiduciary responsibilities.
Serve as the staff coordinator/facilitator for the Finance Committee (and related committees)
Provide accurate reporting of finances to the HOS, Financial Committee Chair, and Board as needed, calendared and otherwise
Make recommendations regarding budget matters, including:
Tuition
Salaries & Benefits: Keep employee benefits and compensation at the forefront of budget management with an eye toward retention and recruitment
Savings vehicle and investments
Work with the school’s accounting firm to produce the annual 990 and an annual audit
Prepare a yearly budget with monthly variance review, and reporting
Prepare financial forecasts as needed
Liaise with the Finance Committee – work with the Treasurer (Chair of the Finance Committee) on agenda, research, reporting
Develop knowledge of Arizona Student Tuition Organizations (STO), manage financial aid funding availability with STOs, parent support through the application process, the establishment of award criteria, and issuance of the awards
Oversee risk management - a collaboration with professional insurance agents to ensure proper coverage to protect the school
Manage human resources - most human resources and payroll processing tasks are outsourced, including benefits and compensation planning
Oversee investments, including money market funds from Jewish Community Foundation (JCF)
Manage compliance matters, including:
State business registration
Health department certifications
Fire and safety codes
In concert with the Head of School (HOS), lead the school’s safety and security efforts
Coordinate with JCC and Amorak Defense Security Consultants
Provide robust oversight of the business operations of Pardes, including mentoring, evaluation, and management of in-house or remote staff (and make recommendations as to future Pardes needs for internal staffing); direct reporting resources include:
Student Accounts Manager
Payables Clerk
Financial Assistance Coordinator
School cook; Director of Facilities
Assistant Director of Operations
Actively engage and manage all finance-related outsourced services, in collaboration with the HOS including and make recommendations as to future internal staff needs
Consider RFPs for new vendors as is appropriate
Maintain direct connections with :
Arizona’s Student Tuition Organizations
The Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center
Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Serve as a role model to faculty through active participation and leadership opportunities in professional organizations; reads professional publications and maintain professional networks
Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of the School
Serve as part of an administrative team
Attend various meetings, and assist with campus events, including evenings, and an occasional Sunday
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING:
Demonstrated leadership qualities – organizing people and processes
Data-informed generative problem solver
Strong organizational skills; strong communication skills
A demonstrated commitment to the values of the school
Ability to work collaboratively with finance/operations team, senior Leadership, third party providers, and other school community members.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Must hold fingerprint and background clearance checks and always maintain a valid fingerprint clearance card when employed by the school.
May be required to work outside normal working hours.
May be required to travel to perform work functions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or other related field
Skills: Must have experience with managing financial software applications, advanced spreadsheet skills required; experience with Veracross or other school management software preferred
Abilities and interests: A desire to support and move forward Jewish Day School Education; an unwavering commitment to Pardes Jewish Day School’s mission
Professional Certification: CPA preferred
Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of nonprofit financial leadership required
Personal qualities: Integrity, credibility, a collaborative style, and strong interpersonal and communication skills
Pardes Jewish Day School, as an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate in its hiring of employees on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, marital or veteran status, age or disability. We actively seek diversity among faculty and administration as well as among students.
