Located amid the lakes and mountains of central New Hampshire, Holderness School is a traditional co-ed independent secondary school, serving grades 9-12. Holderness strives to strike a balance in fostering the resources of the mind, body, and spirit: the mind through a challenging college preparatory curriculum; the body through outdoor activities and required interscholastic athletics; and the spirit through school and community service and affiliation with the Episcopal Church. Holderness remains by choice a small school where everybody plays an important role, and where students, faculty, and staff maintain close personal relationships.
Diversity Mission Statement
Holderness School is committed to being a community that celebrates and supports diversity in its many forms because multiple perspectives and experiences are vital to educational excellence and strengthen our community. Diversity refers to the human facets of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, and socioeconomic status. Holderness strives to create opportunities for cooperation, to broaden the educational experience of all students, and to enrich the lives of all community members.
Description Holderness School seeks an engaged and committed individual to join our team as a full-time Director of Budget & Finance. This position calls for an experienced professional with a broad knowledge of finance, business principles, and who can contribute to budgeting and financial planning, accounting oversight, and sound financial controls. The School seeks an experienced contributor and partner committed to financial stewardship. Reporting to the Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations, the Director of Budget and Finance will join a team advancing change, creativity, and sustaining strong working relationships.
Financial Management
Prepare and manage the annual budget in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and in partnership with the Chief Financial Officer. Work with campus departments to review resource needs.
Be a principal liaison between academic and operating departments and financial operations.
Assist the CFO in the preparation of reports of disbursements, special analyses, and reports for school administration and Trustees; develop recommendations for changes and/or improvements, monetary control, and adherence to the budget.
Monitor financial performance and provide regular reports to the CFO and Head of School.
Conduct financial analysis and forecasting to support decision-making processes.
Collaborate with the Controller to develop and manage cash flow forecasting and reporting.
Collaborate with the Director of Facilities and Business Office team to manage and analyze capital and reserve funds, with an emphasis on annual capital renewals and an upcoming major capital campaign.
Monitor the School’s financial reports and determine ways to reduce costs, find efficiencies, and identify opportunities.
Reporting and Accounting
Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Prepare unaudited, internal financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
Partner with the Controller to reconcile financial accounts, including intra-year soft closes.
Prepare timely and detailed reports on financial performance on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
Key contributor in financial audits and reviews, addressing any findings or recommendations.
Collaborate with the Controller and Advancement to analyze and steward endowment funds that typically have donor-imposed restrictions placed upon the principal and/or income.
Perform debt analysis, ensuring that all covenants are fulfilled in a timely manner, including annual debt management reporting.
Assist with audit and internal control operations. Review all financial statements and footnotes in conjunction with external auditors.
Develop financial reporting and tracking procedures for school events and fundraising campaigns.
Work with the Admissions Office on tuition and fee planning during the application and contract processes.
Interact with Board Committees and prepare and present materials for Board work.
Compliance and Risk Management
Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax laws, and reporting requirements.
Work with Business Office colleagues to facilitate internal controls and risk management protocols to safeguard assets.
Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and legal developments related to finance.
Work closely with the CFO to monitor the school’s financial position and proactively mitigate financial risks.
Key Colleagues and Expectations
Work closely with the Controller and other members of the Finance & Operations departments, including Directors of Human Resources, Facilities, Technology, Dining, Auxiliaries, and the School Resource Officer.
Foster a collaborative and productive work environment, providing and receiving mentorship and professional development opportunities.
Participate in regular performance evaluations.
Professional Attributes
Contribute to the delivery of the mission, vision, and values of the school community.
Demonstrate inclusive and equitable practices to ensure that all members of the community feel a sense of belonging.
Follow community policies and procedures and model positive behavior.
Promote a trust-based community by keeping appropriate confidences.
Manage time effectively and meet deadlines and commitments.
Communicate and respond to all school communications in a timely manner.
Exhibit flexibility and adaptability to change as needed.
Exhibit professionalism, positive relationships, and appropriate communication with all members of the community.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related discipline is required. Masters in Business/Accounting and/or other relevant professional training is helpful.
Five to ten years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, which may include public or private accounting, business operations, financial reporting, and analysis, or budget oversight and planning.
Knowledgeable of accounting standards, audit, and internal control protocols, and all applicable federal and state statutes.
CPA or CMA certification will carry priority consideration.
Experience in independent schools or similar environments is preferred.
Demonstrated success in financial oversight, including business processes, internal controls, and process improvement.
Strong technology skills, especially demonstrating excellence in Microsoft Suite (particularly Excel) and Blackbaud products (BBTM, BBEM, Financial Edge NXT, Raisers Edge NXT).
Excellent verbal and written communication, strong mathematical and analytical skills.
Experience with capital projects accounting, planned giving, and endowment familiarity preferred.
Proven success at working collaboratively and efficiently on a creative, diverse, and goal-oriented team. Self-motivated, ability to multitask, excellent work habits, including a willingness to work the hours necessary to get the job done, especially when important deadlines cause greater than normal departmental pressures.
Demonstrate the highest level of integrity and competence in thought, word, and action.
Able to make informed decisions, take initiative, effectively consult with others, and prioritize tasks.
Effective leadership and interpersonal skills are required to manage relationships, solve problems, and communicate effectively with school representatives, parents, students, and board members.
Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
The Process
If interested in this position, please send a resume, a letter of interest, and a list of references to holderness-employment@holderness.org. Priority consideration will be given to applications received before Friday, February 21, 2024.
Holderness School offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life insurance, generous retirement match, professional development opportunities, use of grounds and facilities, and meals when school is in session for you and your family. This is a full-time, year-round position.
All employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.
Holderness School is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate or tolerate discrimination against any employee or applicant in any manner prohibited by law.
Please visit www.holderness.orgto learn more about Holderness School.