Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Apply NowCompany: Collegiate School
Location: New York, NY 10025
Description:
Collegiate School seeks a dynamic and experienced financial and business leader with superb financial, strategic and operational skills and abilities to fill the key position of Chief Financial and Operating Officer. The new hire reports directly to the Head of School and is a member of the senior administrative team. The CFOO works in close and regular collaboration with the Head of School and other members of the senior administrative team to ensure adequate resources--human, financial, and operational--are available to support the excellence of the program and its people, by providing strategic direction and overseeing all matters related to finance, budget, facilities, legal affairs, risk management, and related policies and procedures. Direct reports to the CFOO include members of the Business Office (controller, accounts payable, accounts receivables, and payroll), the Director of Facilities, Director of Human Resources, Director of Technology, Director of Food Services, outside vendors (e.g. general contractors, security staff, etc.), and an administrative assistant.
This opportunity is available immediately, and will be filled following a comprehensive national search, and when the candidate of choice is identified and selected. The most likely start date will be early Fall 2024, though interested individuals who are not able to start until a later timeline are still encouraged to explore.
Essential Duties:
Develops and maintains a highly collaborative working relationship with the Head of School to ensure cohesive messaging of the head's institutional strategic goals and objectives, including alternatives and their financial implications, for consideration by board committees and other key constituencies.
Ensures the safekeeping of the School's assets and the integrity of the accounting records; Provides accurate and timely financial information to the Head of the School and Trustees on School operations.
Overseas budget preparation, confers with administrators, faculty and staff as necessary on all budget matters.
Leads analysis to guide tuition and compensation setting strategies in consultation with the Finance Committee.
Partners with the Director of Development for proper recording of donor gifts and managing pledges receivable. Supports DOD in establishing financial case for significant gifts (including capital campaign initiatives).
Works with the Director of Human Resources on hiring, onboarding, off-boarding, strategizing and managing benefits, overseeing employee relations, and ensuring federal and state compliance.
Develops strategy and executes transactions for self-insured health insurance. Oversees Director of Human Resources in administration of health benefits. Oversee update of the employee handbook and employment agreements.
Oversees the development, administration, and reporting on the Financial Statements to the School's Board of Trustees; auditors; federal, state, and local authorities; rating and bond information agencies; donors; and various Collegiate administrative offices.
Executes the School's endowment and investment policy; Monitors investment decisions with the Board Investment Committee; Coordinates with the endowment manager, and ensures effective endowment allocations, performance, and reporting.
Organizes agendas and meeting material for the Finance Committee, Investment Committee, and Audit Committee. Supports PPP committee on strategic analysis and execution.
Presents at Board meetings for significant financial initiatives including tuition setting, preliminary and final budgets and audit results, and other matters as requested.
Collaborates with general counsel and insurance brokers regarding all Risk Management matters;
Effectively manages and supervises the Business Office including personnel management and all functions of the Business Office.
Oversees the School billing and collection of tuition and fee. Discusses with parents' payment schedules. Serves as check signer.
Responsible for year-end audit coordination, Prepares and reviews audit reports. Drafts financial statements.
Oversees the preparation and analysis for auditors and directs preparation of the school's 990 form and required 5500 forms to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service.
Supervises the Director of Facilities and Safety; meets regularly to discuss and oversee relevant issues.
Oversees construction and renovation projects, including attendance at regular meetings with architects, contractors and the Building Committee.
Supervises the external Food Service provider. Meets regularly to discuss relevant issues.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business, finance, accounting or related field is required. Master's degree in a related field, MBA and/or Master's degree in accounting or finance, is strongly preferred. Certified Public Accountant certification is a plus though not required.
Experience in an independent secondary school is strongly preferred though financial leadership professionals from other sectors, e.g., higher education or financial services are encouraged to explore.
10+ years' work experience in accounting and financial management experience is required.
Five years of senior management leadership experience is required, preferably in an independent school setting.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability and willingness to participate fully in a dynamic day school located in New York City.
Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
Ability to motivate and manage a high quality staff and hire new talent.
Ability to interface with all constituencies of the school community- the Head of the School, the administration, staff, faculty and students, the Board of Trustees, alumni, parents and friends of the School.
Capable of earning the respect and attention of the faculty, administration, staff, families and the Board of Trustees.
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with impeccable integrity and an extraordinary work ethic. This person must possess a commitment to K-12 education and to the education of boys. Must have an open, optimistic and collaborative management style coupled with the ability and willingness to act decisively. This person has an enthusiastic commitment to the importance of building and sustaining a diverse, just, inclusive, and equitable academic environment.
This opportunity is available immediately, and will be filled following a comprehensive national search, and when the candidate of choice is identified and selected. The most likely start date will be early Fall 2024, though interested individuals who are not able to start until a later timeline are still encouraged to explore.
Essential Duties:
Develops and maintains a highly collaborative working relationship with the Head of School to ensure cohesive messaging of the head's institutional strategic goals and objectives, including alternatives and their financial implications, for consideration by board committees and other key constituencies.
Ensures the safekeeping of the School's assets and the integrity of the accounting records; Provides accurate and timely financial information to the Head of the School and Trustees on School operations.
Overseas budget preparation, confers with administrators, faculty and staff as necessary on all budget matters.
Leads analysis to guide tuition and compensation setting strategies in consultation with the Finance Committee.
Partners with the Director of Development for proper recording of donor gifts and managing pledges receivable. Supports DOD in establishing financial case for significant gifts (including capital campaign initiatives).
Works with the Director of Human Resources on hiring, onboarding, off-boarding, strategizing and managing benefits, overseeing employee relations, and ensuring federal and state compliance.
Develops strategy and executes transactions for self-insured health insurance. Oversees Director of Human Resources in administration of health benefits. Oversee update of the employee handbook and employment agreements.
Oversees the development, administration, and reporting on the Financial Statements to the School's Board of Trustees; auditors; federal, state, and local authorities; rating and bond information agencies; donors; and various Collegiate administrative offices.
Executes the School's endowment and investment policy; Monitors investment decisions with the Board Investment Committee; Coordinates with the endowment manager, and ensures effective endowment allocations, performance, and reporting.
Organizes agendas and meeting material for the Finance Committee, Investment Committee, and Audit Committee. Supports PPP committee on strategic analysis and execution.
Presents at Board meetings for significant financial initiatives including tuition setting, preliminary and final budgets and audit results, and other matters as requested.
Collaborates with general counsel and insurance brokers regarding all Risk Management matters;
Effectively manages and supervises the Business Office including personnel management and all functions of the Business Office.
Oversees the School billing and collection of tuition and fee. Discusses with parents' payment schedules. Serves as check signer.
Responsible for year-end audit coordination, Prepares and reviews audit reports. Drafts financial statements.
Oversees the preparation and analysis for auditors and directs preparation of the school's 990 form and required 5500 forms to be filed with the Internal Revenue Service.
Supervises the Director of Facilities and Safety; meets regularly to discuss and oversee relevant issues.
Oversees construction and renovation projects, including attendance at regular meetings with architects, contractors and the Building Committee.
Supervises the external Food Service provider. Meets regularly to discuss relevant issues.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business, finance, accounting or related field is required. Master's degree in a related field, MBA and/or Master's degree in accounting or finance, is strongly preferred. Certified Public Accountant certification is a plus though not required.
Experience in an independent secondary school is strongly preferred though financial leadership professionals from other sectors, e.g., higher education or financial services are encouraged to explore.
10+ years' work experience in accounting and financial management experience is required.
Five years of senior management leadership experience is required, preferably in an independent school setting.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability and willingness to participate fully in a dynamic day school located in New York City.
Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
Ability to motivate and manage a high quality staff and hire new talent.
Ability to interface with all constituencies of the school community- the Head of the School, the administration, staff, faculty and students, the Board of Trustees, alumni, parents and friends of the School.
Capable of earning the respect and attention of the faculty, administration, staff, families and the Board of Trustees.
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with impeccable integrity and an extraordinary work ethic. This person must possess a commitment to K-12 education and to the education of boys. Must have an open, optimistic and collaborative management style coupled with the ability and willingness to act decisively. This person has an enthusiastic commitment to the importance of building and sustaining a diverse, just, inclusive, and equitable academic environment.