Job Description:
Reporting directly to the Head of School and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the CFO is responsible for managing the business/financial function of The Colorado Springs School (CSS) as well as providing management and oversight of financial operations. The CFO will plan and execute the strategies to support and lead the initiatives relating to driving the best business and management practices throughout CSS. Working closely with the Head of School, the Board of Trustees, and the senior leadership team, the CFO will play an instrumental role in the day-to-day operations and management.
The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the Chief Financial Officer position:
A bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or a related field is required. A master’s degree and 10+ years of progressive financial and administrative experience in an educational institution or non-profit organization are strongly desired. Advanced knowledge of appropriate software tools (Microsoft, Blackbaud Financials, & Google products) is required. A CPA or CMA certification is preferred. The Chief Financial Officer must pass a background check and can sit or stand for extended periods of time. They will also need to have the ability to lift supplies and materials up to 50 lbs.
The Chief Financial Officer candidate will:
- Maintain a system of internal controls and approvals for cost control of resources to ensure the integrity and effective processes for ordering, purchasing, delivery, and expense reimbursement.
- Prepare and review financial budget statements, investment, and capital project reports for review and approval by the Head of School, Treasurer, Finance Committee, and/or the Board.
- Participate in all Board and committee meetings as required
- Prepare the preliminary annual budget after consulting with the Head of School and submit a proposed budget to the finance committee.
- Recommend annual tuition rates, financial assistance budget, and salary scale/benefit plan increments.
- Ensure expenditure is consistent with the approved budget and that deviations from the budget are explained and approved in advance.
- Manage accounts receivable, financial assistance, and parent and employee contracts. Oversee all accounting functions
- Oversee the collection of aged accounts receivable.
- Work with parents on financial issues relevant to their children’s enrollment at the school.
- Analyze, review, and approve financial assistance awards in collaboration with the Head of School and the enrollment management director
- Administer the tuition refund insurance program, including filing claims and dispersing funds.
- Provide reports to the finance committee and/or the Board on significant financial matters as requested or appropriate
The position’s preferred qualifications:
- Strong business acumen and strategic thinking ability. Outstanding financial planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a high degree of intellectual curiosity and the ability to make informed decisions based on data and analytics.
- Demonstrated capability to build excellent credibility/trust, positively influence relationships, and the ability to engage effectively with the Head of School, the senior leadership team, and the Board of Trustees.
- Superior written/oral communication/listening skills with outstanding interpersonal qualities and a natural, effective consultative style. Someone who is sought out for their opinions and counsel and who can forge and maintain close relationships, both internally and externally.
- Demonstrated experience managing both the annual and long-range planning processes as well as endowment and pension funds.
- Strong capability to manage controllership, treasury, and financial operational functions, excellent people, leadership, and managerial experience. Demonstrated passion and experience in coaching and developing staff to assume higher levels of responsibility.
- Knowledge and experience utilizing technology to enhance and measure the results of the financial and accounting programs and processes. Experience managing IT functions with system implementation experience is a plus.
