Director Of Finance And Operations

Job Title:

Director of Finance and Operations
Reports to:

Head of School
The Director of Finance and Operations is an integral part of the senior leadership team and is responsible for managing the school's financial, operational, and physical resources. This person works closely with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, Development, Enrollment, and Facilities. This position organizes and manages all business processes including accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable (tuition and fees), cash management, purchasing, budgeting, financial reporting, investment, banking, payroll, employee relations, and benefits programs.
Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Finance and Operations will ensure the integrity of the accounting processes, systems, and internal control structure; will oversee the compilation, analysis, and preparation of financial information for the various users of such information; develop and monitor human resource management policies and procedures; and coordinate facilities priorities for the School.
Direct reports include office administration staff, Educational Technology Specialist, and Facilities staff.
Overview of The Independent Day School
The Independent Day School is a Beginners (age 3) – Grade 8 school located in central Connecticut (30 minutes from New Haven, 30 minutes from Hartford). Founded in 1961 by families associated with Wesleyan University and Choate, IDS has a long tradition of innovative, student-centered education focused on academic excellence and social-emotional learning. IDS highly values initiative, creativity, integrity, and adaptability in both academic and administrative pursuits.
The Independent Day School is committed to discovering, cultivating, and celebrating diversity in its many forms throughout our community and seeks to foster an atmosphere of personal and cross-cultural curiosity. Visit our

webpage

on diversity, equity, and inclusion for more information.
Quick facts about IDS:
Co-ed, non-profit, non-sectarian day school
Students come to IDS from 29 Connecticut towns
Student population: 130
Dedicated, highly educated faculty
Students of color represent 27% of the enrollment
33 acres of woodlands, wetlands, fields, and gardens
Parent participation is encouraged
IDS Mission Statement:
"By knowing students deeply both as individuals and learners, IDS inspires a community of independent thinkers who are resilient and confident to take risks as they connect with others in the joyful pursuit of learning."
Duties & Responsibilities:
This position requires strong organizational and time management skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and oral), presentation skills, and technical skills. The ability to navigate database systems such as Blackbaud is extremely important.
Budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting.

Use standard accounting and bookkeeping procedures with accounting software to keep an accurate continuous record of the cash and financial position of the school.
Manage the financial operation of the School to ensure IDS remains financially stable; oversight of the endowment; maintain ongoing compliance with debt covenants.
Responsible for payroll, cash management, accounts payable, and student billing.
Prepare a monthly operating statement for internal and external users, including administration, Board of Trustees, banks, and reporting agencies; provide periodic reports of expenditures for use by managers with budgetary responsibility.
Oversee the annual audit of the School's financial records and financial positions.
Provide benchmarking data for NAIS, DASL, and NBOA.

Risk Management

Oversee and implement risk management strategies relating to the financial health of the School, including but not limited to accident prevention, fraud and cyber threats, contractual risk, internal fraud, and financial liquidity.
Maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect the property and to cover the liability of the School.
Maintain a working knowledge of state and federal government compliance and regulations, and any other risk management related issues.

Purchasing and Facilities

Oversee all purchasing and investing of School's financial assets.
Review and analyze major contractual obligations of the School, such as construction and professional services and contracts and grant proposals.
Work closely with the Director of Facilities to ensure stewardship of the campus and strategically plan for capital expenditures.
Work with the Educational Technology Specialist to strategically plan and implement technology infrastructure and capital budgets, device purchasing and inventory, user protocols, and cyber security.

Human Resources

Oversee payroll and benefits programs.
Ensure that personnel policies conform to state and federal laws.
Maintain relationships with employee healthcare and benefits vendors.

Head of School and Board of Trustees Support

Prepare compensation and tuition analysis, financial analysis, and financial modeling for the School's annual operating budget for discussion and approval by the Board of Trustees.
Provide staff support to the Finance Committee and the Investments Sub-Committee of the Board of Trustees.
Assist the Head of School with decisions regarding salaries and benefits for all personnel.
Advise Head of School and Board of Trustees in matters of policy, financial management, and risk management.
Serve on the Tuition Assistance committee and other committees as needed.
Represent the School at various regional, state, and national associations relative to the role of being the Director of Finance and Operations.
Work with the Leadership Team to steward workplace culture, proactively seeking to maintain a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all.
Participate as an active member of the Head of School's Leadership Team and All Administrators Team.

Ensure equitable policies and practices across business, finance, facilities, and human resources
Collaborate with the IDS Parents Association and other parent organizations as needed.
Communicate and work with families to ensure they meet their financial obligations.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
How to apply:
To explore this opportunity, please submit a letter of interest that addresses your capacity to fulfill the duties and

responsibilities as listed, a resume, and a list of three professional references by the deadline of July 14, 2024 to Head of School, Dr. Rochelle Reodica, at

********

.
Visit us on the web at www.IndependentDaySchool.org. Find us on Facebook and Instagram.
IDS is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion or creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, gender expression, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, a related field, or comparable experience.
5 years of experience in an educational or nonprofit business office setting, a professional accounting environment, or comparable experience.
Experience in an independent school or non-profit setting is preferred, although individuals with strong financial and leadership skills in a related field are encouraged to explore this leadership opportunity.
Ability to work with detailed information with a high degree of accuracy.
Knowledge and experience in:

Nonprofit accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
Financial modeling and forecasting skills.
Benefits administration, employment law, and other human resource management issues

Experience with and ability to use:

Quick Books required.
Google Suite is required; knowledge of database software is helpful.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
Experience with Blackbaud, FACTS preferred.

Effective Leadership Characteristics

An effective financial and business manager capable of earning the respect and attention of the faculty, administration, staff, families, and the Board of Trustees.
A strategic thinker, capable of providing positive and proactive solutions to complex issues. o An open, collaborative, and sophisticated management leadership skill set.
A team player.
Ability to interface with all constituencies of the school community.

Salary commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package includes health, dental, HRA, and 403(b) retirement.

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