Chief Financial Officer

St. Catherine's School; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous health and dental insurance

Employer paid long‑term disability

403(b) contributions 7.5% plus 1.5%

Tuition remission (65%) for up to two

Generous vacation and sick leave

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

St. Catherine’s School is seeking an accomplished CFO to guide financial strategy and stewardship in Richmond, Virginia. The role oversees budgeting, accounting, HR, risk management, and foundation operations to support the school’s mission for girls’ education and community impact.

The CFO partners with the Head of School and Board, ensuring long‑term financial strength, regulatory compliance, and strategic investments in programs and facilities that advance academic excellence and belonging.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
• Five+ years in a senior leadership role with budgeting and long-range planning.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, investments, and compliance.
• Ability to develop analyses and models informing strategic decisions.
• Experience leading teams and strengthening financial operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership for long-term strength and sustainability.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, tuition planning, and financial reporting.
• Oversee accounting, investments, payroll, controls, and audits.
• Manage HR, compensation, benefits, and employee programs.
• Oversee operations, risk management, and auxiliary programs.
• Direct financial aid, admissions collaboration, and awards decisions.
• Support Foundation endowment reporting and governance with the board.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial reporting

Regulatory compliance

Team leadership

Financial analysis

Communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

CPA or advanced degree

Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY

St. Catherine’s School seeks an accomplished, strategic, and collaborative financial leader to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is an exceptional opportunity to help shape the future of one of Richmond’s most respected independent schools while advancing its mission of educating girls for lives of learning, leadership, and service.

As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO will serve as a trusted advisor to the Head of School and Board of Governors, providing the financial insight, strategic perspective, and sound judgment needed to support the school’s long‑term success. The CFO will lead financial planning and management, oversee the Business Office and human resources, and provide financial stewardship for the St. Catherine’s School Foundation.

The successful candidate will combine strong financial and business expertise with strategic thinking, excellent interpersonal skills, and a genuine appreciation for the mission and community of St. Catherine’s.

ST. CATHERINE’S SCHOOL

St. Catherine's School is an Episcopal day school for girls in Richmond, Virginia, founded in 1890 enrolling roughly 975 girls in Early Learners (age 3) through grade 12. Located on a 16-acre campus in the western part of the city, St. Catherine's core values include pursuing academic excellence, developing character, nurturing spiritual growth, celebrating individuals, and building community.

St. Catherine's School provides a rigorous education that prepares girls with diverse perspectives for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and service in a global community. The school’s culture is built around respect for each individual, trust, collaboration, and belonging.

St. Catherine’s is part of the Church Schools in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia which also includes St. Christopher’s in Richmond, St. Stephens St. Agnes in Alexandria, Christchurch in Saluda, and Stuart Hall in Staunton. It collaborates closely with its brother school, St. Christopher’s.

For more information, please see the St. Catherine's web site.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The CFO has broad leadership responsibilities including:

1. Financial Leadership and Strategic Planning
Provide strategic financial leadership to ensure the school's long‑term financial strength and sustainability. Lead budgeting, financial forecasting, long‑range financial modeling, tuition and compensation planning, capital planning, and financial reporting to support informed decision-making.

2. Accounting, Financial Operations, and Compliance
Oversee all accounting and financial operations, including financial reporting, investments, banking, purchasing, payroll, internal controls, regulatory compliance, and annual audits. Ensure sound financial management and stewardship of school resources.

3. Human Resources and Employee Benefits
Oversee human resources administration, including recruitment, onboarding, employee records, performance management, compensation, benefits, and employment compliance. Provide leadership and supervision to Business Office personnel.

4. Operations, Risk Management, and Auxiliary Enterprises
Provide financial and administrative oversight of school operations, including insurance, legal and auxiliary programs. Manage institutional risk and promote efficiency and continuous improvement, with an eye to supporting faculty, staff, and school leaders.

5. Financial Aid and Enrollment Support
Partner with Admissions and school leadership to oversee the financial aid program, including budget development, award decisions, and financial aid administration, balancing accessibility with financial sustainability.

6. Foundation and Endowment Financial Management
Oversee the financial operations of the St. Catherine’s School Foundation, including accounting, investments, endowment reporting, internal controls, and annual audits. Support the Foundation Board in the responsible stewardship of its assets.

7. Executive Leadership, Governance, and External Relations
Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, partnering with the Head of School, Board of Governors, and school leaders to advance institutional priorities. Support board committees, contribute to strategic decisions, and represent the school in professional associations.

REPORTING AND COMPENSATION

The CFO reports to the Head of School and oversees a team of six, including school and foundation accounting and human resources. The CFO works closely with the COO, who is responsible for facilities, transportation, security, and contracts with external vendors.

Compensation includes a salary range of $200,000 to $230,000 based on qualifications as well as benefits:

• Generous health and dental insurance plans
• Employer paid long‑term disability insurance
• Employer 403(b) contributions of 7.5% of salary, plus 1.5% matching contribution
• Tuition remission (65%) for up to two children
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Professional development opportunities

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

St. Catherine’s School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its hiring practices. St. Catherine’s School is committed to providing an inclusive educational environment. We actively engage students, families, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our School community respects the differences in ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation and socioeconomic status. Consistent with the School’s mission, St. Catherine’s fosters in our students, and expects from all others, respect for the dignity and wholeness of every person. For more information about the school’s Access, Equity and Belonging please click here.

QUALIFICATIONS

Professional Experience and Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Progressively responsible experience in financial management, accounting, budgeting, and long‑range financial planning, including at least five years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, internal controls, investments, capital planning, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to develop financial analyses and models that inform strategic decisions.
• Experience leading teams, improving business processes, and using technology to strengthen financial and administrative operations.

Leadership and Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with sound judgment and the ability to balance financial discipline with institutional priorities.
• Collaborative, approachable leader who builds trust and strong relationships across an organization.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial information clearly to nonfinancial audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and empower staff while managing multiple responsibilities.
• Commitment to the mission, values, and community of St. Catherine’s School.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or advanced degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.
• Experience in independent schools, higher education, or other mission‑driven organizations.
• Experience with endowment management and financial aid.
• Experience working with nonprofit boards.