Director of Finance And Accounting

Westside Neighborhood School; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Westside Neighborhood School is seeking a Director of Finance to guide financial strategy and operations for a growing PreK–8 campus. The role partners with the Head of School and senior leaders to align resources with strategic priorities and growth, including a new five-acre campus slated for September 2026.

The position requires confidential, high-level financial leadership, risk management, and collaborative oversight of the Business Office, HR partnerships, and investment governance.

Qualifications

• Requires ability to serve as trusted advisor and strategic partner to Head of School.
• Experience managing complex financial operations in nonprofit/independent school settings preferred.
• Expertise in budgeting, financial planning, reporting, general accounting, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee multi-year financial models aligned with campus master plan.
• Lead long-range financial planning, tuition strategy, compensation forecasting, capital planning, and debt management.
• Oversee accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, and internal controls.
• Lead annual audit and IRS Form 990 preparation and ensure GAAP compliance.
• Oversee endowment administration and investment policy adherence.
• Manage liquidity, reserves, debt obligations, and bond financing.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial planning

Financial reporting

Internal controls

GAAP compliance

Leadership

Data analysis

Strategic partnership

Technology for operations

Change management

Education

Undergraduate degree

MBA/CPA preferred

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

At Westside Neighborhood School, “Learning with Purpose. Leading with Heart” is more than a tagline—it’s a lived experience. Rooted in a joyful, child-centered approach, WNS is a vibrant independent school serving children from preschool through eighth grade, and empowers students to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. Our students are curious thinkers, bold creators, and compassionate leaders who take ownership of their learning and their impact. Through a rich, project-based curriculum and a commitment to active learning, we nurture innovation, resilience, and a growth mindset. With the September 2026 opening of our new five-acre campus in the Playa Vista area of Los Angeles, WNS has entered an exciting new chapter, bringing its educational vision to life in spaces designed for discovery, collaboration, and growth. We operate with 650 students, $37M in revenue, ample endowment/reserves, and years of clean audits.

Working closely with the Head of School, the Director of Finance will support the school’s mission and strategic plan while overseeing comprehensive business, financial, and investment functions. This highly visible role is critical to the success of the new PreK–8 campus, ensuring resources are aligned with priorities, and requires the highest level of confidentiality and discretion.

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Director of Finance will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, providing strategic financial leadership, operational oversight, and guidance on long-term planning and risk management. This role will partner closely with school leadership, the Board Chair, the Chair of the Finance Committee, the Chair of Investment Committee, the Chair of Audit Committee, and lay stakeholders to ensure financial sustainability, transparency, and alignment with the school’s mission and growth objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Develop and maintain a multi-year financial model aligned with the school’s strategic plan and campus master plan.
• Lead long-range financial planning, including enrollment modeling, tuition strategy, compensation forecasting, capital planning, and debt management
• Assist HOS, Department and Division Heads in managing in year budgets and projecting near term budget needs.
• Assist HOS in identifying budgetary efficiencies and opportunities.

Accounting Operations

• Oversee all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, and internal controls.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting to leadership and the Board.
• Lead preparation for and management of the annual audit and IRS Form 990.
• Maintain strong internal control systems and compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP).
• Oversee all Insurance management and renewal (General Liability & health insurances)
• Monitor liquidity, reserves, debt obligations, and financial bond covenants.
• Oversee endowment administration in partnership with the Investment Committee and external advisors, ensuring adherence to investment policies.
• Manage tax-exempt bond financing and the requisite reporting requirements.

Cash Flow & Risk Management

• Manage company investments, managing cash flow, and analyzing company liabilities.
• Meet with HOS at least once a week to review cash flow management, and prepare and update annual and long-range financial planning spreadsheets.
• Support Department and Division Heads with in-year budget management.

Leadership and oversight of Business Office

• Responsible for oversight, coordination and collaborative leadership of the Business Office staff.
• Thoughtful definition of Business Office staff responsibilities in line with internal controls.

Human Resources Oversight Partnership

• Work in partnership with Human Resources leadership and third-party vendors to support employee benefits administration, payroll services, and compliance reporting.
• Collaborate to ensure personnel policies, compensation practices, and employment procedures align with applicable regulations and institutional priorities.
• Support organizational planning related to staffing models, compensation strategy, and workforce sustainability.
• Ensure financial oversight of benefits programs and related employment costs
• HR oversight responsibility shared with Chief Operating Officer

REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to serve as trusted advisor and strategic partner to the Head of School, and collaborative leader who contributes positively to the WNS school culture.
• Demonstrated success managing complex financial operations, preferably in independent schools, nonprofit organizations, or similarly mission-driven environments.
• Expertise in budgeting, financial planning, financial reporting, general accounting, and internal controls.
• Ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights that support institutional priorities.
• Proficiency in accounting systems, along with strong data management and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, foster teamwork, and promote a strong service orientation.
• Experience using technology to improve operations, drive innovation, and increase efficiency.
• Undergraduate degree is required; MBA, CPA, or other relevant advanced degree or professional certification is highly preferred.
• Availability to work full time, on site in Los Angeles, California.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Salary up to $250,000 and competitive benefits package.

CONTACT

This retained search is managed by Mary Law Executive Search, the California leader in placing private school and nonprofit senior Finance and HR professionals