Director of Finance and Operation

Maryknoll School; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryknoll School seeks an experienced Director of Finance and Operations to provide strategic financial leadership and oversee the school’s business operations in alignment with its Catholic mission. The role includes budgeting, reporting, internal controls, and risk management to support long-term sustainability.

The position reports to the President and works with the leadership team, Board, and committees to ensure sound financial decision‑making and compliance across all departments,

Qualifications

• Qualified candidates must demonstrate the education, experience, judgment, and leadership ability necessary to oversee the financial and business operations of a K-12 independent Catholic school.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration required; CPA, MBA, or other advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, or business operations, including significant management or senior leadership responsibility.
• Experience in a nonprofit, independent school, Catholic school, or educational institution preferred.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, audit preparation, tax filings, nonprofit accounting standards, and applicable regulatory compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data, prepare clear reports and forecasts, and communicate financial information effectively to the President, leadership team, Board of Directors, and other stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, communication, collaboration, problem‑solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Commitment to the mission, philosophy, and values of Catholic education and the ability to work effectively within a faith‑based school community.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual operating and capital budget process, including enrollment-based revenue planning, tuition and fee analysis, expense forecasting, and presentation of the annual budget to the President and Board.
• Oversee accurate and timely financial accounting, reporting, and internal controls for the school and related entities, ensuring reliable data on cash position, cash flow, income, expenses, balance sheet activity, and financial performance.
• Monitor monthly operating results, trends, and forecasts against budget; provide clear financial analysis and reports that support timely, informed decision-making by school leadership and the Board.
• Direct the daily operations of the Business Office, including tuition billing and collections, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, purchasing, cash management, banking relationships, and financial recordkeeping.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, banks, investment advisors, insurance brokers, and other financial partners; coordinate audits, tax filings, public record filings, and required financial reporting.
• Coordinate insurance documentation and risk-related requirements for off-site activities, leases, facility use, vendors, and school-sponsored events, including requests for Additional Insured coverage when appropriate.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration

CPA or MBA preferred

Job description

Job Description

JOB POSTING DETAILS

Job Title

Director of Finance and Operation

Job Type

Full Time

Position Level

Experienced

Job Description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Director of Finance and Operation provides strategic financial leadership and oversight for the school's business operations in support of its Catholic mission, academic programs, and long-term sustainability. This position is responsible for financial planning, budgeting, reporting, internal controls, compliance, risk management, and stewardship of school resources, while advising the President, leadership team, and Board on financial matters that support sound decision-making.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions/major responsibilities listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

I. COMMUNITY OF FAITH

• Supports and implements the mission/philosophy of Catholic education and the school
• Gives evidence of lived Gospel values
• Participates in building faith community

II. INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Works cooperatively with administration
• Works positively with Board of Directors, colleagues, and support staff
• Maintains positive interpersonal relations with parents and constituents
• Demonstrates positive interpersonal relations with students

Iii. Professional Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior financial leader for the school and foundation, providing strategic financial guidance to the President, leadership team, and Board of Directors in support of the school's mission, long-term sustainability, and stewardship of resources.
• Lead the annual operating and capital budget process, including enrollment-based revenue planning, tuition and fee analysis, expense forecasting, and presentation of the annual budget to the President and Board.
• Oversee accurate and timely financial accounting, reporting, and internal controls for the school and related entities, ensuring reliable data on cash position, cash flow, income, expenses, balance sheet activity, and financial performance.
• Monitor monthly operating results, trends, and forecasts against budget; provide clear financial analysis and reports that support timely, informed decision-making by school leadership and the Board.
• Direct the daily operations of the Business Office, including tuition billing and collections, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, purchasing, cash management, banking relationships, and financial recordkeeping.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, banks, investment advisors, insurance brokers, and other financial partners; coordinate audits, tax filings, public record filings, and required financial reporting.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Finance Committee Chair by coordinating the full meeting process, including developing proposed meeting agendas, identifying key financial topics for Committee review, preparing and distributing timely financial reports and presentation materials.
• Participate in the Financial Aid Committee on the financial aid program by helping establish budget parameters, reviewing financial impact, ensuring consistent processes, and monitoring awards in relation to available resources.
• Partner with Admissions on enrollment management matters involving tuition contracts, student accounts, payment plans, billing practices, and financial implications of enrollment trends.
• Provide leadership and oversight for assigned operational areas, which may include Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, and other administrative functions, ensuring that business operations support a safe, efficient, and mission‑aligned learning environment.
• For Human Resources and Benefits, this may include overseeing employee onboarding and offboarding processes, personnel recordkeeping, payroll coordination, benefits administration, open enrollment, employee leave tracking, workers’ compensation coordination, employment compliance documentation, job description maintenance, compensation and staffing budget support, employee handbook updates, and coordination with benefit brokers, carriers, legal counsel, and other HR‑related vendors.
• For Information Technology, this may include overseeing technology planning, cybersecurity and data protection practices, hardware and software purchasing, network reliability, technology support response times, vendor contracts, system upgrades, and coordination of technology needs for classrooms, offices, and school events.
• For Facilities, this may include overseeing campus maintenance priorities, work order processes, preventive maintenance schedules, custodial services, safety inspections, repair and renovation projects, vendor coordination, emergency preparedness, and compliance with applicable health, safety, and facility‑related requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal financial reporting requirements, tax obligations, payroll and contractor payment regulations, nonprofit reporting standards, and school‑related fiscal policies.
• Establish, maintain, and strengthen financial policies, procedures, internal controls, cash handling practices, and segregation of duties to safeguard school assets and reduce the risk of error, fraud, or misappropriation of funds.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial sustainability, manage expenses, strengthen operational efficiency, and align resources with enrollment goals, academic priorities, facility’s needs, and strategic initiatives.
• Oversee the school’s risk management and insurance programs, including annual review of coverage for property, liability, auto, umbrella, employment practices, directors’ and officers’, student‑related activities, and other operational exposures.
• Coordinate insurance documentation and risk‑related requirements for off‑site activities, leases, facility use, vendors, and school‑sponsored events, including requests for Additional Insured coverage when appropriate.

IV. PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

• Interacts with colleagues to further professional growth
• Takes advantage of opportunities for professional improvement

Applicant Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates must demonstrate the education, experience, judgment, and leadership ability necessary to oversee the financial and business operations of a K-12 independent Catholic school.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required; CPA, MBA, or other advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, or business operations, including significant management or senior leadership responsibility.
• Experience in a nonprofit, independent school, Catholic school, or educational institution preferred.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, audit preparation, tax filings, nonprofit accounting standards, and applicable regulatory compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data, prepare clear reports and forecasts, and communicate financial information effectively to the President, leadership team, Board of Directors, and other stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, communication, collaboration, problem‑solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Commitment to the mission, philosophy, and values of Catholic education and the ability to work effectively within a faith‑based school community.

Education

4 Year Degree