Finance Manager / Director

Michael Page; Newton (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Job summary

MPI is seeking a strategic Finance Director for a well-established private educational institution in Newton, MA. You will lead the finance function, oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cash management, and capital planning as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.

The role requires strong governance, cross-department collaboration, and delivering insights to support growth and sustainability. You will manage accounting operations, vendor contracts, audits, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• CPA, CMA, MBA preferred.
• Progressive experience in finance, accounting, planning or business operations.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and management reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial systems.
• Experience preparing financial reports and presentations for leadership.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Project management experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance function with robust controls and compliance.
• Partner with leaders to drive budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Provide timely financial reporting and analytics to SLT.
• Manage accounts payable/receivable, cash flow and payroll processes.
• Oversee tuition billing, vendor contracts, capex, and asset management.
• Ensure audit readiness and compliance with accounting standards.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial modeling

Strategic leadership

GAAP/controls

Excel advanced

Financial reporting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in Finance/Accounting

CPA/MBA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Job description

A well-established private educational institution is seeking a strategic and hands-on Finance Director to oversee all financial operations and support the organization's long-term financial success. This individual will serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, partnering with leadership to drive financial performance through budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cash management, and operational planning.

Description

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and contribute to organizational strategy and decision-making.
• Lead and develop the finance function, ensuring effective processes, controls, and compliance.
• Partner with department leaders to improve financial performance and operational efficiency.
• Provide financial guidance and insights to support organizational growth and sustainability.
  
• Maintain accurate financial records and oversee all accounting operations.
• Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and general ledger activities.
• Oversee tuition billing, collections, and payment processing.
• Manage vendor contracts, service agreements, and lease renewals.
• Oversee capital expenditure planning, approvals, and tracking.
• Maintain fixed asset records and ensure proper asset management.
• Prepare timely financial reports and analysis for leadership.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, tax regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Support internal and external audits.
  

Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing forecasting activities.
• Develop financial models and projections to support strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership to create and execute long-term business plans.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, reduce costs, and maximize operational efficiency.
• Evaluate contracts, vendor agreements, and business opportunities to ensure financial viability and value.
  

Budget Management & Performance Analysis

• Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast targets.
• Analyze spending trends, variances, and key performance indicators.
• Partner with department leaders to manage budgets effectively and maintain fiscal accountability.
• Develop reporting tools and dashboards that provide meaningful business insights.
• Prepare monthly management reports and financial presentations for executive leadership.
  

Cash Flow & Payroll Management

• Oversee invoicing, collections, and cash flow forecasting.
• Ensure timely payment of vendors and service providers.
• Monitor working capital and cash management activities.
• Review payroll processes and ensure accuracy and compliance.

Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• CPA, CMA, MBA, or other relevant professional accounting designation preferred.
• Progressive experience in finance, accounting, financial planning, or business operations.
• Strong experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and management reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial systems.
• Experience preparing financial reports, presentations, and business analyses for leadership teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Project management experience is a plus.
  

Job Offer

• Full-time, onsite position
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
• Tuition assistance/education-related benefits available
  

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.