Financial Director

Lauber Business Partners (Fractional/Interim Leadership, Consulting, Executive Search); Saint Francis (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Archdiocese pension program

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Generous paid time off

Professional development and growth

Job summary

Seton Catholic Schools in Milwaukee is seeking a Director of Finance to lead budgeting, financial reporting, and operational finance across a growing K-8 Catholic network. This executive role reports to the Chief Finance & Administrative Officer and shapes the financial strategy to sustain growth and impact.

You will oversee budgeting, audits, cash flow, and funding compliance while mentoring Finance and Accounting teams and partnering with school leaders, the Archdiocese, and community

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
• Demonstrated financial leadership experience within a complex organization.
• Proven success in budgeting, financial planning, cash flow management, and financial reporting.
• Experience leading teams and managing organizational change.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to meet driving and insurance eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
• Develop financial strategies that support organizational growth and sustainability.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Oversee annual audits, financial controls, and regulatory reporting.
• Strengthen systems, processes, and operational efficiencies.
• Support compliance related to government-funded educational programs.
• Lead, mentor, and develop Finance and Accounting team members.
• Recruit, retain, and build high-performing teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.
• Partner with leaders across academics, operations, facilities, human resources, and school nutrition programs.
• Collaborate with parishes, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, vendors, and community stakeholders.
• Support organizational planning, change management, and strategic initiatives.

Skills

Financial leadership

Budgeting

Cash flow management

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Job description

Lauber Community Partners Exclusive Search

Lauber Community Partners is conducting an exclusive search for a Director of Finance on behalf of Seton Catholic Schools.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced finance leader to join a growing, mission-driven organization that is transforming urban Catholic education throughout Milwaukee. The Director of Finance will play a critical role in shaping the financial strategy, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability of a network poised for significant growth and impact.

About Seton Catholic Schools

Seton Catholic Schools is a collaborative network of K-8 parish schools in the Greater Milwaukee area. The network is strengthening academics, faith formation, and student success through a bold vision for Catholic education. Seton Catholic Schools is a national model for urban Catholic school renewal.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the chance to combine strategic financial leadership with meaningful mission-driven work.

As Director of Finance, you will:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership.
• Shape the financial future of a rapidly growing school network.
• Influence key organizational and operational decisions.
• Lead financial planning, compliance, and business operations across a complex organization.
• Mentor and develop high-performing teams.
• Collaborate with school leaders, parish leaders, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and community stakeholders.
• Make a measurable impact on the educational outcomes of thousands of students and families.
• Join an organization building a nationally recognized model for urban Catholic education.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Finance & Administrative Officer, the Director of Finance provides strategic leadership for the financial and operational performance of Seton Catholic Schools. This individual will oversee budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, audits, cash flow management, funding compliance, contract administration, and financial systems while supporting organizational growth and operational excellence.

The Director of Finance serves as a key member of the leadership team and works collaboratively across the organization to ensure strong financial stewardship, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
• Develop financial strategies that support organizational growth and sustainability.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Operations & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and organizational requirements.
• Oversee annual audits, financial controls, and regulatory reporting.
• Strengthen systems, processes, and operational efficiencies.
• Support compliance related to government-funded educational programs.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Finance and Accounting team members.
• Recruit, retain, and build high-performing teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.

Strategic Partnership

• Partner with leaders across academics, operations, facilities, human resources, and school nutrition programs.
• Collaborate with parishes, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, vendors, and community stakeholders.
• Support organizational planning, change management, and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Demonstrated financial leadership experience within a complex organization.
• Proven success in budgeting, financial planning, cash flow management, and financial reporting.
• Experience leading teams and managing organizational change.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships and influence at all levels of an organization.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to meet driving and insurance eligibility requirements.

Preferred

• Experience in K-12 education, school systems, charter schools, or nonprofit organizations.
• Knowledge of Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction programs, including:
• ESSA Title Programs
• Experience managing government-funded programs and compliance requirements.

Seton Catholic Schools offers a competitive compensation package that includes:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Archdiocese of Milwaukee pension program
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Generous paid time off
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• The opportunity to help shape the future of Catholic education in Milwaukee

Lauber Community Partners is proud to partner with Seton Catholic Schools in identifying an outstanding leader for this important role.