Strategic Finance Director — Education Foundation

Merritt Academy; Mantua (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement plan with employer matching

Paid vacation & sick leave

Life Insurance

Job summary

J127 Education Foundation seeks a Director of Finance to guide financial operations for the Foundation and its schools, including Merritt Academy, First Steps Academy, and The Appletree School. The role links budgeting, reporting, and strategic planning to school operations and programming.

The Director will lead a three-person Finance team, manage cash flow, internal controls, audits, and Form 990, and serve as a trusted advisor to school leaders for resource allocation and risk management.

Qualifications

• CPA designation required.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive finance leadership in complex organizations with multiple revenue streams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily financial operations including accounting, billing, internal controls, and reporting.
• Lead annual budgeting and multi-year financial modeling in collaboration with school leadership.
• Provide financial guidance to inform decision-making for program objectives and resource needs.
• Manage cash flow and ensure accurate accrual accounting, AR/AP, and GL management.
• Oversee annual audit and Form 990 preparation; coordinate with external partners.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Communication clarity

Education

CPA designation

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Word

Blackbaud Financial Edge

Job description

J127 Education Foundation seeks a Director of Finance to guide financial operations for the Foundation and its schools, including Merritt Academy, First Steps Academy, and The Appletree School. The role links budgeting, reporting, and strategic planning to school operations and programming.

The Director will lead a three-person Finance team, manage cash flow, internal controls, audits, and Form 990, and serve as a trusted advisor to school leaders for resource allocation and risk management.