Strategic Finance Director - Independent School

Cistercian Preparatory School; Coppell (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Cistercian Preparatory School in Irving, Texas, seeks a Director of Finance to lead all aspects of the Business Office. This exempt, full-time role reports to the Headmaster and requires hands-on financial leadership to support the school's mission and fiduciary responsibilities.

The Director will manage budgeting, accounting, audits, HR and compliance, overseeing a small team and ensuring strong internal controls aligned with GAAP and the school’s values.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in full-cycle accounting, preferably with a managerial background.
• A BBA in Accounting or MBA in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting; CPA with audit experience is desired.
• Must be able to pass a comprehensive background and credit check.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, budgeting, financial reporting, and investment management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all Business Office functions including revenue collection, accounts payable, vendor contracts, payroll, accounting and reporting, regulatory reporting and compliance, risk management, financial aid, external audit, human resources and other business administration activities.
• Review the work of direct reports and provide training as needed. Assist with hiring direct reports as needed. The Director of Finance will have three direct reports: the Controller, Accounts Payable Specialist, and the part-time Human Resources Coordinator.
• Ensure that proper financial policies are documented and enforced, detailed records are maintained, and internal controls observed to safeguard assets, protect confidential information, and provide accurate financial reporting. Maintaining a strong internal control environment will require the Director of Finance to review and approve items prepared by the Controller such as journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Maintain the books and records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Perform a thorough review of the financial reports on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Investigate significant variances between actual and budget. Alert the Headmaster to any areas of concern.Identify and resolve discrepancies, unusual transactions and/or any observed weakness in internal controls.
• Develop, monitor, and manage the School’s annual budgets and monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, ensuring financial resources are allocated efficiently and in alignment with the School’s goals.
• Collaborate with and aid the Headmaster and School Board committees in meeting fiduciary responsibilities (conduct quarterly Audit Committee meetings, document quarterly Investment Committee meetings, provide Headmaster with reports for quarterly School Board meetings).
• Oversee the annual insurance policy renewal cycles alongside the Headmaster.
• Supervise, obtain and provide accounting information and documentation to the independent public accounting firm to assure the timely completion of the annual audit on a June 30 fiscal year end.
• Ensure that human resources policies and practices are clearly articulated, consistently applied, and conform to legal requirements.
• Participate in developing School strategy by providing recommendations, financial analysis, projections, and other data to inform the process.
• Model high ethical standards and respect for colleagues, alumni, parents, and students in conducting School business.
• Respond to all in a timely manner and communicate in a clear and professional manner to all colleagues, staff and stakeholders.
• Remain current with business management trends in education and participate in educational opportunities such as reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in local, regional, and national professional organizations.
• Learn and understand the culture of our community and the wider educational environment to support the School and its leadership.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Investment management

Fund accounting

Staff leadership

Education

BBA in Accounting

MBA in Accounting / MBA with Accounting focus

CPA with audit experience

Tools

Veracross

Microsoft Office

Job description

Cistercian Preparatory School in Irving, Texas, seeks a Director of Finance to lead all aspects of the Business Office. This exempt, full-time role reports to the Headmaster and requires hands-on financial leadership to support the school's mission and fiduciary responsibilities.

The Director will manage budgeting, accounting, audits, HR and compliance, overseeing a small team and ensuring strong internal controls aligned with GAAP and the school’s values.