Strategic Finance & Operations Director

Harold and Mickey Smith Jewish Academy; Saint Louis Park (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Harold and Mickey Smith Jewish Academy is seeking a Director of Finance and Business Operations to provide strategic leadership of financial and business operations. The role reports to the Head of School and oversees budgeting, forecasting, reporting, internal controls, payroll, and audits, ensuring long-term financial strength and stability for the organization.

The successful candidate will lead cross-functional collaboration with leadership and Board committees, manage investment oversight,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or business operations, including demonstrated leadership and supervisory responsibilities
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, accounting systems, financial controls, and financial analysis
• Ability to develop financial models and translate complex information into actionable recommendations
• Experience supervising and developing professional staff and collaborating with executive leadership and governing boards
• Excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting and financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, banking, and financial planning.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting and effective internal controls.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial compliance.
• Coordinate the annual audit, tax filings, and related regulatory requirements.
• Oversee investments, reserves, restricted funds, and contribution accounting.
• Support financial aid budgeting, tracking, and analysis.
• Develop multi-year financial forecasts and models supporting institutional sustainability.
• Analyze enrollment, tuition, compensation, fundraising, program, and operating data.
• Identify financial trends, risks, and opportunities and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with school leadership on financial priorities, resource allocation, and long-term planning.
• Serve as a strategic financial partner to Institutional Advancement, including Development, Admissions, Enrollment Management, and Marketing.
• Oversee financial tracking and reconciliation of pledges, contributions, cash receipts, restrictions, and fund balances.
• Maintain appropriate financial controls and documentation related to employment matters.
• Lead, supervise, evaluate, and develop business office personnel, establishing clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability.

Job description

Harold and Mickey Smith Jewish Academy is seeking a Director of Finance and Business Operations to provide strategic leadership of financial and business operations. The role reports to the Head of School and oversees budgeting, forecasting, reporting, internal controls, payroll, and audits, ensuring long-term financial strength and stability for the organization.

The successful candidate will lead cross-functional collaboration with leadership and Board committees, manage investment oversight,