Strategic Finance & Operations Leader (Catholic School)

Maryknoll School; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryknoll School seeks an experienced Director of Finance and Operations to provide strategic financial leadership and oversee the school’s business operations in alignment with its Catholic mission. The role includes budgeting, reporting, internal controls, and risk management to support long-term sustainability.

The position reports to the President and works with the leadership team, Board, and committees to ensure sound financial decision‑making and compliance across all departments,

Qualifications

• Qualified candidates must demonstrate the education, experience, judgment, and leadership ability necessary to oversee the financial and business operations of a K-12 independent Catholic school.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration required; CPA, MBA, or other advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, or business operations, including significant management or senior leadership responsibility.
• Experience in a nonprofit, independent school, Catholic school, or educational institution preferred.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, audit preparation, tax filings, nonprofit accounting standards, and applicable regulatory compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data, prepare clear reports and forecasts, and communicate financial information effectively to the President, leadership team, Board of Directors, and other stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, communication, collaboration, problem‑solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Commitment to the mission, philosophy, and values of Catholic education and the ability to work effectively within a faith‑based school community.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual operating and capital budget process, including enrollment-based revenue planning, tuition and fee analysis, expense forecasting, and presentation of the annual budget to the President and Board.
• Oversee accurate and timely financial accounting, reporting, and internal controls for the school and related entities, ensuring reliable data on cash position, cash flow, income, expenses, balance sheet activity, and financial performance.
• Monitor monthly operating results, trends, and forecasts against budget; provide clear financial analysis and reports that support timely, informed decision-making by school leadership and the Board.
• Direct the daily operations of the Business Office, including tuition billing and collections, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, purchasing, cash management, banking relationships, and financial recordkeeping.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, banks, investment advisors, insurance brokers, and other financial partners; coordinate audits, tax filings, public record filings, and required financial reporting.
• Coordinate insurance documentation and risk-related requirements for off-site activities, leases, facility use, vendors, and school-sponsored events, including requests for Additional Insured coverage when appropriate.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration

CPA or MBA preferred

Job description

Maryknoll School seeks an experienced Director of Finance and Operations to provide strategic financial leadership and oversee the school’s business operations in alignment with its Catholic mission. The role includes budgeting, reporting, internal controls, and risk management to support long-term sustainability.

The position reports to the President and works with the leadership team, Board, and committees to ensure sound financial decision‑making and compliance across all departments,