Director of Finance

Mission Statement
We, at Kerr-Vance Academy, strive to provide for our students an intensive liberal arts college preparatory program in a safe atmosphere where all are treated respectfully. We endeavor to maintain high expectations while actively engaging our students in learning. Further, we strive to foster intellectual curiosity, concern for others, physical development, creativity, and social and moral values.

Core Values

• High Expectations – We will be results-oriented, focusing on growth and improvement in student achievement and teaching quality.

• Student Engagement – Learning is not an accident. Teachers will plan and deliver lessons that authentically engage students at a high level by pushing students to extend their thinking and reach beyond their current capacities.

• Intellectual Curiosity – The school community values learning for learning’s sake. We promote learning as the vehicle for which students are prepared for a rapidly changing world. Students are encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and take initiative.

• Citizenship – The school community will think globally. Students will become global citizens who make informed decisions, solve problems, and collaborate.

• Compassion – The school community will demonstrate concern for others manifested in mutual respect, relationships, and service.

Position Summary:
The Director of Finance is a senior member of the school leadership team and is responsible for overseeing the financial management, strategic planning, and reporting functions of the school, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and financial sustainability. This role requires strong accounting expertise, leadership skills, and a commitment to supporting the mission of the school. The Director of Finance will report to the Head of School and work closely with the Director of Advancement, the Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger maintenance.

• Maintain accurate financial records, ensuring that all financial data is organized and up-to-date.

• Accurately enter financial transactions into the accounting system, ensuring proper documentation and classification.

• Prepare detailed financial statements providing a clear snapshot of the school’s financial status.

• Manage accounts payable by ensuring timely and accurate bill payments.

• Handle accounts receivable by issuing invoices, tracking payments, and ensuring the collection of monies owed.

• Develop and monitor the annual budget in collaboration with school leadership.

• Manage cash flow, investments, and banking relationships.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable financial regulations, tax requirements, and reporting obligations.

• Provide strategic financial leadership by overseeing both accounting and operational functions, ensuring smooth financial operations.

• Analyze financial statements and use data-driven decision-making to support school initiatives and long-term planning.

• Develop complex financial projections that support strategic decision-making.

• Ensure the effectiveness of operations, the reliability of financial reporting, and compliance with laws and regulations.

• Serve as the primary contact for payroll, employee benefits administration, banks, legal entities, major vendors, and clients, managing key financial relationships.

• Maintain financial records and prepare for annual audits, coordinating with external auditors as necessary.

• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.

• Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard school assets and ensure financial accountability.

• Work with department heads to ensure financial policies and procedures are followed.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (CPA or MBA preferred).

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial management, strategic planning, or accounting, preferably in a school or nonprofit environment.

• Experience working in a tuition-based school is preferred.

• Demonstrated experience with QuickBooks is required.

• Familiarity with FACTS SIS and FACTS Tuition Management is preferred.

• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

• Proficiency in financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively.

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to [email protected] with the subject line “Director of Finance Application.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Ideal start date is July 1, 2025.