Overview
The Director of Finance and Operations is the senior administrative leader of the financial and business operations of Fayetteville Academy, responsible for upholding the mission of the Academy at that level. He or she works closely with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, and other school leaders in order to provide strategic and operational leadership in budgeting, financial management, risk management, human resources, purchasing, insurance, compliance, and other business functions. The Director ensures that all school resources are managed responsibly and its operational systems effectively support student learning, faculty and staff, and the overall school community.
This is an exempt, full time, 12-month administrative position reporting directly to the Head of School.
Key Responsibilities
Finance
- Develop and manage the school’s annual operating budget in collaboration with the Head of School and Board Finance Committee.
- Provide accurate and timely financial reporting to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, and other appropriate stakeholders.
- Monitor revenues, expenditures, cash flow, reserves, and financial performance throughout the fiscal year.
- Maintain appropriate internal financial controls and ensure sound accounting practices.
- Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, banking, cash management, and general ledger functions.
- Coordinate the annual audit and serve as the primary liaison with the school’s independent auditors.
- Prepare financial statements, forecasts, analyses, and other reports necessary for effective decision-making.
- Develop multi-year financial projections and assist with long-range financial planning.
- Monitor tuition revenue, financial aid expenditures, and other significant sources of school revenue.
- Partner with the Admissions and Enrollment teams to develop enrollment and tuition revenue projections.
- Evaluate major expenditures and capital investments and provide financial analysis and recommendations.
- Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax requirements, and financial regulations.
School Operations
- Establish efficient administrative procedures that support the school’s academic and extracurricular programs.
- Collaborate with division heads and department leaders to address operational needs.
- Support school-wide planning for events, transportation, food services, security, and other operational functions as assigned.
- Develop systems that improve communication, accountability, efficiency, and customer service.
- Serve as a visible and accessible member of the school community.
- Work collaboratively with the school’s technology leadership to ensure effective administrative systems and infrastructure.
- Oversee financial and business-management software systems.
- Support effective use of technology for budgeting, payroll, purchasing, reporting, and other administrative functions.
- Promote appropriate data security, privacy, and financial controls.
Human Resources and Payroll
- Oversee the school’s payroll and employee benefits administration.
- Partner with the Head of School and appropriate administrators on compensation planning and annual salary processes.
- Coordinate employee benefits, including health, retirement, disability, and other benefit programs.
- Ensure appropriate employment records and required documentation are maintained.
- Support compliance with federal and state employment laws and regulations.
- Work collaboratively with school leadership on employee policies, procedures, and operational matters.
- Coordinate workers’ compensation and other employment-related insurance matters.
Risk Management, Safety, and Compliance
- Oversee the school’s insurance programs, including property, liability, workers’ compensation, automobile, and other applicable coverage.
- Serve as a key administrative partner in the school’s emergency preparedness and risk management efforts.
- Ensure required inspections, certifications, permits, and regulatory requirements are maintained.
- Review contracts and agreements for financial and operational considerations.
- Work with legal counsel, insurance representatives, and other professional advisors as appropriate.
- Develop and maintain policies and procedures that protect the school’s financial and physical assets.
Board and Strategic Support
- Serve as a resource to the Head of School and Board of Trustees on financial and operational matters.
- Prepare materials and presentations for Finance Committee and Board meetings.
- Provide financial analysis to support strategic planning and major institutional decisions.
- Assist with development of long-term financial sustainability strategies.
- Support the development and monitoring of the school’s strategic plan and institutional priorities.
- Identify financial and operational risks and recommend strategies to mitigate them.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field (CPA, Master’s degree preferred).
- Significant experience in financial management, business operations, or a related senior administrative role (Independent school or other nonprofit organization experience preferred)
- Demonstrated experience with budgeting, financial reporting, accounting, and internal controls.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a complex organizational environment.
- Proficiency with accounting, financial management, and Google applications.
Leadership Expectations
The Director of Finance and Operations is expected to:
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of the school.
- Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive financial, personnel, student, and institutional information.
- Build positive relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, parents, vendors, and community members.
- Communicate complex financial and operational information clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences.
- Approach challenges with professionalism, sound judgment, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
- Balance fiscal responsibility with the school’s educational mission and long-term priorities.
- Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Personal Characteristics
- Strategic: Able to see beyond immediate financial issues and plan for the school’s long-term sustainability.
- Collaborative: Comfortable working across academic, administrative, and operational departments.
- Analytical: Able to interpret financial information and translate it into actionable recommendations.
- Approachable: Builds trust with employees, families, trustees, and other members of the community.
- Organized: Able to manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities.
- Ethical: Demonstrates exceptional integrity and discretion.
- Mission-driven: Understands that financial and operational decisions ultimately exist to support the school’s educational mission and students.
- Positive: Possesses a growth mindset, enthusiastic, flexible, persistent and proactive, possesses a “customer service” mindset
- Accountable: Sets high standards for self and others, results-oriented. Strong work ethic.
Direct Supervision
Responsible for supervising:
- Assistant to the Director of Finance and Operations
- Director of Accounts Payable
Physical and Work Requirements
The position requires regular interaction with faculty, staff, students, families, vendors, and visitors and may require movement throughout the school campus. The Director may occasionally be required to work evenings or weekends for Board meetings, school events, emergencies, or other institutional needs.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the person assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position. Responsibilities may be modified as institutional needs evolve.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Ability to Relocate:
- Fayetteville, NC 28303: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
