Position: Head of Finance, Lake Mary Preparatory School
Lake Mary Preparatory School, founded in 1999, is ranked as the #1 Best Private High School in Seminole County. We are a dynamic, forward-thinking learning community dedicated to reimagining education for the future. We challenge traditional norms and empower students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and design their futures with confidence. Our commitment to innovation drives us to seek educators who are passionate about preparing students for a world that is constantly evolving.
Reports To: Head of School | Dotted Line Regional Director of Finance
Purpose of Role
The Head of Finance (HoF) will work closely with the School’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the ISP Regional Team (Finance, HR & Facilities) to support the school's mission and objectives. We are looking for a dynamic “hands-on, roll-up your sleeves” experienced finance professional who can serve as a financial business partner to the Executive Head of School and ISP Regional Finance Team (FLT). The HoF is responsible for overseeing and managing Lake Mary Preparatory School's financial operations. This role combines financial expertise with business acumen to ensure the school’s financial health and efficiency.
ISP Principles
Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Well-being and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences, and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
Financial & Risk Management
- Responsible for oversight of all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Develop and implement financial policies, standard operating procedures locally that align with ISP processes to ensure controls are in place and accuracy and compliance with regulatory and company requirements.
- Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for the ISP Regional Team and other key stakeholders.
- Identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect the school’s assets and earnings.
- Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and financial reporting standards.
- Coordinate with the ISP Regional Finance Team during internal and external audit periods.
Financial Planning & Budgeting
- Supporting the development and implementation of best financial practices.
- Completing the financial forecasting.
- Achieving financial targets and objectives.
- Leading the annual budgeting process through collaboration with the school SLT and the ISP Regional Team.
- Manage the end-to-end monthly closing processes.
- Monitor budget performance in partnership with the ISP Regional team, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions.
Cash Flow, Purchasing & Capex
- Ensure that local cash management is optimized.
- Record and report local bank balances regularly.
- Record capital expenditure for all major projects and assess the impact of significant cash outflows on cash forecasts.
- Prepare & report cash flows accurately & timely, and ensure that surplus cash is repatriated to the Parent company.
- Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll review.
- Oversee, review, and set up purchase processes.
Tuition and Fee Management
- Oversee the billing and collections of tuition fees, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
- Manage the tuition assistance and discount programs in partnership with the ISP Regional Team that align with state, federal, and company regulations and requirements.
- Provide oversight to the teams that communicate with parents to ensure tuition policies and financial obligations are met.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to pivot and reprioritize.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
- Strong teamwork and collaborative skills.
- Highly detail-oriented, known for accuracy and high-quality work.
- Ability to work in a matrix environment and have a proven track record in the ability to meet hard deadlines.
- Knowledge of general accounting principles, regulatory standards, and compliance requirements.
- Advanced skills in MS Office, especially Excel, including VLOOKUP and pivot tables.
- Hands-on experience with accounting software systems – i.e., NetSuite, etc.
- High degree of confidentiality related to sensitive information.
- Ability to sit at a desk in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
Experience & Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting required.
- 5+ years of experience in financial analysis and planning or related field.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation preferred.
- Proven experience in financial management, in an educational setting preferred.
- Ability to produce and present financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Ability to present financial findings and recommendations to non-financial audiences.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Experience with budgeting and financial planning.
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
- Experience with financial reporting and analysis.
E-Verify Participation: Lake Mary Preparatory School (LMP) and ISP U.S. participate in E-Verify and will provide the Federal Government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
LMP and ISP are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All postholders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.
ISP Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
LMP and ISP are committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background, or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are asked to submit their resume and cover letter.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
