Chief Finance and Operations Officer

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Carney, Sandoe & Associates, an education recruitment firm, has been retained by an independent school in Western Connecticut to find their next Chief Finance and Operations Officer.

The school seeks an experienced and strategic-minded professional to serve as the school's Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Keep the Head of School apprised of all business, operational, and financial matters.
• Responsible for all business aspects of the school, including finance, investments, facilities, risk management, human resources, information technology, and other assigned operational functions. In particular, the CFOO will focus on strategic and financial planning, maintain fiscal discipline, oversee capital projects; and initiate and ensure that financial resources, such as endowment, cash and debt, are properly administered.
• Lead and manage financial and business office operations of the school, including accounting, accounts payable, revenue and collections, and internal controls.
• Oversee, lead, supervise, and evaluate the Controller, Accounts Payable and Office Manager, Senior Staff Accountant-Revenue, Director of Human Resources, Director of Facilities, Security and School Resource Officer, Health Room personnel, Director of Technology, Chef and Director of Food Services, and field trip transportation handled by the School Administrative Assistant.
• Mentor staff, especially those performing budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, financial reporting, and facility management.
• Coordinate and collect financial input data from different departments for the annual budget.
• Ensure that best practices are followed in student enrollment and tuition assistance administration. Collaborate with the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid to support recruitment and retention goals of the School while maximizing tuition revenue and meeting sustainability goals.
• Collect, analyze, and/or interpret financial or operational information to include trend analysis and identify gaps and/or opportunities for new business initiatives.
• Advise and prepare written materials for the Head of School and Administration on topics of finance and facility operation and other school materials as necessary. Recommend financial strategies, objectives, benchmarks, and metrics in support of leadership goals and strategic plans.
• Oversee timely and accurate preparation of monthly and quarterly financial reports, analyses, and forecasts.
• Manage and oversee payroll and human resources in concert with PECF staff, including policies and procedures, regulatory compliance, benefits, retirement plans, occupational health and safety, documentation, and employee support.
• Act as Project Manager on special interdepartmental projects; identify project tasks; oversee project budget; conduct cost analysis; act as liaison with vendors and ensure compliance with best practices.
• Review and administer all contracts for the School.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including safety and energy, Health Room, information technology, facility repairs and maintenance, and custodial services.
• Manage third parties including food services, facilities, design and construction consultants and/or others as required.
• Maintain business relationships with consultants, vendors, and colleagues at other schools.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least ten years of financial leadership in an independent school, nonprofit, or similar environment.
• Advanced degree in business administration or related field; CPA or MBA preferred.
• Strong background in finance, budgeting, investing, and cash management.
• Experience in facilities management, construction, or related disciplines a plus.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to details.
• Outstanding communication skills: ability to communicate with employees, families, and members of the Board.
• Compatibility with the School's values, culture, and current administration and faculty is a must. Demonstrated commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) work environment.
• Demonstrated experience will include budgeting and planning, financial forecasting and analysis, endowment and/or investment management, accounting, human resources, business operations, and oversight of facilities and capital projects.
• Ability to balance attention to detail with strategic thinking and long-range objectives.
• Adept at analyzing, organizing, summarizing, and articulating complex financial information.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Skilled in graphical representation of information in the form of charts, diagrams, pictures, and dashboards with programs and tools such as Excel, Tableau, PowerPoint, or other is required.
• Supervisory experience leading teams, giving feedback, facilitating meetings, and coaching and mentoring is required.
• Ability to work collaboratively and strategically with senior departmental leaders to create mission-driven outcomes.
• Experience in an educational setting or similar not-for-profit organization is a plus.