Director of Finance

Summary

Description

Description

Colorado Academy (“CA”) seeks a highly analytical and technical accountant with expertise in accounting, budgeting, audit, non-profit tax and compliance, and finance. The ideal candidate will be initiative-taking, self-sufficient, collegial, and collaborative. The Director of Finance reports to the CFO/COO, supervises members of the Business Office, and works closely with HR, Auxiliary Programs, and budget managers throughout the school.

Key Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

• Abides by CA’s Employee Policy Book 
• Commits to the ideals expressed in CA’s Mission Statement
• Supervises the Receptionist, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable/Payroll, and the Bookstore Manager.
• Manages business office operations including, but not limited to, accounting, accounts payable, student billing and collections, gift receipts, investments/endowment, treasury, net assets, payroll, and internal controls
• Ensures compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements
• Serves as primary contact for the annual audit and tax returns, working closely with external service providers as well as internal individuals responsible for preparing supporting documentation
• Regularly fields business-related questions from faculty, staff, administration and budget managers
• Oversees month-end close tasks, preparing and reviewing reconciliations prepared by the business office and HR teams
• Prepares and analyzes quarterly internal financial statements, ensuring that the financial information presented is complete, accurate, and timely; presents results and variances to the Finance Committee of the Board
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of year-end audit documentation including, but not limited to, pledges, allowance for doubtful accounts, endowment accounting, net assets, and net assets released from restriction
• Reconciles and maintains the endowment fund in accordance with directives of the Endowment Advisory Committee (“EAC”) of the Board, the Advancement Office, and donor intent
• Assists the CFO/COO with debt and financial modeling, budgeting, cost containment strategies, new system/policy/procedure implementation, and other special projects
• Assists the CFO/COO with overseeing other operations of the school, such as the campus store, food service, construction, etc.
• Takes minutes for the EAC and Finance Committee meetings
• Prepares and inputs annual required financial benchmarking data for CA’s associations
• Reconciles gifts and pledges with the Advancement office monthly
• Manages CA’s treasury function by initiating all cash transfers, optimizing interest income, monitoring short-term investments, requesting endowment draw funding, remitting gifts to the endowment, managing debt payments, and deploying other cash management strategies
• Provides accurate, timely, and clear financial and statistical reporting to the business office and other stakeholders, assuring consistency and integrity in the financial operations
• Develops and maintains positive and productive relationships with employees, families, and third parties, cultivating an ethic of high-quality customer service among Business Office staff
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required; Master’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field is preferred
• Certified Public Accountant and/or prior experience in public accounting is strongly preferred
• Aptitude and EQ for leading in a not-for-profit setting; at least five years of experience in a management role at an independent school is strongly preferred
• Advanced understanding and ability to use computers and technology; prior experience and proficiency using Microsoft Excel, ERP systems (e.g., Blackbaud, Senior Systems, etc.) is required; prior experience with HRIS systems (e.g., Paylocity, Paycom, ADP, ExponentHR, etc.) is preferred
• Well-developed interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with all constituents in a school environment, including students, co-workers, parents, alums, volunteers, and the public.
• Discreet and understands the need for confidentiality with school, employee, student, and donor information
• Adaptability, honesty, self-reliance, teamwork, organization skills, dependability, flexibility, willingness to listen and learn, work ethic, determination, persistence, problem-solving and analytical skills, loyalty, and congeniality are essential.
• Must successfully complete background screening and verification

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Works in standard office or classroom conditions and climate; occasionally works outdoors in varying weather conditions and climate
• Uses close vision and works at a computer screen for extended periods of time
• Works at a desk for extended periods of time; regularly moves around campus and between campuses to supervise auxiliary programs in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations
• Ability to occasionally move items weighing up to 30 lbs. across the campuses/office 
• Works in a stressful environment, effectively dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a varied and diverse array of contacts; frequently requires the stamina to maintain attention to detail despite interruptions
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet monthly, quarterly, and annual deadlines and to support before and after-school or weekend activities

Candidates should be eager to join a professional community where collaboration is valued and where openness to growth is the norm.

All staff at CA are expected to carry out the CA Mission, "Creating Curious, Kind, Courageous, and Adventurous Learners and Leaders".

This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants, please include a cover letter with your application submission. 

The pay range for the position is $105,000-$130,000. Colorado Academy reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range. Any discrepancies that may exist do not relate to sex. The Academy offers an excellent compensation package, wide-ranging opportunities for professional development, and an environment notable for its dedicated teaching professionals and supportive administrators. Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance benefit programs are available, as is a 403(b) retirement plan. Eligibility for all benefit programs is defined by the applicable plan document. 

Applicants are invited to visit the Colorado Academy website (www.coloradoacademy.org) to learn more about the school.

Colorado Academy does not discriminate or allow unlawful harassment in any of its programs, procedures or practices on the basis of age, color, disability, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, political affiliation, race, religion or creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military service, marital status or other protected classifications defined by applicable law. The policy applies in all aspects of employment with the Academy.