The Director of Finance provides mission-driven, strategic leadership over the school's financial health, guiding planning, reporting, and controls to sustain operations in alignment with the Catholic Dominican mission and the institution’s priorities.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of annual budgets, integrating departmental requests and setting institutional priorities in collaboration with the administrative team.
- Forecast long-range financial outcomes tied to strategic initiatives and Board-approved priorities.
- Offer strategic insights on enrollment trends, tuition strategy, compensation planning, and long-term sustainability to the President, Principal, and Board.
- Provide timely, accurate, and transparent financial reporting and analysis to the President, Principal, administrative team, and Board committees.
- Serve as the primary liaison with the external audit firm and direct the annual audit or financial review process.
- Manage the operating budget, ensuring effective monitoring and control of expenses.
- Identify and implement revenue-generating and cost-saving initiatives while balancing financial constraints with educational needs.
- Supervise Business Office staff and oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll and benefits, cash management, and financial systems.
- Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards and regulations.
- Maintain accounting records for the endowment fund and report to the Investment / Endowment Committee.
- Collaborate with the Director of Development to ensure accurate recording and stewardship of donor-restricted gifts and funds.
- Coordinate with the Director of Admissions and the Registrar to ensure proper recording of student financial accounts, tuition charges, and payment plans.
- Oversee the financial aid process, including application, analysis, and award recommendations, and serve on the Financial Assistance Committee.
- Oversee human resources functions, ensuring compliance with employment laws and maintaining personnel and payroll records, while promoting fairness and ethical practice.
- Oversee the school’s risk management framework, including policy development, exposure monitoring, insurance relationships, and regulatory compliance.
- Review contracts and work with legal counsel to protect the school’s institutional interests.
- Collaborate with the Director of Facilities and Safety to ensure maintenance recordkeeping aligns with industry standards.
- Provide financial leadership for cafeteria operations, prioritizing sustainability, vendor accountability, and alignment with student nutritional needs.
- Maintain professional relationships with bankers, auditors, attorneys, investment managers, insurance brokers, contractors, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
- Maintain positive working relationships with Edgewood University and Edgewood Campus School employees and stakeholders.
- Represent the school as a key member or officer of the three-school Edgewood Condominium Board.
- Serve as an ex officio member of the Board’s Business and Finance Committee and Investment / Endowment Committee.
- Provide clear financial reporting and insight to support Board governance and fiduciary responsibilities.
- Demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, and ethical stewardship of institutional resources.
- Communicate clearly across departments and stakeholder groups, fostering collaboration and transparency.
- Contribute to a culture of lifelong learning through respectful collaboration and inclusion.
- Think strategically with strong attention to detail, prioritizing effectively and managing multiple deadlines.
- Integrate the mission of the school and a service-oriented approach into daily decisions and recommendations.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required.
- CPA or advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of five to seven years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience.
- Experience in nonprofit, educational, or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience working with Boards or Finance Committees.
- Proficiency in financial management systems and advanced spreadsheet modeling.
Benefits
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Position Summary
Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart seeks a mission-driven, strategic, and collaborative financial leader to assume the role of Director of Finance. This senior leadership position safeguards the school’s financial health through disciplined planning, transparent reporting, and robust internal controls, ensuring long-term sustainability and alignment with the Catholic Dominican mission, vision, and strategic priorities. The Director of Finance serves as a principal advisor to the President and Principal.
Work Environment
This is a full-time, year-round role. The Director of Finance may occasionally participate in evening or weekend meetings and events as required.
Job Type
Full-time
Pay
USD 120,000.00 – 140,000.00 per year
Work Location
Onsite in Madison, WI