| THE WARDLAW+HARTRIDGE SCHOOL The Wardlaw+Hartridge School, a PK-12 school with 465 students, a 36 acre campus in Edison, NJ, and an operating budget of $16 million, is seeking a Chief Financial Officer. S/he will support and work closely with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees. Reporting directly to the Head of School, the CFO will be a member of the senior administrative team. S/he will play a key role in determining the strategic direction of the school and developing and executing plans to assure its sustainability and deliver its mission. Position Description Chief Financial Officer (CFO) The CFO reports to the Head of School for financial and operational matters, for personnel processes, and for establishing financial and administrative objectives, policies, programs, and practices. The CFO manages responsibilities including finance, investments, debt management, risk management and insurance, physical plant and grounds, Human Resource policies and procedures, and Township, State and Federal government compliance. The CFO attends all regular meetings of the Board of Trustees and provides complete financial reporting as necessary to assist the Board in meeting its fiduciary responsibilities. At the direction of the Head of School, the CFO attends all Finance, Facilities, and Investment committee meetings as well as any ad hoc committee meetings concerning finance, facilities or Human Resources. S/he maintains professional relationships with the School’s banks, lawyers, auditors, investment managers, insurance carriers, architects, contractors, vendors and government regulators. S/he participates in the activities of independent school organizations and seeks out professional development opportunities where appropriate. Reporting to the CFO are: the Comptroller, the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Coordinator, and the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED - A Bachelor’s degree is required. A CPA or MBA in Finance/Accounting is preferred.
- A minimum of five years in a senior level finance position, preferably in an independent school or a not-for-profit organization, is required. Non-Profit GAAP fund accounting knowledge strongly preferred.
- Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge helpful.
- Human Resources experience preferred. Training and certification (SHRM, PHR, etc.) helpful.
- Project planning and management experience preferred.Knowledge of MS Project or similar software helpful.
- Familiarity with facilities management preferred, including construction, financing, and maintenance.
- The ability to thrive in a fast paced, multitasking environment is crucial.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING ABILITIES AND PERSONAL QUALITIES - A strong desire to work within an independent school in support of the Mission of the School.
- A deep respect for teachers, students and their families, and the traditions of The Wardlaw+Hartridge School.
- A clear record of adherence to the highest ethical and professional standards.
- A strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate future needs and to think broadly about the needs of the school as a whole.
- A confident manager who collaborates and directs through open communication.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and present information in a clear and compelling way.
- Strong skills in financial planning and analysis, including the development of financial and operational models in the context of broad-based and long-range strategic planning.
- Honesty and integrity.
- A highly organized and detail-minded individual who also sees the big picture.
- One who is comfortable working in a relatively informal and highly collegial environment.
- An innovative thinker who is willing to explore new ideas and to embrace change and prudent risk when appropriate.
Compensation commensurate with experience and competitive with comparable schools in the region. Minimal travel requirements. EOE To apply, send your resume, a cover letter, and five references to: cfo.wh@whschool.org References will not be called without prior notification to the candidate. |
