Director of Finance and Operations

Exempt position / 12-month work year. Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business or comparable discipline required.

About the Role

The Grosse Pointe Academy is seeking a Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) who is an experienced leader and strategic thinker. The DFO will assume a strategic role in the overall management of school operations, with primary day-to-day responsibility for planning, implementing, managing, and controlling all financial and business activities. The position reports to the Head of School, is a member of the Administrative team, and supervises the Assistant Business Manager, Director of Facilities, Director of Operations, Director of Technology, Enrichment Coordinator, and the food service vendor.

Responsibilities

• Financial Planning
  • Responsible for short and long-term strategic financial planning and reporting, including updates to financial models to support the annual budgeting and strategic planning work of the Board of Trustees.
  • Prepares and reviews financial and budget statements, investment and capital project reports; makes regular presentations to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and committees.
  • Ensures all expenditures are consistent with the approved budget.
  • Works with the Director of Facilities and Director of Operations to coordinate planning and financing of major capital improvement or investment projects.
  • Oversees the investment of endowment funds according to approved investment policies.
• Accounting
  • Establishes appropriate procedures and controls for all financial systems, in accordance with current standards.
  • Manages Business Office activities involving payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and banking.
  • Manages the annual year-end financial audit by preparing work papers, schedules, and documentation.
• Human Resources
  • Establishes appropriate employee benefit programs, implements changes as needed to enhance benefits and/or reduce costs, and supervises the administration of all benefit programs.
  • Ensures the school’s personnel policies support its programs and that the school’s actions regarding hiring, compensation, training, promotion, and separation conform to state and federal requirements.
  • Provides appropriate information to the Head of School for salary comparisons, both internal and external, including preparing employment contracts.
  • Maintains and ensures security for employee files.
• Student Enrollment
  • Manages all aspects of the accounts receivable process.
  • Manages financial aid from inquiry and application procedures and works with parents throughout the process.
  • In collaboration with the Financial Aid Committee, analyzes, reviews, and approves individual financial aid awards.
  • Responsible for oversight and collection of aged accounts receivable.
• Physical Plant and Grounds, Insurance and Risk Management
  • Works with the Director of Facilities, Director of Operations, and Director of Technology to coordinate plans for the preservation, safety, and renewal of the physical plant, network infrastructure, and school grounds.
  • Works with insurance advisors and brokers to provide appropriate and cost-effective liability, property, and workers compensation insurance coverage.
  • Serves as liaison with the school attorney.
  • Advises the Head of School of any situation which might have adverse legal consequences for the school.
• Auxiliary Services
  • Reviews, negotiates, and approves vendor contracts.
  • Serves as the primary liaison with all banks and financial institutions.
  • Compiles and files all reports and applications necessary to maintain tax-exempt, non-profit status.
  • Manages transportation contracts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or comparable discipline. CPA designation a plus.
• Minimum of five years of related experience including supervisory responsibilities, preferably with a not-for-profit. Experience in an independent school setting a plus.
• Accounting experience, specifically in Not-for-Profit Accounting (GAAP).
• In-depth knowledge of accounting software (Blackbaud a plus).
• Strong technical proficiency with Excel/Google Suite.
• Financial analysis and contract negotiation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of independent school operations preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate to and work closely with diverse school constituencies while maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Successful completion of a criminal records background check.

Benefits

• Health Benefits
  • Cost sharing between employee and employer for PPO/HMO medical plans, dental, and vision.
  • Employer-paid life insurance up to $50K, and short/long-term disability.
• Professional Development

  GPA provides various professional learning opportunities to advance your skill sets.

• Paid Leave

  GPA offers vacation and paid time off, as well as holidays, for a healthy work-life balance.

• Tuition Remission

  GPA employees receive remission of tuition for children of employees who are accepted and enrolled at The Grosse Pointe Academy.

• Retirement Plan

  GPA offers a 403(b) retirement plan through TIAA with employer match after one year of employment.

• Free Lunch

  GPA provides lunch on campus at no charge with our food service vendor.

• Other Perks
  • Monthly phone stipend.
  • Voluntary life insurance.
  • Flexible spending account.
  • Complimentary before and after care services for children of employees.

Pay

$110,000 - $150,000 salary based on relevant prior work experience.

About the Organization

The Grosse Pointe Academy is an independent day school serving students ages 2.5 through Grade 8. Our mission is to nurture, challenge, and inspire the intellectual, creative, and personal potential in each and every child. The Academy curriculum prepares confident lifelong learners in a joyful and challenging learning environment, encouraging intellectual curiosity, empathy, leadership, independence, global citizenship, active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication.

Located in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, The Grosse Pointe Academy is situated on a historic 20-acre campus with centuries-old architecture overlooking Lake St. Clair. For more information, visit www.gpacademy.org.