Director of Finance & Operations

Key Responsibilities

• Finance & Accounting
• Own cash planning and payroll funding, manage banking relationships, and approve wires and transfers.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts and analysis to guide spending and reserve decisions.
• Direct the monthly and fiscal year-end close in QuickBooks Online with an outsourced accounting partner, delivering accurate, timely financial statements.
• Manage the annual independent audit and the school’s Form 990 and CHAR500 filings, serving as primary liaison to the audit firm.
• Prepare the monthly board financial package, build the annual operating budget, and support the Finance Committee and Treasurer.
• Administer dual-approval accounts payable in Bill.com, including elevated routing for large disbursements.
• Oversee tuition billing in Veracross, the DOE reimbursement cycle, and collections with outside counsel when needed.
• Own the school’s insurance program, from property, liability, and cyber coverage through annual renewals, certificates of insurance, and claims.
• Human Resources
• Run HR end to end in Paylocity, including payroll processing, payroll tax filings, year-end 1099 preparation, and employment contracts.
• Support hiring across the school, from college recruiting visits to resume review with hiring directors.
• Own employee onboarding and offboarding.
• Lead open enrollment and manage benefits and insurance renewals with the school’s brokers.
• Administer the school’s 401(k) plan and its compliance with the plan advisor.
• Manage employee leaves, including FMLA, New York Paid Family Leave, and disability (DBL) claims.
• Serve as a trusted, discreet resource for employee concerns, working with the Head of School and outside counsel when needed.
• Operations & Facilities
• Oversee the operations manager, custodial staff, school nurses, and the school’s accounts receivable consultant.
• Oversee leases, building operations, and vendor relationships across both campuses.
• Manage renovations, build-outs, and expansion projects, including certificates of occupancy and DOB and FDNY compliance.
• Oversee school fire and emergency drills and maintain the safety and compliance calendar, required filings, and inspections.
• Manage security and access control, visitor and front desk procedures, emergency communications, and life-safety equipment.
• Work alongside the school nurses on health compliance, including immunization records and required health documentation.
• Maintain financial, personnel, and corporate records in line with the school’s retention policies.
• Administer the school’s business systems, including QuickBooks Online, Veracross, Expensify, Bill.com, and Paylocity.
• Oversee IT with the school’s external IT consultant, including data backup, business continuity, and security protocols.
• Development & Communications
• Manage the school’s website, including content updates and projects with the platform vendor.
• Record and reconcile gifts and provide financial reporting for development appeals and events.
• Support admissions and development events, including the annual gala, with logistics and financial coordination.

Requirements

• Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Seven to ten years of finance and operations experience with growing scope and responsibility.
• Veracross experience.
• Hands-on HR and payroll administration experience.
• Strong command of nonprofit accounting, audit preparation, budgeting, and internal controls.
• Experience presenting to a board of trustees and managing outside professionals.
• Discretion, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to the school’s special education mission.
• PREFERRED:
• MBA or master’s degree in a related field.
• CPA, SHRM-SCP, or PMP certification.
• Nonprofit, independent school, or special education experience.
• QuickBooks Online, Paylocity, and Bill.com.
• Familiarity with NYC DOE tuition reimbursement (Carter/Connors funding).
• Spanish language proficiency.
• New York State notary public commission.
• OSHA 30 certification and FDNY Certificates of Fitness S-95 and W-07.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of success in finance and operations roles.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.