Director of Finance

Title: Director of Finance
Date: January 9, 2024
FLSA Classification: Full time, exempt
Reports To: Head of School

Solebury School seeks a highly qualified Director of Finance to direct the school’s business operations, including: all internal and external business and financial matters, all contracts, purchasing and sales arrangements, legal and regulatory requirements, the human resources function, and all business/personnel related compliance requirements.
Oversees all financial functions and activities including: audit, accounting, budget, credit, insurance, tax and treasury. This position will report directly to the Head of School. The anticipated start date is on or around July 1, 2024.

Core Responsibilities
Working closely with the Head of School, the Director of Finance will develop and implement plans that meet the school’s financial objectives and sustain positive relationships with the various constituencies critical to a thriving independent school.

  • Oversees and/or directs budgeting, audit, tax, accounting, treasury, purchasing, real estate, long range forecasting, risk management, human resources, compliance and insurance activities for the school.
  • Appraises the school’s financial position and issues periodic reports on its financial stability, liquidity, and growth.
  • Ensures compliance with school policies and procedures, and state and federal regulations.
  • Oversees the administration of employee benefits, manage costs, and ensure effective communication.
  • Oversees the development and maintenance of the school’s personnel policies and procedures, employee handbook, personnel forms and recommends changes to school administration.
  • Oversees and assures the reliability of internal financial reporting systems, financial controls and management information systems, and oversees all external reporting.
  • Oversees the preparation of reports of disbursements, special analyses, and information reports for school administration and the board; makes recommendations for changes and/or improvements, monetary control and adherence to the budget.
  • Directs and analyzes studies of general economic, business, and financial conditions and their impact on the school’s policies and operations.

Qualifications and Credentials

  • Bachelors’ degree in finance or accounting; masters degree strongly preferred, and a minimum of ten years of relevant experience.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with board members, school representatives, parents, students, and representatives from the business and financial services communities.
  • Working knowledge of business accounting and financial planning policies, procedures, practices and software programs.
  • Proficient ability to think and plan strategically and creatively.
  • Ability to supervise and manage multiple functions and activities.

Opportunities for the new Director of Finance

  • Build the School’s short and long-term strategic financial models in conjunction with the Solebury Strategic Plan.
  • Examine all existing financial systems, business relationships, infrastructure and operations to provide enhanced and streamlined services.
  • Assist leadership and the Boardof Trustees in the effective management and growth of the School’s endowment.
  • Continue to advance the School’s positive relationship with the greater community.

  • The Director of Finance will be encouraged to bring newideas on a range of issues, including tuition pricing, financial aid, increasing non-tuition revenue and internal policies and controls.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those
an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this
job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
  • Generally works in standard office conditions and climate.
  • Works in a highly stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines and a varied and diverse array of contacts.
  • May work at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.

General Requirements
As part of the terms for employment and in accordance with state law, all employees undergo national, state and local background checks before starting. Employment is also contingent on the ability to establish eligibility for employment in the United States by providing appropriate documentation to complete the I-9 form and required certifications. All employees must have reliable transportation to and from school, and a valid driver's license is required.

To Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should electronically submit in a single
email, but as separate PDF documents, the following materials:

  • A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position
  • A current résumé
  • A one-page statement of professional philosophy and leadership practice
  • An annotated list of five professional references with name, phone number, and email address (references will be contacted only with prior candidate approval).

All materials should be sent via email to:
Hacker Burr
President and Managing Director
Big Back Pack LLC
hacker@bigbackpack.org

Since its founding in 1925, Solebury School has been a leader in progressive education.  We are a coeducational boarding and day school serving more than 225 students in grades 9-12. 

Solebury is an Equal Opportunity Employer.