Chief Financial Officer at Windward School – White Plains, New York

Our Mission

The school is an independent, coeducational day school dedicated to providing an excellent instructional program for children with language-based learning disabilities. The multisensory curriculum is designed for students of average to superior intelligence who can benefit from the unique educational experience provided. Through direct instruction in small class settings, a trained staff assists students to improve their language skills. Academic success, combined with opportunities for social and emotional growth, enables students to understand their learning styles, build confidence, and develop self-advocacy skills. Windward is committed to helping students achieve their full potential in preparation for a successful return to the mainstream educational environment. To meet these goals, the school provides ongoing training to its faculty based on the most current research and also shares its expertise with the parent body, other educators, and the broader community.

Our Vision

A world where every child with a language-based learning disability is empowered to achieve unlimited success.

THE POSITION

This position is the lead financial officer of The Windward School. The position has primary responsibility for managing and facilitating the functions of the business office, which includes payroll and vendor management. The position also provides support to the Head of School in the execution of his/her duties to facilitate and forward institutional advancement.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reports directly to and serves as a strategic partner to the Head of School and is a member of the Executive Team. The CFO serves on the Board of Trustees Finance Committee, as well as other committees as directed by the Board. The CFO provides leadership and management of the school’s finances and is responsible for the supervision, coordination, and administration of all aspects of the Business Office, plant and facilities, risk management, employee management, and policy management. In partnership with the Head of School, the CFO maintains relationships with banks, professional accountants, legal counsel, and insurance companies.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the Head of School and the Board of Trustees in the development of school policies and procedures that support the mission of the school and safeguard the well-being of the school and its employees.
• Develop and manage, with the Head of School and Finance Committee, the annual operating budget, the long-range financialplanand budgets related to special projects and/or capital campaigns.
• Prepare regular financial reports for the Finance Committee and the Board which reflect the financial position of the school in comparison with the approved budget.
• Oversee all school purchasing, cash management, financial investments, banking activities,payrolland benefitsprogram.
• Secure an annual audit of the school's financial records and financial positions.
• Oversee the preparation of financial records for annual independent audit andassistthe audit team in preparation of form 990 and other returns, including the form 5500.
• Supervise the work of the business office staff and use standard accounting and bookkeeping procedures, to keepan accuratecontinuous record of the cash and financial position of the school and manage the financial operation of the school so that the institutionremainsfinancially stable.
• Work in collaboration with the Director of Human Resources to maintain and improve human resources functions, including assessing, writing, and implementing appropriate personnel policies; overseeing the preparation of payroll and benefits programs including health insurance and retirement programs; overseeing the administration of hiring, retention, termination, and personnel records; ensure all programs are in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
• Provide a regular reportofexpenditures for useofeach department within the school.
• Manage risk at the school to ensure the safety of personnel and students in their use of the facilities and tomaintainappropriate levelsof insurance to protect the property and to cover the liability of the school; and
• Oversee the administration of financialassistanceawards as a member of the Financial Aid Committee, working with the Head of School, the Associate Head of School, and the Director of Admission;supportthe re-enrollment process for students.
• Collaborate with the Windward Institute in developing annualbudgets.
• Torepresentthe school at various regional, state, and national associationsrelativeto the role of being the lead financial officer.
• To perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School.
• To support the school and its leadership.

Specific Requirements

• Understanding of and commitment toWindward’smission and core values
• Complete knowledge of not-for-profit administration and accounting practices
• Excellent skills in oral and written communications
• Strong understanding of employment law and practices
• Strong understanding of school administration
• Customer-oriented with great people skills
• Ability to work with and get along well with others.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks and projects, and handle time deadlines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Financerequired
• CPA or MBA desired
• 10+ years of related experience