Director of Finance

Job Description

Pardes Jewish Day School is a premier Jewish independent school for children in grades kindergarten through eighth grade, founded in 1993. Pardes is the largest Jewish Day School in Arizona, located in Scottsdale. The School prepares students to become outstanding members of society through a rigorous secular and Judaic education, a nurturing community, and a foundation in Judaism that welcomes all Jewish traditions.

POSITION : Director of Finance

REPORTS TO : Head of School (HOS)

JOB PURPOSE : The Director of Finance (DOF) oversees financial operations, accounting, reporting and cash management. The DOF is part of the senior leadership team and is responsible for managing the financial and physical resources of the school.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Collaborate with the HOS to design a dynamic, responsive business office that is efficient, economical and serves the needs of a growing, maturing school

Oversee the financial budgeting and reporting of the school by managing the accounting and internal controls of the Business Office, including monthly balance sheets, income statements, reconciliations, and cash balance in accordance with GAAP

Develop financial policies, and procedures, to safeguard assets, protect confidential information, and ensure accurate reporting related to tuition, collection, accounts payable, contracting, payroll, regulatory reporting and compliance, reporting, and business administration activities.

Work with the HOS to further the financial goals of the school by way of endowment building, financial goal setting, and budget holder engagement.

Collaborate with and assist the HOS and the board of trustees in meeting fiduciary responsibilities.

Serve as the staff coordinator / facilitator for the Finance Committee (and related committees)

Provide accurate reporting of finances to the HOS, Financial Committee Chair, and Board as needed, calendared and otherwise

Make recommendations regarding budget matters, including :

Tuition

Salaries & Benefits : Keep employee benefits and compensation at the forefront of budget management with an eye toward retention and recruitment

Savings vehicle and investments

Work with the school’s accounting firm to produce the annual 990 and an annual audit

Prepare a yearly budget with monthly variance review, and reporting

Prepare financial forecasts as needed

Liaise with the Finance Committee – work with the Treasurer (Chair of the Finance Committee) on agenda, research, reporting

Develop knowledge of Arizona Student Tuition Organizations (STO), manage financial aid funding availability with STOs, parent support through the application process, the establishment of award criteria, and issuance of the awards

Oversee risk management - a collaboration with professional insurance agents to ensure proper coverage to protect the school

Oversee investments

Manage compliance matters, including :

State business registration

Health department certifications

Fire and safety codes

Consider RFPs for new vendors as is appropriate

Maintain direct connections with :

Arizona’s Student Tuition Organizations

The Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center

Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES :

Serve as a role model to faculty through active participation and leadership opportunities in professional organizations; reads professional publications and maintain professional networks

Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of the School

Serve as part of an administrative team

Attend various meetings, and assist with campus events, including evenings, and an occasional Sunday

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING :

Demonstrated leadership qualities – organizing people and processes

Data-informed generative problem solver

Strong organizational skills; strong communication skills

A demonstrated commitment to the values of the school

Ability to work collaboratively with finance / operations team, Senior Leadership, third party providers, and other school community members.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS :

Must hold fingerprint and background clearance checks and always maintain a valid fingerprint clearance card when employed by the school.

May be required to work outside normal working hours.

May be required to travel to perform work functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education : Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or other related field

Skills : Must have experience with managing financial software applications, advanced spreadsheet skills required; experience with Veracross or other school management software preferred

Abilities and interests : A desire to support and move forward Jewish Day School Education; an unwavering commitment to Pardes Jewish Day School’s mission

Professional Certification : CPA preferred

Experience : Minimum of 3-5 years of nonprofit financial leadership required

Personal qualities : Integrity, credibility, a collaborative style, and strong interpersonal and communication skills

Interested applicants should complete and submit an Employment Application to :

Sarah Jones, Director of Human Resources at sjones@pardeschool.org

Pardes Jewish Day School, as an equal opportunity employer, does not discriminate in its hiring of employees on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship, marital or veteran status, age or disability. We actively seek diversity among faculty and administration as well as among students.

Job Type : Full-time

Benefits : Health insurance

403b and employer match

Dental insurance

Flexible spending account

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Schedule : 8 hour shift

Monday to Friday

Work Location : In person