Director of Finance and Operations

Position Overview

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) manages The Valley School’s finances, resources, and daily operations – including human resources – to ensure the continued development of its rich, child-centered educational program. Reporting to the Head of School and serving as a member of the Leadership Team, the DFO supervises the Facilities Manager and the Extended Day & Summer Camps Manager, manages outsourced functions (including IT, retirement plan, and custodial services) and collaborates with the Finance Committee, Board of Trustees, and faculty to fulfill the School’s mission and Mission and Values.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring the long-term financial strength and sustainability of The Valley School
• Providing counsel and support to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and faculty on matters relating to finances and operations
• Leading the preparation of the annual operating budget and Five-Year Financial Plan and managing the budget upon Board approval
• Directing and/or executing day-to-day accounting and finance activities and refining policies and procedures for cost-effective operations, including:
  • Accounts Receivable: Entering student charges, payment receipts, and creating ACH and check deposits
  • Accounts Payable: Entering vendor bills, processing bill payments and credit card transactions
  • Payroll processing
  • Monthly and periodic reconciliations, journal entries, and financial statements
  • Maintaining files, communication, and organization related to all tasks
  • Other related duties, including calculating prorations
• Developing financial models and projections for long-range and strategic planning
• Establishing financial aid goals, policies, and objectives and assisting with financial aid awards to families
• Managing compliance with all restricted funding and grant requirements
• Overseeing bank relationships, cash and debt management, and the investment of operating cash, reserve funds, and endowment
• Coordinating and managing regular external audits of school finances
• Administering and maintaining all property, casualty, and liability insurance for the school
• Overseeing and selecting investment accounts and managers in collaboration with the Board Finance Committee
• Preparing financial dashboards and reports for Board meetings, internal management, and external requirements
• Developing and maintaining legal contracts, agreements, and historical management information systems
• Supervising the Facilities Manager and Auxiliary Programs Manager
• Contributing to administrative meetings and Board of Trustees sessions and presenting information as appropriate
• Communicating with parents about financial issues
• Managing all aspects of human resources, including employee hiring, preparing employment agreements, and maintaining benefits relations
• Collaborating with administrators, trustees, teachers, and parents to manage various capital, promotion, facility, financial, and organizational projects
• Overseeing all risk management dimensions of school operations
• Participating fully in school life by assisting with front desk coverage, playground duty, and other assignments as delegated by the Head of School

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required
• Five years’ experience in accrual-based accounting in a relevant industry
• Working knowledge of nonprofit accounting is required
• Strong proficiency and experience with QuickBooks
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Suite, especially Excel
• Familiarity with BigSis, Bamboo HR, or the ability to learn an online program quickly
• Clear fingerprint background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Accounting/finance and/or CPA credentials are preferred
• Experience in school-specific nonprofit accounting is a plus