Director of Finance and Accounting

Overview

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of Finance and Accounting (DFA). This is an excellent opportunity for a CPA‑level accounting leader to join a nationally recognized independent school as the senior accounting professional and a key partner in advancing disciplined financial stewardship.

Reporting to the Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations (AHOSF&O), the Director of Finance and Accounting will play a central role in the Business Office ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the school’s financial systems and reporting. This position provides day‑to‑day leadership of accounting operations, supervises the Senior Accountant, and serves as the primary liaison to external auditors and financial partners.

The role offers meaningful scope, responsibility, and professional growth within a collaborative, mission‑driven organization known for academic excellence, strong governance, and financial stability.

Financial Accounting and Internal Controls

• Hold primary responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the school’s financial accounting and reporting.
• Oversee all core accounting functions, including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, purchasing, payroll coordination, taxes, and related systems.
• Establish, document, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls consistent with GAAP, FASB, and AICPA standards.
• Review monthly reconciliations and ensure prompt resolution of discrepancies.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports.

Budgeting, Analysis, and Decision Support

• Partner with the AHOSF&O on the annual operating budget and multi‑year financial projections.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide clear, actionable insights into financial performance and trends.
• Support internal stakeholders with accurate financial data and analysis related to strategic initiatives and operational decisions.

Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management

• Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors and manage a well‑organized, timely annual audit process.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements; recommend and implement improvements as needed.
• Coordinate risk management efforts, including insurance renewals and certificates of insurance.

Endowment, Investments, and External Reporting

• Oversee endowment and investment accounting and reporting, including reconciliation of Fundriver.
• Prepare and submit financial and operational surveys for organizations such as NAIS/DASL, NBOA/BIIS, SAES, ISAS, and Commonfund.
• Develop financial benchmarks and comparative analyses in collaboration with the AHOSF&O.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and accounting team, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Directly supervise the Senior Accountant, providing guidance, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Serve as a collaborative and trusted financial partner to colleagues across the school.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; master’s degree strongly preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.
• Minimum of five years of public accounting experience with nonprofit clients and/or five years of progressively responsible nonprofit or independent school accounting leadership experience.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis; school‑based accounting systems preferred.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School has partnered with NBOA Advisory Services to lead this search. The process builds on the successful recent search for the AHOSF&O and reflects the school’s commitment to assembling a strong, collaborative finance and operations leadership team. This search is being conducted in close partnership with Head of School Chris Gunnin, incoming AHOSF&O Bruce Orem, and Director of Human Resources Kristin Weigand.

St. Stephen’s offers a generous and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support employees through all…