Director of Finance & Operations

The Institute for Clinical Social Work seeks a highly qualified, experienced, and mission‑driven Director of Finance & Operations to join its dynamic and collaborative leadership team. As a premier graduate institution dedicated to excellence in clinical social work and clinical counseling education, ICWS prepares students for impactful careers through rigorous academic training, clinical experience, and innovative scholarship. The Director of Finance & Operations plays a critical leadership, student‑forward facing role ensuring sound financial stewardship and operational effectiveness in alignment with the Institute’s mission and strategic priorities.

This individual will lead all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and compliance, accounts payable, payroll, accounts receivable, purchasing, and coordination of external audits. This individual will oversee key administrative functions—including human resources, facilities—through a collaborative, analytical, and results‑driven approach that supports institutional sustainability and excellence.

The Director of Finance and Operations will bring a team‑oriented and collaborative leadership approach, serving as a trusted partner across the organization to advance shared goals and strengthen alignment with the institution’s mission. This role is grounded in a deep commitment to mission‑driven work, ensuring that financial and operational strategies actively support long‑term sustainability, impact, and growth. With a highly analytical mindset, the Director will leverage data and financial insights to inform decision‑making, drive efficiency, and solve complex challenges with clarity and precision.

As a results‑driven leader, the Director will establish clear priorities, monitor performance, and deliver measurable outcomes, positioning finance and operations as strategic drivers of organizational effectiveness and institutional excellence.

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; CPA or equivalent certification preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in finance and operations leadership, preferably in higher education or a nonprofit environment.
• Proficient in Quick Books, Advanced Excel (automation, pivot tables), spreadsheet, database, and word processing software, ADP-a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain financial systems and overall accuracy of the general ledger including the monthly and fiscal year‑end closings.
• Demonstrated success in strategic financial planning, budget management, budget forecasting, billing, preparing audits, and resource optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to reconcile and/or review the reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts to the general ledger.
• Significant understanding of nonprofit accounting principles, fund accounting, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing HR, IT, facilities, procurement, and institutional operations in a small to mid‑sized organization.
• Knowledge of federal student financial aid a plus.
• Strong analytical, decision‑making, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences including the Board of Directors.
• Must possess a high level of the following work skills and behaviors: leadership, teamwork/cooperation, initiative, customer service, and commitment to continuous professional growth in skills and knowledge.
• Exceptional ability to work independently, manage time, meet internal and external deadlines.
• Commitment to the mission of ICWS and understanding of the values of higher education, social work and counseling.

• Lead and oversee the financial operations of ICWS, including budgeting, payroll, forecasting, student financial aid, student billing, month‑end close, journal entry, financial reporting, audits and balance sheet reviews (just to name a few).
• Develop and implement long‑term financial strategies to ensure fiscal sustainability and support institutional growth.
• Analyze financial performance,…