Vice President of Finance and Shared Services

The Carlisle Group has been retained to find a Vice President of Finance and Shared Services. Our preferred client is one of the world’s best pre-K through 12th grade private schools, where qualified students live on campus and receive a top‑notch education, health care (which includes comprehensive medical, dental, and psychological care), and more—with all costs covered. Since its founding in 1909, the school has graduated 12,000+ students.

They are committed to providing an exceptional education and outstanding resources for children from underprivileged backgrounds. The school enrolls approximately 2,200 students, has 1,600+ employees, and is located on a campus with over 5,000 acres and 598 buildings. They are one of the largest schools in the United States. The campus is one of the most well‑resourced, technologically advanced, and well‑maintained educational institutions in the nation.

This is an in‑office opportunity located in Hershey, PA.

The Vice President of Finance and Shared Services reports to the President and oversees all financial matters for the school. The position includes analyzing data and advising management on ways to use the information to make strategic decisions about the organization’s future. The position ensures the school complies with tax laws and regulations, and US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP).

In addition, the position has responsibility of shared services between K‑12 and Pre‑K organizations, ensuring both entities follow the guidelines of the shared service agreement, resolves disagreements, and is key for the establishment and performance of this function at both centers.

The Vice President of Finance and Shared Services is a member of the Mission and Strategy Team, a voting member of Compensation & Benefit Committees for both organizations, ERISA Committee, Policy Committees for both organizations, ERP Steering Committee, Capital Review Committees for both organizations, and Real Estate Committee. In addition, it serves as BOM TAFIC and ARC liaison.

The Vice President of Finance is responsible to execute and uphold our co‑fiduciary role and sole beneficiary of the school Trust as a trustee.

1) Accounting Services:
Provides leadership and guidance to ensure the operation of effective financial reporting, cash management, and budgeting programs. (20%)

a. Oversees the fully integrated HRIS and Financial system to ensure efficient and effecting operations:

i. Responsible for modifications, upgrades, and application of the school’s fully Integrated system.

ii. Oversees and maintains control of the school’s chart of accounts.

b. Oversees General Ledger and Financial Reporting activities:

i. Oversees the preparation of Financial Reports and Reviews Fixed Assets compliances to ensure assets are accounted for and communicated.

ii. Oversees Financial, Pension, MPP, and GSRA audits to ensure compliance with GAAP. Responsible for final preparation of financial statements and reporting of deficiencies and resolutions to the Audit Committee.

iii. Responsible for all required analytical schedules for audits and reviews, preparation of PBC’s and special year end reports and schedules.

iv. Oversees cash management and banking applications.

c. Responsible for monthly accounting and analysis.

d. Governmental Reporting and 990 preparations.

e. Payroll Administration.

2) Shared Services:
Responsible for leading, overseeing, and acting as the overall point person for the effective execution and evaluation of Shared Services function. (20%)

a. Responsible for the adequacy of the Shared Services Agreement, methodology, and individual Service Level Agreements in place, and for collaborating with each entity and service provider to ensure operational excellence, adequate and timely conflict resolution.

b. Responsible for leading the recurring Shared Services Meetings and outcomes evaluation and for the recurring reporting to the BOD for material updates and ongoing operations. This role is key for the performance of the Shared Services function for the benefit of both organizations, ensuring risks are properly mitigated and matters…