Director of Finance

Job Title: Director of Finance FLSA status: Exempt

Department: Administration Reports to: Headmaster

Location: Irving, Texas Position Type: Full-time

Date Posted: 9/8/26 Start Date: Immediately

Cistercian Preparatory School (Cistercian) is an independent Catholic preparatory school near Dallas, Texas, educating boys grades 5-12 through an all-honors curriculum. Enrollment is 358 students on average. Cistercian is rooted in the life and spirit of Catholic monasticism. It offers talented and motivated young men challenging programs within a supportive community, allowing them to develop their strengths and face their weaknesses in preparation for college and life beyond, all for the good of the whole person in service to God and neighbor.

Cistercian has a unique appeal that draws in and keeps exceptional talent for the long term. The new Director of Finance will play a crucial role in maintaining and further elevating our School's outstanding standards, while fully engaging with its close-knit community, collaborative spirit, and mission. Given Cistercian's deep-rooted traditions and long-term vision, the Director of Finance must first take the time to understand and embrace our culture.

Reporting directly to the Headmaster, the Director of Finance will work closely with other members of the community and build strong relationships with key stakeholders across the School community, while also realizing this is a "hands-on" working role that requires an ability to roll up one’s sleeves to do what is necessary.

• Oversee and manage all Business Office functions including revenue collection, accounts payable, vendor contracts, payroll, accounting and reporting, regulatory reporting and compliance, risk management, financial aid, external audit, human resources and other business administration activities.
• Review the work of direct reports and provide training as needed. Assist with hiring direct reports as needed. The Director of Finance will have three direct reports: the Controller, Accounts Payable Specialist, and the part-time Human Resources Coordinator.
• Ensure that proper financial policies are documented and enforced, detailed records are maintained, and internal controls observed to safeguard assets, protect confidential information, and provide accurate financial reporting. Maintaining a strong internal control environment will require the Director of Finance to review and approve items prepared by the Controller such as journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Maintain the books and records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Perform a thorough review of the financial reports on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Investigate significant variances between actual and budget. Alert the Headmaster to any areas of concern. Identify and resolve discrepancies, unusual transactions and/or any observed weakness in internal controls.
• Develop, monitor, and manage the School's annual budgets and monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, ensuring financial resources are allocated efficiently and in alignment with the School's goals.
• Collaborate with and aid the Headmaster and School Board committees in meeting fiduciary responsibilities (conduct quarterly Audit Committee meetings, document quarterly Investment Committee meetings, provide Headmaster with reports for quarterly School Board meetings).
• Oversee the annual insurance policy renewal cycles alongside the Headmaster.
• Supervise, obtain and provide accounting information and documentation to the independent public accounting firm to assure the timely completion of the annual audit on a June 30 fiscal year end.
• Ensure that human resources policies and practices are clearly articulated, consistently applied, and conform to legal requirements.
• Participate in developing School strategy by providing recommendations, financial analysis, projections, and other data to inform the process.
• Model high ethical standards and respect for colleagues, alumni, parents, and students in conducting School business.
• Respond to all in a timely manner and communicate in a clear and professional manner to all colleagues, staff and stakeholders.
• Remain current with business management trends in education and participate in educational opportunities such as reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in local, regional, and national professional organizations.
• Learn and understand the culture of our…