Director of Finance

Lake Ridge Academy seeks a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven finance leader to guide the school’s fiscal health and long-term sustainability. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Finance will report directly to the Head of School and ensure financial resources align with our mission and maximize educational impact for every student.

Key Responsibilities

● Lead all accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow operations.

● Prepare and present accurate monthly financial statements, reports, and projections.

● Manage tuition billing and tuition assistance programs.

● Oversee banking relationships, manage debt, and ensure compliance with agreements.

● Work closely with the Finance Committee and Board Treasurer to lead Finance Committee meetings, provide timely and accurate financial updates, and ensure the Board has clear visibility into the school’s financial position and key issues.

Strategic Leadership

● Partner with the Head of School and Board to develop long-term financial strategies.
● Lead the annual budgeting process and monitor performance against goals.
● Mentor and supervise finance and HR staff to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and service excellence. Compliance & Operations
● Coordinate annual audits, ensuring adherence to GAAP and implementation of recommendations.
● Oversee vendor contracts, leases, and purchasing policies.
● Maintain strong internal controls and risk management practices.
● Serves as the primary point of contact for families regarding financial matters regarding enrollment. In conjunction with the Financial Aid & Scholarship Committee, award financial aid and scholarships. Responsible for the accurate and timely distribution of student enrollment contracts.
Community Engagement
● Foster transparency and financial literacy across departments.
● Engage with parents, donors, and community partners to strengthen trust and support.
Ideal Candidate
● Mission-driven leader with a track record of aligning finances to organizational values.
● Proven experience in senior financial leadership, preferably in education or nonprofit sectors. Experience in a K–12 school setting is especially valuable.
● Strategic thinker with the ability to execute hands-on financial operations.
● Skilled communicator able to explain financial concepts to non-financial audiences.

Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA, MBA, or equivalent experience preferred).
● Minimum 7 years of progressive financial leadership experience in education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations. Experience in a K-12 school setting would be especially valuable.
● Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
● Strong understanding of GAAP, with experience in audits, compliance, and internal controls.
● Proficiency with Quick Books Online and advanced spreadsheet skills; experience with HR/payroll systems is a plus.
● Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
Why Join Us At Lake Ridge Academy, you’ll join a collaborative leadership team dedicated to shaping the future of our students. We offer a supportive community, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to make a direct impact on the lives of children and families. Our compensation includes a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, 403(b), and tuition remission for children of employees.
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). .

Lake Ridge Academy is the only independent college preparatory school on Cleveland's west side. Our co-educational curriculum offers a unique blend of academics, extracurricular activities, and a focus on character development, all on our beautiful 93-acre campus. With a student-teacher ratio of 8:1, our devoted faculty provides personalized attention to help every student thrive.