Director of Finance

We are seeking an experienced Director of Finance. GSDS serves over 260 students from infancy through eighth grade, with an annual operating budget of approximately $6 million and a staff of about 80 full- and part-time professionals.

The ideal Candidate will be available no later than January 2027 and is well prepared and eager to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Report to and work closely with the Head of School
• Liaison and interface with as well as report out to the Board Treasurer, Finance Committee and the full Board of Trustees.
• Liaison and interface with donors and Investment Committee members.
• Liaison, interface and assure compliance where applicable with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, The Jewish Education Center and all major donor constituencies.
• Provides HOS and Board of Directors with information vital to the decision-making process.
• Manage the school widebudgeting and ongoing management aligned to budget.
• Finance and Accounting Systems
• Responsible for communication with and requirements of the school’s insurers and policies.
• Coordinating activities of external auditors.
• Planning, directing and coordinating all accounting operational functions.
• Manage state funds and scholarships Managing the accumulation and consolidation of all financial data necessary for an accurate accounting of consolidated business results.
• Coordinating and preparing internal and external financial statements.
• Assessing current accounting operations, offering recommendations for improvement and implementing new processes.
• Evaluating accounting and internal control systems.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of accounting software and supporting databases as needed.
• Developing and monitoring business performance metrics.
• Overseeing regulatory reporting, frequently including tax planning and compliance.
• Human Resources:
• Liaison with teachers and staff in regards to all matters related to payroll.
• Managing the 403b process with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the frozen 403b Gross Schechter plan.
• Oversee and manage contractual relationships with fractional human resources firm, People Architects, and school nurse staffing firm, PSI.
• Business Office Management:
• Supervise and provide support to the finance team members and office manager.
• Provide customer service assistance and education to parents in regards to their tuition and financial assistance matters.
• Hiring, training and retaining skilled office, bookkeeping and accounting staff and contractors.

• Five years of relevant experience required.
• Experience in not for profit accounting.
• Experience in an independent school setting.
• Experience supervising and developing staff.
• Experience working closely with trustees, donors and key lay leaders.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
• Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or professional accreditation such as certified public accountant (CPA) preferred.