Finance Officer

Job Title: Finance Officer

Employer: Granada Islamic School
Location: 3003 Scott Blvd., Santa Clara, California
Position Type: Full-Time, On-Site
Organization Type: K–12 Private Non-Profit School

Reports to: Head of School and Board of Directors, Treasurer

About Granada Islamic School (GIS)

Granada Islamic School (GIS) is a vibrant, mission-driven K–12 private school located in the heart of Silicon Valley, educating children with a strong focus on academic subjects alongside the traditions and teachings of Islam. Since its inception, GIS has dedicated its efforts toward inspiring and preparing students to be lifelong learners and realize the importance of striving for the best in this life and the Hereafter. This includes a strong commitment to academic excellence, character development, and nurturing the whole child. With a strong community of faculty, families, and alumni, we strive to provide an enriching educational experience that prepares students for a lifetime of success.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Finance Officer to provide strategic financial leadership for our K–12 private non-profit school in Santa Clara, California. The Finance Officer is responsible for budgeting, financial planning, compliance, donor and scholarship fund accounting, risk management, and transparent reporting to the Head of School and Board. This position plays a critical role in ensuring fiscal health, compliance with nonprofit regulations, and alignment of resources with GIS’s mission and priorities.

We are offering a 20-hour on-site position, with the opportunity to transition to full-time after a six-month probationary period. Upon completion of probation, the position will become full-time. This is an exempt position.

You will be part of a mission-driven, student-centered environment and collaborate closely with a dedicated leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the development of the annual operating budget and multi-year forecasts.
• Monitor revenue and expenditures; provide monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to the Head of School and the Board Finance Committee.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and reconciliations to ensure financial stability.
• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for academic programs, staffing, and capital initiatives.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and IRS/state regulations.
• Maintain strong internal controls, segregation of duties, and fraud-prevention practices.
• Oversee timely tax and regulatory filings (IRS Form 990, 1099s, state property/sales/use tax, etc.).
• Support annual audits, coordinate with external auditors, and implement recommendations.

Donor & Scholarship Fund Management

• Track, deposit, and reconcile donations and grants in collaboration with the Marketing & Fundraising Associate.
• Manage restricted vs. unrestricted fund allocations to ensure donor intent compliance.
• Oversee and process all scholarship and financial aid funds, including the application of policies and the preparation of compliance reports.

Risk Management & Insurance

• Oversee the school’s insurance coverage (property, liability, etc.).
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks; develop financial risk management policies.
• Provide annual updates and suggest changes as needed to the Board on risk exposure and insurance adequacy.

Board Reporting & Collaboration

• Present budget vs. actuals, forecasts, and financial analyses to the Board Finance Committee.
• Provide annual reports on audit results, compliance status, and risk management.
• Collaborate with the HR & Accounts department to reconcile annual payroll, benefits, and compensation data with budgeted plans and to compile a report accordingly.
• Collaborate with the Head of School, Accounting team, and MCA Finance to ensure accuracy, transparency, and fiscal accountability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit, independent school, or education finance.
• Knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit fund accounting, and IRS/state compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and monitoring budgets, forecasts, and Board-level reports.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks and financial reporting systems; familiarity with donor CRM software.
• Strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Commitment to the mission and values of Granada Islamic School.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration; CPA strongly preferred.
• Experience in an educational or independent school environment.
• Knowledge of risk management and insurance policies for nonprofit schools.
• Experience in donor stewardship, restricted/unrestricted fund accounting, and grant compliance.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace.

Compensation & Benefits

• $75K -$95,000 FTE (40 hours) /year, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Personal Time Off allowance and school holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Tuition discounts for parents/guardians of eligible child(ren) enrolled at GIS.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to apply here.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Expected start date: October 15, 2025 (or sooner)

Non-Discrimination & Equal Opportunity Policy

Granada Islamic School is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity.

As a faith-based institution, GIS reserves the right to make employment decisions based on religious preferences and other needs consistent with applicable law.