Director of Finance & Operations

Priorities and Responsibilities:

• ·      Upholds the mission of The Episcopal School of Los Angeles
• ·      Upholds the NAIS and CAIS principals of good practice
• ·      Coordinates all function of the business office following priorities set by the Head of School
• ·      Oversee all aspects of financial transactions, financial reporting and external auditing
• ·      Enhance and drive financial controls for the organization including Delegation of Authority, Contract and Vendor Management and Asset Tracking
• ·      Create and maintain a long-range financial plan supporting the strategic plan
• ·      Develop a financial reporting regime which effectively informs the Leadership Team and Board of the organization’s financial health and operational performance
• ·      To supervise the work of the finance coordinator and business office personnel and use standard accounting and bookkeeping procedures, to keep an accurate continuous record of the cash and financial position of the school and manage the financial operation of the school so that the institution remains financially stable
• ·      To provide a monthly report of expenditures for use of each individual budget center within the school
• ·      To establish a plan and schedule for the preparation of the annual budget that will permit the setting of the succeeding year’s tuition at a Board of Trustees meeting early in the calendar year
• ·      To provide for the securing of an annual audit of the school’s financial records and financial positions
• ·      To oversee all school purchasing, financial investments, banking activities, payroll and benefits programs. Implements school’s investment policy
• ·      Oversees collection of tuition and auxiliary program receivables, ensuring that accounts are handled appropriately
• ·      To provide staff support, in conjunction with the head of school, to the Finance Committee and the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees
• ·      To manage risk at the school to ensure the safety of personnel and students in their use of the facilities and to maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect the property and to cover the liability of the school. Coordinates compliance under OSHA, Fire Department, Health Department, and other agencies as required
• ·      To oversee school transportation
• ·      To ensure the effective management of any auxiliary enterprises of the school
• ·      To represent the school at various regional, state, and national associations relative to the role of being the business manager
• ·      To perform other duties as assigned by the Head of School
• ·      To support the school and its leadership

Essential Functions and Key Objectives:

• ·      Serve as a strategic business partner to the Head of School and Senior Administration
• ·      Provide school-wide strategic leadership, planning, analysis and management of the school’s finances
• ·      Comfort with navigating all legal and compliance standards for grants, foundations and major gifts management
• ·      Establish financial and capital strategies consistent with ESLA strategic priorities
• ·      In consultation with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees, create, administer, monitor and adapt the school’s strategic financial plan, operating and capital budgets and other financial matters as needed
• ·      Supervise the school controller and outside firms
• ·      Prepare and present management reports to the Board and various committees
• ·      Evaluate and improve financial systems, internal controls and operations by championing continuous improvement, adopting best practices and effectively utilizing technology
• ·      Manage all business office operations including budgeting and accounting, financial modeling and analysis, payroll, human resources, risk management, employee benefits, tuition assistance, cash management, accounts receivable and payable, and contract administration
• ·      Manage operational cash flow, manage banking, loan and lease agreement and assess and develop plans to meet anticipated financial requirements of the school
• ·      Work with auditors to ensure compliance with applicable accounting procedures and standards; oversee and actively participate in the annual audit process
• ·      Manage the timely and accurate filing of all required financial reports in accordance with GAAP and in compliance with the IRS and other regulatory standards and requirements
• ·      Manage financial aspects of the school rental properties Risk Management
• ·      Work with the school’s insurance advisor and brokers to ensure that adequate, appropriate and cost-effective
• ·      insurance is in force, including public liability, property and casualty, directors and officer, Workers Compensation and bonding
• ·      Coordinate with various government and insurance inspectors to ensure that the school is operating consistent with health and safety codes
• ·      Maintain vigilance for situations that could pose a safety or health hazard and recommends appropriate remedial action
• ·      Establish, effectively communicate and test an extensive emergency response system
• ·      Insure that all safety systems are fully functional and that the security systems are operating at the level specified and within the expectations of the School community
• ·      Advise the Head of School of any situations which might have adverse safety or legal consequences for the school

• ·      Coordinate and oversee DASL data collection and submission
• ·      Collaborate effectively with and provide support for the Office of Advancement and the Admissions Office; serve on the Enrollment Management Committee
• ·      Participates in NAIS, ISBOA, nad ISM surveys analyzing result
• ·      Collects and analyzes data from multiple schools and other external sources
• ·      Prepares long-range revenue projections
• ·      With the Head of School, maintain positive relationships with ESLA’s neighbors and local town officials
• ·      Complete annual surveys and reports for benchmarking purposes
• ·      Attend and participate in Board meetings; prepare various reports as required
• ·      Other duties as assigned

• ·      Sits on Tuition Assistance Committee process for evaluating applications and making grants
• ·      Meets with applicant families as appropriate to determine need
• ·      Negotiates billing schedules and sets up contracts
• ·      Works with external funding sources to secure grants
• ·      Communicate effectively with the Director of Admissions regarding tuition assistance and tuition administration

• ·      With the Head of School, architects and the Director Facilities, plan campus development and oversee capital projects management and strategic planning
• ·      Supervise the Director of Facilities in establishing and maintaining standards of plant cleaning/housekeeping, maintenance, and repairs commensurate with the limitations of financial resources available with respect to the preservation of property, safety, the quality of students and faculty life, functional use and aesthetic values
• ·      Coordinates planning for major and cyclical renewal of facilities
• ·      Contracts suppliers and negotiates annual contracts, supervises throughout the year
• ·      Coordinate with the Director of Facilities & Campus Safety to plan for school security, coordinating dates for evacuation and security drills, planning and purchasing security-related equipment, scheduling human resources appropriate to security; co-chair the school Safety Committee
• ·      Manage institutional risk to ensure the safety of personnel and students in their use of facilities; implement appropriate safety policies and maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect property and cover the liability of the school and the school’s employees and directors
• ·      Manages summer and school year-upgrades

• ·      Works closely with the Head of School and others to facilitate fundraising efforts
• ·      Coordinates the sale of donated securities with brokers
• ·      Oversees credit card contribution deposits and account reconciliation

• ·      Supports the Head of School and Director of Human Resources human resource activities
• ·      Provides guidance in establishing appropriate benefits programs and recommends changes to enhance benefits and/or reduce costs
• ·      Manage all payroll services, interfacing with outsourced functions as well as consult with the Head of School to determine compensation administration
• ·      Manage group health insurance administration with providers, including overseeing and participating in administration of flex spending accounts
• ·      Ensures the school’s personnel policies support its programs and that the school’s actions regarding hiring, compensation, training, promotion and separation comply with state and federal requirements
• ·      Manage life and disability insurance programs
• ·      Administer 401(k) accounts, arrange for employee education
• ·     Conduct CORI, SAFIS and other employee background checks

• ·      Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• ·      Excellent organizational skills: accurate and attentive to detail
• ·      Effective time/project manager
• ·      Able to manage several projects simultaneously
• ·      Knowledge of computer applications related to business office job function
• ·      Mature, energetic, intelligent with professional demeanor
• ·      Good judgment and creative problem-solving
• ·      Commitment or development of relevant professional knowledge, skills, and abilities
• ·      Cheerful, flexible self-starter
• ·      Outgoing and optimistic with well-developed interpersonal skills
• ·      Thrives in fast-paced environment
• ·      Team player who can discern when to lead of follow
• ·      Strong knowledge of school management including finance, human resources, and non-educational systems that support the School’s institutional strength and future viability
• ·      Knowledge of fundraising systems and practice
• ·      Ability to effectively negotiate in a way that supports the interests and mission of the school
• ·      Ability to resolve conflicts while maintaining the rights and dignity of all parties

• ·      Salary is competitive with other area independent schools.
• ·      Full medical, dental, vision benefits, plus 401(k) with employer match.
• ·      Breakfast and lunch are freshly prepared by ESLA’s in-house kitchen each day.
• ·      Beyond competitive pay and benefits, administrators enjoy working in a student-centered, collaborative, and joyful learning community.
• ·      Anticipated base compensation is $150,000–$180,000 depending on experience
• ·      Immediate hire will be considered for the right candidate

•   Résumé or Curriculum Vitae.