Chief Financial Officer

Job Title: Chief Finance Officer

Job Summary: The primary objective of this position is to provide leadership in handling financial management functions for Harding Academy. The individual in this position must have an overall perspective of the financial status of the school and be able to provide sound advice and recommendations to the President and Board of Directors on financial issues affecting the operation and mission of the Academy.

Qualifications and Skills:

1. A bachelor's degree in accounting or a related business field with a strong analytical background.

2. Working knowledge and expertise of good business management and accounting principles and operations.

3. Working knowledge and expertise in computer technology sufficient to allow effective integration of appropriate business office systems.

4. Strong ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with diverse groups of individuals on issues relating to the business office and financial matters of the school.

5. Working knowledge and understanding of financial control procedures.

6. Working knowledge and experience of budget preparation and management.

7. Ability to effectively lead and supervise employees.

8. Ability to work as part of a leadership team.

Job Classification: full-time; 12-months

Reports to: Head of School of Harding Academy

Supervises: Accounts Payable and Cash Receipts Accountant, Student Billing and Human Resources Accountant

Job Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Financial Planning

A. Prepares strategic financial plan and coordinates annual budgets. Ensure they meet the financial goals of the school.

B. Projects enrollment.

C. Projects major factors affecting the institution. Track trends and benchmarks goals.

D. Sets tuition rates, fees, and discount policies.

E. Establishes compensation plans and rates.

F. Coordinates lending activities to ensure adequate access to funds.

G. Provides for capital campaigns and capital expenditures. Participates, as part of the management team, in major financial decisions.

H. Provides cost analysis on major expenditures, contracts, and projects. Reviews vendor contracts and drafts contracts where needed.

2. Accounting and Financial Operations

A. Establishes financial policies and practices. Maintains effective control and

management of financial matters.

B. Ensures a positive cash position and maintains lines of credit.

C. Makes all general journal entries.

D. Ensures general ledger accounts are reconciled.

E. Reviews and supervises all expenditure of funds.

F. Supervises and ensures the timely deposit of all income into the proper accounts.

G. Works with Admissions to ensure enrollment contracts, forms, and website are correct and meet the established policies.

H. Establishes collection policies and oversees the collection of accounts.

I. Supervises Business Office staff and ensures procedures are followed, activities are current, problems are resolved, and excellent customer service is provided.

J. Ensures tax and informational reports are correct, including 941, W-2's, 990, 5500's, injury reports, and various government requested information.

K. Prepares annual accounting adjustments and coordinates audit of financial statements.

L. Ensures proper management and accounting for endowment. Coordinates activities with investment advisor.

M. Oversees the Academy's property, liability, D&O, student accident, and worker's compensation insurance policies. Coordinates workers' injury claims.

N. Ensures technology is appropriate for account operations.

O. Ensures record retention requirements are met.

P. Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

3. Human Resources and Administrator of Employee Benefits

A. Supervises human resources processes.

B. Maintains Employee Handbook.

C. Coordinates faculty contract process.

D. Oversees payroll processes.

E. Works with benefit agent to establish employee benefit program. Including self-insurance health plan and other benefits, and annual benefit enrollment process and system.

F. Serves as retirement plan administrator and works with fiduciary agents to ensure plan is administered correctly.

4. Financial Aid

A. Drafts and maintains financial aid guidelines.

B. Oversees financial aid committee process and award recommendations.

C. Oversees third party aid process including ESA, EFS, New Hope, and Most. Utilizes ESA and EFS systems to ensure funds are received and recorded.

5. Corporate Secretary

A. Attends all board meetings and take minutes. Maintains historical records.

B. Maintains board term tracking.

6. Financial Reporting and Communication

A. Compiles and presents financial data as requested by the directorates, President, and Board.

B. Coordinates activities of the Finance Committee of the Board.

C. Attends Board and various committee meetings to provide information and advice and to translate Board actions into financial plans.

D. Establishes and manages relationships with banking institutions that provide deposit and lending to the school.

E. Addresses issues and concerns reported to the business office by parents and employees.

F. Informs and instructs employees on payroll and benefit issues.

G. Ensures confidentiality of records and information.

H. Conducts financial activities and communicates in a way that builds trust and confidence.