Description
Are you a financial leader who enjoys collaborating with others and making a meaningful difference in education? The J127 Education Foundation is seeking a Director of Finance to lead financial operations for the Foundation and its schools: Merritt Academy, First Steps Academy, and The Appletree School.
Overseeing an organization with approximately $13 million in annual revenue, the Director of Finance will combine strategic planning with hands-on financial management to support our schools’ continued success. The Director will bridge financial strategy with what is happening throughout the schools, partnering closely with school leadership to connect financial resources with school operations and programming. You will oversee the development of the annual operating budget, help budget managers assess tradeoffs between program goals and spending, develop multi-year financial models for overall operations, including enrollment, capital investments, and strategic initiatives, and prepare reports and recommendations for the Executive Director to evaluate and share with the Board. This position leads a three-person Finance team.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily financial operations, including general accounting, student billing, internal controls and financial policies and prepare accurate, timely reports, providing clear analysis and recommendations to Foundation and school leadership.
- Oversee the annual budgeting process, partnering with the Finance team, Executive Director, and budget managers to evaluate requests, establish priorities, and align resources with institutional goals.
- Partner with academic and administrative leaders to understand program objectives, operational plans, and resource needs, providing financial guidance that supports informed decision-making.
- Manage cash flow and financial resources to support daily operations and long-term stability.
- Ensure accurate accrual accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger management.
- Provide oversight and review of the annual audit and Form 990 preparation, supporting the Finance team’s work and coordinating with external partners.
- Maintain strong internal controls, ensure adherence to financial policies, and recommend improvements.
- Oversee corporate insurance coverage, renewals, and related coordination.
- Supervise, coach, and support the Finance team, encouraging collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
- Serve as a trusted resource to school directors on financial questions, operational planning, and resource allocation.
- Evaluate financial best practices, proposed programs, and opportunities to improve efficiency and support sustainable growth.
Requirements
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation required.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required; advanced education or relevant professional training is a plus.
- 10+ years of progressive finance and accounting leadership in a complex operating environment with multiple revenue streams and significant reporting requirements. Independent school, higher education institution, or a similar nonprofit organization preferred.
- At least three years of supervisory experience.
- Strong knowledge of accrual accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger management.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to colleagues with varying levels of financial experience.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, with the ability to build positive relationships across diverse school communities.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and exercise sound judgment under pressure.
- A high degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential information.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word required.
- Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge preferred.
We seek candidates who exhibit professionalism, pride in work, initiative, a strong work ethic and who support parents as partners in education.
We support our staff’s passion for learning by providing a tuition reimbursement program as well as many professional development training opportunities. Additional benefits include:
- Competitive pay
- Health, dental and vision insurance options for eligible employees
- Vacation and sick leave
- Retirement plan with employer matching
- Life Insurance
- Discounted tuition rate for child(ren) attending any J127 Education Foundation school
Skills Required
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field
- 10+ years of progressive finance and accounting leadership in a complex operating environment
- At least three years of supervisory experience
- Knowledge of accrual accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger management
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to varied audiences
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
- Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and exercise sound judgment under pressure
- Integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential information
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
- Advanced education or relevant professional training
- Experience in an independent school, higher education institution, or similar nonprofit organization
- Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge
What We Do
Merritt Academy is an independent private school in Fairfax, Virginia providing early childhood through grade 8 education on a seven-acre campus. The school emphasizes rigorous academics, character education and service to families, offering infant/toddler care, preschool, elementary and middle school programs designed to support social, emotional and academic development.
