Woodland School (Independent School in Portola Valley)
Chief Financial Officer
Woodland School (Independent School in Portola Valley), Portola Valley, California, United States, 94028
Overview
Woodland School (Portola Valley, CA) seeks a Chief Financial Officer to lead the financial health and strategic fiscal management of the School. The CFO partners with the Head of School, the Board of Trustees, and the leadership team to steward resources, ensure operational efficiency, and support the School’s mission and long-term sustainability. Woodland School operates with about $16M in revenue, ample reserves/endowment, and no debt. The School has grown to full capacity enrollment of 325 students, up from 265 in 2019. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the School’s senior leadership team, responsible for the overall financial health and strategic fiscal management of the School. This role requires a balance of strategic vision, operational expertise, and deep financial acumen. Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Strategy
Develop and implement financial strategies that align with the School’s mission, goals, and long-term plans. Serve as a strategic advisor to the Head of School, Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership team, in preparing and presenting financial reports, forecasts, and analysis. Lead annual budgeting and multi-year financial planning processes. Manage and steward the School’s endowment, including investment oversight, compliance with spending policies, and regular reporting to the Board of Trustees. Oversee all aspects of accounting, payroll, tuition billing, accounts receivable/payable, and financial reporting. Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Manage the annual audit process and maintain strong internal controls.
Tuition, Enrollment, and Development Support
Partner with Admissions and Development to align tuition pricing, tuition assistance, and fundraising efforts with the School’s revenue goals. Oversee the administration of the financial aid program in partnership with the Tuition Assistance Committee.
Operations & Risk Management
Supervise business office staff and vendor contract management. Manage the School’s insurance programs and risk mitigation strategies. Manage employee health, 401(k), and other benefit programs to ensure they are competitive, sustainable, and aligned with the School’s mission and resources. Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Board & Committee Engagement
Provide clear, accurate, and timely information to the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees of the Board of Trustees. Support the Head of School in fostering a strong, transparent relationship with the Board regarding financial matters.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required; CPA or MBA a plus Significant senior financial management experience, ideally in an independent school, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization. Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, forecasting, investment management, and GAAP accounting. Experience with tuition management, tuition assistance programs, and nonprofit fundraising financial practices preferred. Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and manage staff. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills. High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to the School’s mission and values. Eagerness to engage in the life of an elementary school campus. Upcoming Opportunities for the New CFO
Convert the School’s vision in the Strategic Plan 2023-2028 into realities supported by effective financial planning. Spearheading and architecting the School’s endowment framework. Campus development supported by effective master planning and lease negotiation. Support high teacher retention and a strong workplace through continued success of Woodland’s competitive compensation program, data-informed approaches, and new initiatives. Community Engagement
Dedicated to advancing Woodland’s mission and core values by aligning financial leadership and budget planning with organizational objectives. Visible presence on campus and highly engaged in the daily life of the school. Actively engaged in the community with genuine enthusiasm and a proven passion for finance. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
Woodland School is committed to equity and access. The CFO will model cultural competence, foster an inclusive workplace, and ensure transparent stewardship of resources that support affordability, Tuition Assistance, employee well-being, and community programs. Compensation : $225,000 to $250,000, excellent benefits, 401K employer contribution of 5% after one year of employment, a $1000 wellness stipend, and generous professional development program. Contact
This retained search is managed by Mary Law Executive Search, the Bay Area leader in placing nonprofit and private school finance and HR professionals. Mary Law Mary Law Executive Search mary@marylawexecutivesearch.com 925-785-6991 Job Details
Seniority level:
Executive Employment type:
Full-time Job function:
Accounting/Auditing and Finance Industries:
Primary and Secondary Education, Education, and Non-profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Woodland School (Portola Valley, CA) seeks a Chief Financial Officer to lead the financial health and strategic fiscal management of the School. The CFO partners with the Head of School, the Board of Trustees, and the leadership team to steward resources, ensure operational efficiency, and support the School’s mission and long-term sustainability. Woodland School operates with about $16M in revenue, ample reserves/endowment, and no debt. The School has grown to full capacity enrollment of 325 students, up from 265 in 2019. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the School’s senior leadership team, responsible for the overall financial health and strategic fiscal management of the School. This role requires a balance of strategic vision, operational expertise, and deep financial acumen. Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Strategy
Develop and implement financial strategies that align with the School’s mission, goals, and long-term plans. Serve as a strategic advisor to the Head of School, Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership team, in preparing and presenting financial reports, forecasts, and analysis. Lead annual budgeting and multi-year financial planning processes. Manage and steward the School’s endowment, including investment oversight, compliance with spending policies, and regular reporting to the Board of Trustees. Oversee all aspects of accounting, payroll, tuition billing, accounts receivable/payable, and financial reporting. Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Manage the annual audit process and maintain strong internal controls.
Tuition, Enrollment, and Development Support
Partner with Admissions and Development to align tuition pricing, tuition assistance, and fundraising efforts with the School’s revenue goals. Oversee the administration of the financial aid program in partnership with the Tuition Assistance Committee.
Operations & Risk Management
Supervise business office staff and vendor contract management. Manage the School’s insurance programs and risk mitigation strategies. Manage employee health, 401(k), and other benefit programs to ensure they are competitive, sustainable, and aligned with the School’s mission and resources. Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Board & Committee Engagement
Provide clear, accurate, and timely information to the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees of the Board of Trustees. Support the Head of School in fostering a strong, transparent relationship with the Board regarding financial matters.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required; CPA or MBA a plus Significant senior financial management experience, ideally in an independent school, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization. Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, forecasting, investment management, and GAAP accounting. Experience with tuition management, tuition assistance programs, and nonprofit fundraising financial practices preferred. Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and manage staff. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills. High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to the School’s mission and values. Eagerness to engage in the life of an elementary school campus. Upcoming Opportunities for the New CFO
Convert the School’s vision in the Strategic Plan 2023-2028 into realities supported by effective financial planning. Spearheading and architecting the School’s endowment framework. Campus development supported by effective master planning and lease negotiation. Support high teacher retention and a strong workplace through continued success of Woodland’s competitive compensation program, data-informed approaches, and new initiatives. Community Engagement
Dedicated to advancing Woodland’s mission and core values by aligning financial leadership and budget planning with organizational objectives. Visible presence on campus and highly engaged in the daily life of the school. Actively engaged in the community with genuine enthusiasm and a proven passion for finance. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice
Woodland School is committed to equity and access. The CFO will model cultural competence, foster an inclusive workplace, and ensure transparent stewardship of resources that support affordability, Tuition Assistance, employee well-being, and community programs. Compensation : $225,000 to $250,000, excellent benefits, 401K employer contribution of 5% after one year of employment, a $1000 wellness stipend, and generous professional development program. Contact
This retained search is managed by Mary Law Executive Search, the Bay Area leader in placing nonprofit and private school finance and HR professionals. Mary Law Mary Law Executive Search mary@marylawexecutivesearch.com 925-785-6991 Job Details
Seniority level:
Executive Employment type:
Full-time Job function:
Accounting/Auditing and Finance Industries:
Primary and Secondary Education, Education, and Non-profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr