Saint MaryS Hall
Chief Financial and Operating Officer
Saint MaryS Hall, San Antonio, Texas, United States, 78208
Job description
Saint Mary's Hall in San Antonio, TX, has engaged DovetailED to lead a search for a Chief Financial Officer to start as soon as possible. Interested candidates should review the Opportunity Statement and submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references as a consolidated PDF to Zack Lehman, President at DovetailED Talent Sourcing, at zack@dovetailedsourcing.com.
Position Summary
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for overseeing the near and long-term financial health and strategic financial management of the school. The CFO provides financial leadership, ensuring long-term sustainability while upholding the mission, values, and strategic goals of the school. This position reports directly to the Head of School and works closely with the Board of Trustees, several of its committees as well as other key stakeholders.
The CFO leads the Finance and Business Office functions within the school as well as having oversight and responsibility for our dining program and certain revenue generating auxiliary programs, including our Spirit Store (which sells SMH-branded attire) and our Baronista (Coffee Shop). In addition, the CFO serves as the Administrative Liaison to three committees of the Board of Trustees: Finance, Investment, and Audit. This role requires collaboration with all departments within the school including, but not limited to, Advancement, Admissions, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School, Fine Arts, Athletics, Facilities, Security, and IT. It is anticipated that over time the role may assume other operational responsibilities.
Primary Responsibilities 1. Financial Leadership & Strategic Planning • Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy to ensure the School's fiscal sustainability. • Prepare annual budgets, long-term financial models, and forecasts in collaboration with the Head of School and Finance Committee. • Oversee tuition revenue management, financial aid administration and endowment investment strategy in partnership with the Board of Trustees. • Lead financial planning and analysis (FP&A), including cash flow management, expense forecasting, and multi-year capital planning. • Provide clear financial reports and recommendations to the Head of School, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees. • Oversee and develop risk management policies and reporting and ensure compliance with state and federal financial regulations.
2. Business Office & Accounting Management • Supervise the Business Office, ensuring reporting compliance in line with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and best practices in independent school finance. • Lead the annual audit process, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial reporting. • Oversee payroll processing, employee benefits administration, and compliance with employment laws. • Monitor accounts payable/receivable, purchasing, and general ledger management. • Ensure internal financial controls are in place and properly maintained. • Manage the school's insurance program, including broker relations, annual reviews, coverage updates, and pricing negotiations. Respond to policy inquiries and coordinate with brokers and insurers on claims. • Oversee the school's retirement program and chair the Retirement Investment Committee, managing relationships with the 403B fiduciary and recordkeeper.
3. Auxiliary Programs & Revenue Generation • Provide financial oversight of non-tuition revenue streams, including the Dining Services program, summer camps, facility rentals, Spirit Store, after school programs, and the Baronista. • Support fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the Advancement Office. • Develop and oversee third-party partnerships that enhance financial sustainability.
4. Board & Committee Collaboration • Serve as staff liaison to the Finance, Investment, and Audit Committees of the Board of Trustees. • Present financial and operational reports to the Board, ensuring clear communication of key financial metrics. • Assist the Head of School in implementing strategic initiatives and school-wide goals.
Qualifications & Experience • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required; MBA, CPA, or CFA preferred. • Minimum 7-10 years of senior financial leadership experience, preferably in an independent school, nonprofit, or education-related setting. • Knowledge of independent school financial models, endowment management, tuition setting, and financial aid administration. • Expertise in budgeting, financial forecasting, risk management, and capital project planning. • Strong leadership skills with the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and trustees. • Proficiency in Sage Intacct a plus. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and financial software (Blackbaud, Paychex PEO (payroll and benefits), Ramp (expense management and AP), and Veracross (student information system) a plus • Experience with NAIS & ISAS accreditation processes and independent school operations a plus. • Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills. • Commitment to the school's mission, values, and community.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements • Full-time, 12-month administrative position with on-campus presence required. • Must be able to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods. • Occasional evening and weekend work required for school events, board meetings, and financial reporting deadlines. • May require walking around campus, inspecting facilities, and overseeing projects.
Compensation & Benefits • Competitive salary based on experience and market standards in independent schools. • Comprehensive healthcare benefits, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. • Financial aid considered for qualified student dependents. • Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
How to Apply
Saint Mary's Hall has engaged DovetailED to lead this search. Interested candidates should email a cover letter (addressed to Head of School, Len Miller) a resume, and a list at least three professional references to Zack Lehman at zack@dovetailedsourcing.com, and Madison Suley, Senior Recruiter, at madison@dovetailedsourcing.com Please do not contact the school directly.
Saint Mary's Hall in San Antonio, TX, has engaged DovetailED to lead a search for a Chief Financial Officer to start as soon as possible. Interested candidates should review the Opportunity Statement and submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references as a consolidated PDF to Zack Lehman, President at DovetailED Talent Sourcing, at zack@dovetailedsourcing.com.
Position Summary
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for overseeing the near and long-term financial health and strategic financial management of the school. The CFO provides financial leadership, ensuring long-term sustainability while upholding the mission, values, and strategic goals of the school. This position reports directly to the Head of School and works closely with the Board of Trustees, several of its committees as well as other key stakeholders.
The CFO leads the Finance and Business Office functions within the school as well as having oversight and responsibility for our dining program and certain revenue generating auxiliary programs, including our Spirit Store (which sells SMH-branded attire) and our Baronista (Coffee Shop). In addition, the CFO serves as the Administrative Liaison to three committees of the Board of Trustees: Finance, Investment, and Audit. This role requires collaboration with all departments within the school including, but not limited to, Advancement, Admissions, Lower School, Middle School, Upper School, Fine Arts, Athletics, Facilities, Security, and IT. It is anticipated that over time the role may assume other operational responsibilities.
Primary Responsibilities 1. Financial Leadership & Strategic Planning • Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy to ensure the School's fiscal sustainability. • Prepare annual budgets, long-term financial models, and forecasts in collaboration with the Head of School and Finance Committee. • Oversee tuition revenue management, financial aid administration and endowment investment strategy in partnership with the Board of Trustees. • Lead financial planning and analysis (FP&A), including cash flow management, expense forecasting, and multi-year capital planning. • Provide clear financial reports and recommendations to the Head of School, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees. • Oversee and develop risk management policies and reporting and ensure compliance with state and federal financial regulations.
2. Business Office & Accounting Management • Supervise the Business Office, ensuring reporting compliance in line with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and best practices in independent school finance. • Lead the annual audit process, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial reporting. • Oversee payroll processing, employee benefits administration, and compliance with employment laws. • Monitor accounts payable/receivable, purchasing, and general ledger management. • Ensure internal financial controls are in place and properly maintained. • Manage the school's insurance program, including broker relations, annual reviews, coverage updates, and pricing negotiations. Respond to policy inquiries and coordinate with brokers and insurers on claims. • Oversee the school's retirement program and chair the Retirement Investment Committee, managing relationships with the 403B fiduciary and recordkeeper.
3. Auxiliary Programs & Revenue Generation • Provide financial oversight of non-tuition revenue streams, including the Dining Services program, summer camps, facility rentals, Spirit Store, after school programs, and the Baronista. • Support fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the Advancement Office. • Develop and oversee third-party partnerships that enhance financial sustainability.
4. Board & Committee Collaboration • Serve as staff liaison to the Finance, Investment, and Audit Committees of the Board of Trustees. • Present financial and operational reports to the Board, ensuring clear communication of key financial metrics. • Assist the Head of School in implementing strategic initiatives and school-wide goals.
Qualifications & Experience • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required; MBA, CPA, or CFA preferred. • Minimum 7-10 years of senior financial leadership experience, preferably in an independent school, nonprofit, or education-related setting. • Knowledge of independent school financial models, endowment management, tuition setting, and financial aid administration. • Expertise in budgeting, financial forecasting, risk management, and capital project planning. • Strong leadership skills with the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and trustees. • Proficiency in Sage Intacct a plus. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and financial software (Blackbaud, Paychex PEO (payroll and benefits), Ramp (expense management and AP), and Veracross (student information system) a plus • Experience with NAIS & ISAS accreditation processes and independent school operations a plus. • Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills. • Commitment to the school's mission, values, and community.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements • Full-time, 12-month administrative position with on-campus presence required. • Must be able to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods. • Occasional evening and weekend work required for school events, board meetings, and financial reporting deadlines. • May require walking around campus, inspecting facilities, and overseeing projects.
Compensation & Benefits • Competitive salary based on experience and market standards in independent schools. • Comprehensive healthcare benefits, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. • Financial aid considered for qualified student dependents. • Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
How to Apply
Saint Mary's Hall has engaged DovetailED to lead this search. Interested candidates should email a cover letter (addressed to Head of School, Len Miller) a resume, and a list at least three professional references to Zack Lehman at zack@dovetailedsourcing.com, and Madison Suley, Senior Recruiter, at madison@dovetailedsourcing.com Please do not contact the school directly.