Churchill Center and School is an independent school located in suburban St. Louis, Missouri, for students in grades 2 through 8 with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities. Churchill’s mission is to give high potential children with learning disabilities the finest, individualized, remedial education and the support they need to achieve success and return to a traditional classroom... And to foster greater understanding and support for all people with learning disabilities by training other educators, supporting our families and enlightening the community. 

Churchill is seeking an exemplary and ethical individual to serve as its Director of Finance.  This position reports directly to the Head of School and works closely with the Board of Trustees.  The projected start date is January 2024.  This is a twelve-month, full-time, exempt, on-site position. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Finance oversees all business functions, including: accounting and reporting, investment management, payroll and human resources, financial aid, facilities management, and risk management.  This person develops and oversees financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard assets, protects confidential information, and ensures accurate financial reporting.

Accounting and Reporting

• Direct and advise on all accounting activities.
• Compile and present monthly and annual financial reports to school leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Build and maintain the annual budget and multi-year forecasting/planning to align with the school's mission.
• Monitor accounts receivable to ensure proper billing, payment, and accounting of amounts due to the school.
• Review accounts payable for coding accuracy and proper payment terms, and regularly process payments to vendors.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP on all accounting practices, and work with external auditors to accurately complete the annual audited financial statements and 990 return.
• Collaborate effectively with the Development, Outreach, and Admissions departments to ensure accuracy and proper reporting.
• Report data to NAIS annually and share data with other accreditation bodies as needed.

Investment Management

• Serve as the liaison between the investment management company and the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees.
• Reconcile and monitor the performance of the investment account(s), ensuring that the investment company complies with the Board’s Investment Policy Statement.
• Calculate amounts that can be drawn from the endowment funds for scholarships, Outreach, and general purposes.
• Request proposals from other investment companies as indicated in the school’s Bylaws.

Payroll and Human Resources

• Administer and manage all employee benefit programs, including health insurance, retirement, workers compensation, life insurance, and other related plans.
• Assist employees in their understanding of the benefits.
• Ensure that human resources policies and practices are clearly articulated, consistently applied, and conform to legal requirements.
• Serve as the school’s representative on the insurance consortium Board of Trustees, and work with consultants to provide medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Lead and direct the annual 403(b) plan audit and 5500 return.
• Benchmark salaries and benefits with those of other schools to ensure they remain competitive and to help retain talented faculty and staff.
• Create and maintain faculty and staff employment agreements.
• Review and revise the employee handbook annually, and communicate changes to employees.
• Manage worker’s compensation policy, obtain timely information from injured employees, and process claims with insurance company.

Financial Aid

• Collaborate with other members of the Financial Aid Committee to ensure aid is going to those applicants who demonstrate need.
• Review financial aid applications and ensure accuracy by communicating with applicants, reviewing applicant income tax returns, and analyzing and correcting data entered in the financial aid system.
• Calculate amount of financial aid and scholarships to be awarded each year.
• Ensure proper documentation and application of aid awards.

Facilities Management

• Oversee the maintenance of the building and grounds, including supervision of the facilities department.
• Collaborate with the Facilities Manager and Technology Coordinator to obtain bids for capital projects and technology.
• Maintain vendor contract files, and enforce contracts as required.

Risk Management

• Ensure that the school complies with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Manage the school’s liability and insurance policies, and work with the school’s insurance company to ensure sufficient coverage in all areas of the school.
• Safeguard the school’s assets and confidential information through oversight and by updating policies and procedures governing these areas.

Other

• Supervise the Office Manager and Supervisor of Student Health and Records.
• Participate in the development of school strategy, providing recommendations, financial analysis, projections, and other data to inform the process.
• Collaborate with and assist the Head of School and the Board of Trustees in meeting fiduciary responsibilities.
• Remain current with business management trends and cultivate professional standards and development by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in local, regional, and national professional organizations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Certified Public Accountant with not-for-profit accounting or independent school experience preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience in auditing.
• Minimum of two years of experience supervising other individuals.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite products, web applications, and database management software, as well as the ability to confidently learn new technologies.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Highest degree of integrity and ethics, including commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently yet effectively with others.
• Attention to detail, with excellent time-management and analytical skills.
• Ability to simultaneously manage a wide variety of issues, situations and people.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with coworkers, trustees, and parents.

Resumés and letters of interest can be emailed to resume@churchillstl.org or mailed to Churchill Center and School, 1021 Municipal Center Drive, Town & Country, MO 63131. 

No telephone inquiries please.  Churchill Center and School is an equal opportunity employer.

About Churchill Center & School

Churchill Center & School, an independent elementary school in St. Louis, is one of the top educational institutions for learning disabilities in the country serving approximately 300 children with dyslexia, ADHD and other learning disabilities through day school, summer school and tutoring each year. For over 40 years, Churchill’s mission has been to empower students with learning disabilities, dyslexia and ADHD to gain the strategies and confidence they need to succeed, becoming advocates for their future.

Connections working at Churchill Center & School