Director of Finance

Porter-Gaud School is an Episcopal, independent, coeducational day school of 1,650 students in preschool through grade 12. The School is seeking a Director of Finance to join our Business Office team immediately but no later than July 1, 2026. This position is a 12 month, exempt position with a contract year running July through June.

The Director of Finance is a senior financial leader responsible for stewarding Porter-Gaud School’s financial resources in support of its mission and long-term sustainability. The Director of Finance oversees the school’s accounting operations, financial planning and analysis, treasury functions, endowment and debt activity, audits, and internal controls.

This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a complex independent school environment. The Director of Finance ensures the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the school’s financial records; manages key external relationships including banks, auditors, and investment partners; and provides thoughtful financial analysis and guidance to school leadership and trustees. The position also plays a critical role in capital planning and the financial oversight of multimillion-dollar construction and renovation projects.

The Director of Finance leads a Business Office team that includes the Senior Accountant, Director of Student Billing/Financial Aid, and Accounting Assistant and collaborates closely with colleagues across campus to promote sound financial stewardship and continuous improvement.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as a key financial advisor to the Assistant Head for Finance & Operations and Head of School on budgeting, forecasting, long-range planning, and financial sustainability.
• Contribute to institutional strategy by providing data-driven insights, scenario modeling, and recommendations that support mission-aligned decision-making.
• Partner with the Finance and Investment Committees of the Board, including preparing and presenting financial reports and analyses.

Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Analysis

• Collaborate with the Assistant Head for Finance & Operations in the development of the annual operating and capital budgets and multi-year financial plans.
• Monitor income, expenses, and cash flow throughout the year; analyze variances; and recommend actions to improve financial performance and asset utilization.
• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports in accordance with GAAP.

Accounting Operations and Controls

• Manage all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, payroll coordination, and month-end and year-end close processes.
• Establish, maintain, and communicate robust accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard school assets and mitigate risk.
• Administer and optimize the school’s financial systems, including Blackbaud, ensuring data integrity and effective integration with related systems.

Endowment, Debt, and Treasury Management

• Own and manage the school’s banking and treasury relationships.
• Work closely with the school’s Investment consultant and Advancement team to execute multimillion-dollar endowment transactions and oversee related accounting and reporting.
• Perform biannual debt compliance reviews and prepare required compliance reports, surveys, and financial analyses.

Audit, Compliance, and Reporting

• Manage the annual financial audit, serving as the primary liaison with the school’s external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and lender covenants.
• Support preparation of financial information for tax filings and other required reports, as applicable.

Advancement and Gift Accounting

• Coordinate with Institutional Advancement to ensure that gifts, pledges, and restricted funds are accurately recorded and expended in accordance with donor intent.
• Provide oversight and guidance related to fund accounting and stewardship reporting.

Capital Projects and Special Initiatives

• Provide financial oversight and reporting for major construction, renovation, and campus development projects.
• Support feasibility analysis, financing strategies, and ongoing financial monitoring for capital initiatives.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Business Office team by setting clear expectations, providing training and feedback, and fostering a collaborative, service-oriented culture.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support professional growth and succession planning.

Collaboration and Service

• Serve as a trusted financial resource to administrators, department leaders, and program directors across campus.
• Translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders.
• Promote financial literacy, accountability, and best practices throughout the school community.

Experience and Skills

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field with a strong working knowledge of GAAP.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Demonstrated financial acumen in budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, expense control, and financial reporting.
• Experience in nonprofit accounting; independent or educational institution experience strongly valued.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams and to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Advanced analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial concepts to diverse audiences.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to Porter-Gaud School’s mission and values.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining perspective, flexibility, and a sense of humor.
• The Director of Finance will display a continuous commitment to developing the attitudes, knowledge, and skills (intercultural competence) to engage in appropriate and effective communication with students, colleagues, and families from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We desire candidates who will contribute to the school’s efforts to continue creating a more inclusive and equitable community where all individuals can develop a sense of belonging.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• Experience with endowments, charitable trust accounting, fund accounting, and restricted contributions
• Familiarity with Blackbaud and/or Veracross financial systems.
• Finance or accounting experience in an independent school or similar educational setting.

Reporting:

The Director of Finance will report directly to the Assistant Head for Finance & Operations. 

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Porter-Gaud is a Christian community that seeks to love and serve faculty, staff, students, and families of all faith backgrounds. Therefore, all Porter-Gaud employees will honor the God-given dignity of each member of our community. They will display a continuous commitment to developing the attitudes, knowledge, and skills to engage in appropriate and effective communication with students, colleagues, and families from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We desire candidates who will contribute to the school's efforts to continue creating a more inclusive and equitable community where all individuals can develop a sense of belonging.

Porter-Gaud School is committed to welcoming and supporting a diverse faculty and staff. The School welcomes applicants from all backgrounds as the School believes that best serves our students. In accordance with law, Porter-Gaud School is an equal opportunity employer and hires without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.

Porter-Gaud School is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students.  We hold our employees to the highest possible standards.  All employees are subject to extensive background check screenings and must sign our code of conduct.  We strive to monitor employees while interacting with students.  We take any inappropriate interactions between students and employees seriously and are committed to mandatory reporting standards as required by law.  We will fully cooperate with authorities in any allegation or case of abuse.

About Porter-Gaud School

Porter-Gaud School is a 1-12 co-ed independent school in Charleston, SC. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable community in which all individuals can contribute to school life and develop a sense of belonging.

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