Head of Finance

Head of Finance (HoF)

REPORTS TO: Head of School | Dotted Line Regional Director of Finance

STATUS: Salaried

DIRECT REPORTS: Yes

LOCATION: On-Site | Rowntree Montessori Schools

Purpose of Role

The HoF will work closely with the, School's Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and the ISP Regional Team (Finance, HR & Facilities), to support the school's mission and objectives. We are looking for a dynamic "hands-on, roll-up your sleeves" experienced finance professional who can serve as a financial business partner to the Head of School and ISP Regional Finance Team (FLT). The HoF is responsible for overseeing and managing the financial operations for our Schools. This role combines financial expertise with business acumen to ensure the school's financial health and efficiency.

ISP Principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Well-being and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial & Risk Management

· Responsible for oversite of all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting.

· Develop and implement financial policies, standard operating procedures locally that align with ISP processes to ensure controls are in place and accuracy and compliance with regulatory and company requirements.

· Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for the ISP Regional Team and other key stakeholders.

· Identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies to protect the school's assets and earnings.

· Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and financial reporting standards.

· Coordinate with ISP Regional Finance Team during internal and external audit periods.

Financial Planning & Budgeting

· Supporting the development and implementation of best financial practices.

· Completing the financial forecasting.

· Achieving financial targets and objectives.

· Leading the annual budgeting process through collaboration with the school SLT and the ISP Regional Team.

· Manage the end-to-end monthly closing processes.

· Monitor budget performance in partnership with the ISP Regional team, identify variances and recommend corrective actions.

Cash Flow, Purchasing & Capex

· Ensure that local cash management is optimized.

· Record and report local bank balances regularly.

· Record capital expenditure for all major projects and assess the impact of significant cash outflows on cash forecasts.

· Prepare & report cash flows accurately & timely, and that surplus cash is repatriated to the Parent company.

· Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll review.

· Oversee, review and setup processes for purchases.

Tuition and Fee Management

· Oversee the billing and collections of tuition fees, ensuring timely and accurate processing.

· Manage the tuition assistance and discount programs in partnership with the ISP Regional Team that aligns with state, federal and company regulations and requirements.

· Provide oversight to the teams that communicate with parents to ensure tuition policies and financial obligations are met.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Excellent organizational skills with the ability to pivot and reprioritize.

· Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

· Strong teamwork and collaborative skills.

· Highly detailed-oriented, known for accuracy and high-quality work.

· Ability to work in a matrix environment and have a proven track record in the ability to meet hard deadlines.

· Knowledge of general accounting principles, regulatory standards, and compliance requirements.

· Advanced skills MS Office, especially Excel including Vlookups and pivot tables.

· Hands-on experience with accounting software systems – i.e., Netsuite, etc.

· High degree of confidentiality related to sensitive information.

· Ability to sit at a desk in front of a computer for extended periods of time.

Experience & Requirements:

· Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting required.

· 5+ years of experience in financial analysis and planning or related field.

· Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation preferred.

· Proven experience in financial management, in an educational setting preferred and will be an advantage.

· Ability to produce and present financial modelling, budgeting, and forecasting.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to present financial findings and recommendations to non-financial audiences.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Proficiency in financial software and tools (e.g., NetSuite, Excel, etc.)

· Experience with budgeting and financial planning.

· Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

· Experience with financial reporting and analysis.

· Detail-oriented and experience working in a fast-paced environment.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All postholders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years' employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $110,000.00-$115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Work Location: In person