Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Chief Financial Officer

STATEMENT OF MISSION:
Centered on Jesus Christ and faithful to the teaching of the Catholic Church, Mount de Sales Academy offers young women a college preparatory education that promotes flourishing of the whole person. Anchored in faith and rooted in the Visitation and Dominican traditions, the community of Mount de Sales Academy is committed to academic excellence, virtuous integrity, compassionate service, and the inherent dignity of the human person.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Chief Financial Officer reports to and serves at the discretion of the Principal of Mount de Sales Academy ("the School"). The Chief Financial Officer provides guidance to the Principal of Mount de Sales Academy regarding the overall financial policies and business practices of the School. This position is responsible for all financial and business-related activities to ensure effective and efficient resource management. The Chief Financial Officer serves as a member of the executive leadership team at the School. Accounts Receivable and Payable Coordinators, Risk Management Assistant, Payroll personnel and the Business Office Administrative Assistant report to the Chief Financial Officer.
This is a full-time exempt position with benefits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Policies & Procedures
Establishes and implements all policies and procedures related to the business operations of the school, including human resources, financial management, risk management, information technology management and management of fixed assets.
Advises the Principal and Board of Trustees on all business-related matters.
Advises the Principal and Board of Trustees on the development of short-, medium-, and long-term financial plans and projections.
Monitors operations to ensure compliance with all policies and procedures.
Keeps abreast of all current legislation, regulations, business practices and Archdiocesan policies affecting the School's operations.

Operations
Supervises the accounting, human resources, and risk management functions of the School's Business Office, establishing an effective team dynamic. Provides regular feedback to, and evaluation of, Business Office staff.
Prepares monthly financial statements and reports for use by the Principal and Board of Trustees.
Oversees financing strategies and activities, as well as banking relationships.
Conducts periodic studies on the effectiveness of business and financial policies and programs to provide insight into the School's operations. Makes recommendations for improvement when necessary.
Supervises an annual independent audit of the School's financial statements.
Oversees cash, investment, and asset management and monitors the School's investments and cash flow monthly.
Reviews and approves school vendor contracts. Reviews and recommends action to the Principal of the School on all vendor contracts.
Oversees and keeps current an inventory of all fixed assets and, in consultation with the Principal and Board of Trustees, oversees a schedule of upgrade and replacement of depreciated fixed assets.

Budget/Financial Management
Accurately and timely perform/supervise all finance functions including payroll/benefits, accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger, reporting and account reconciliations.
Formulates and submits a proposed school budget to the Principal and the Board of Trustees on an annual basis.
Monitors individual and department accounts to ensure compliance with the budget.
Provides monthly reports on budgetary performance to the Principal and appropriate school officers.
Provides financial information/reports to the Board of Trustees as requested and in a timely manner for regularly scheduled meetings of the Finance Committee and other meetings of the Board of Trustees.
Stays up to date on new developments and changes to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the Non-Profit Sector.
In collaboration with the Admissions Director, reviews financial aid applications, develop recommendations to Tuition Assistance Committee, award grants/aid/scholarships authorized by the committee, prepare tuition contracts, discuss appeals with parents and propose recommendations to the Tuition Assistance Committee; inform parents of committee decision.
Oversees tuition/billing/invoicing and cash collections.
Work with the Development Office in pursuing additional areas of income through fundraising, donor base and grants.

Risk Management
Supervises the operation of the risk management operations.
Determines and ensures that appropriate insurance coverage is in place.
Recommends and develops procedures on limiting exposure to liability and risk to the health and safety of students, employees, and campus guests.
Human Resources
Oversees employee benefits, retirement plan, personal issues and is the liaison on legal matters.
Prepares employee contracts and coaching stipend agreements.
Makes recommendations to the Principal and the Board of Trustees regarding all aspects of Human Recourses.
Stays current on new developments, practices, regulations and legislation in the human resources field.

Board of Trustees
Serves as general consultant to the Board on all areas of accountability of the Chief Financial Officer.
Serves as staff liaison to various sub-committees to the Board of Trustees, which include the finance and facilities committees.
Works with secretary/treasurer of the Board of Trustees on all financial related matters.

COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS:
Works closely with the Principal and the Director of Development on financial matters as well as highly confidential matters.
Fosters and maintains business relationships with school support groups, including Alumnae Relations and Parents' Club.

EXPERIENCE, COMPETENCIES, AND EDUCATION:
A minimum of ten years of experience in the field of finance or accounting, with several years in a major decision-making role.
Experience in strategic planning and execution. Knowledge of finance, accounting, budgeting, and cost control principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the Non-Profit sector. Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements, and projections. Ability to work closely with co-workers to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects.

Must possess strong analytical and interpersonal skills. Excellent written and public speaking ability to communicate effectively. Must be capable of serving in a leadership and supervisory role and have the ability to set and meet goals in a timely manner.
Must be proficient in a variety of software programs including Microsoft Office Suite. Must adept at learning and working with other software, including FACTS, Blackbaud, etc.

These competencies are normally acquired by the achievement of a Business, Finance or Accounting degree from an accredited college or university.

Other applicable competency or equivalent work experience may be considered.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Generous salary, $95,000 -$120,000, dependent upon experience, and an excellent employer-paid benefits package.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
If interested in this exciting job opportunity, please forward your resume, cover letter, a completed Application, and two letters of reference by August 29, 2025.

A Mount de Sales Academy Application can be found on our website.

All application materials can be forwarded to:
Marie Kromeke
Assistant to the Principal
Mount de Sales Academy
700 Academy Road
Catonsville, MD 21228
mkromeke@mountdesales.org

About the Employer

Founded in 1852, Mount de Sales Academy is a private Catholic college-preparatory school for young women in grades 9-12. Located in Catonsville, Md., Mount de Sales Academy is
committed to educating its approximately 500 students in the Roman Catholic faith, academic excellence and community and leadership. Mount de Sales is accredited by the Middle States Association and administered by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia of Nashville, Tenn.