Greenwich Academy seeks a sophisticated financial executive to provide all financial leadership to the institution.  While the core focus of the role will be financial, this position will be a member of the Head of School’s senior leadership team and will be called upon to think broadly about the direction of the school.  Importantly, the CFO will play a critical role as the liaison to the Board of Trustees’, especially as it relates to financial matters and the Investment Committee.  The CFO will have responsibility for the following areas: insurance; risk management; audit; tax; treasury; campus operations; facilities and facilities planning; construction and renovation projects; buildings and grounds; security; risk management; technology; auxiliary programs; food service; human resources; capital planning; and working with the Financial Aid team to implement a successful Financial Aid strategy.

The successful candidate will also demonstrate a record of successful managerial leadership; experience in a broad range of complex business matters including a clear understanding of finance in a non-profit environment; facilities management and human resources; experience in project development and management; and critically, a proven ability to both listen to and communicate well with all constituencies inside and outside of the School.

The major responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer include:

• Report directly to the Head of School, as well as the Board of Trustees’, with responsibility for the present and future financial operations of the School.
• Serve as a primary liaison to the Board of Trustees’ Finance and Audit, Investment, Facilities and Capital Expenditures, and Housing Committees.
• Work with the Head of School to ensure that the operations, business, and financial objectives of the School are met in an effective and timely manner.
• Develop strategies to analyze and recommend the efficient use of resources and personnel to achieve the strategic goals for the School.
• Secure the highest level of quality products and services for the School’s business functions, with an eye to efficiency, cost-effectiveness and sustainability (economic as well as environmental).
• Oversee the Director of Information Technology and the School’s technology functions as they pertain to budgeting and supporting the School’s technology plans.
• Oversee Director of Facilities for all facilities functions (e.g. housekeeping, grounds, HVAC, security, general maintenance, regulatory compliance, event planning, allocation of resources, risk and internal management) – including budgeting, staffing, reporting and organization of the department.
• Oversee all auxiliary services (e.g. Bookstore) and outside contracts/vending relationships including the negotiation of contracts with Sodexo (maintenance), FLIK (Food service), ESF (summer camp) and negotiating electrical and gas contracts for the school.
• Support Senior Administrators in the detailed financial and budgeting process in each of their respective areas
• Assist the Assistant Head of School and the benefits coordinator in the development of policies regarding employee benefits, hiring policies, and employee procedures.
• Assist the Controller with the development, modeling, administration, and reporting on the operating budget to the School’s Board of Trustees, the auditors, federal, state, and local authorities, rating agencies and bond information agencies, donors and various Greenwich Academy administrative offices.
• Partner with the Director of Facilities to oversee the planning, contracting, and administration of construction projects for the School.
• Collaborate with the Head of the School and the School’s counsel regarding all risk management matters including insurance, legal and regulatory issues.
• Responsible for maintaining safety and compliance planning for all aspects of School functions.
• Cultivate the School’s positive public presence, collaborating with other school administrators and personnel in working with the Town, other neighboring communities, and special interest groups.
• Maintain professional relationships and involvement with NBOA/CAIS groups, as well as any other benchmarking relationships or organizations that inform best practices and advance the School’s standing.

Ideal Profile

• Significant financial leadership experience and demonstrated success in leading the financial organization of a complex organization.  While academic or nonprofit experience is a plus, Greenwich Academy is equally interested in outstanding CFO’s from corporate settings as well.
  
  
• Deep experience in financial planning and analysis, including budget and resource planning, forecasting, analysis and reporting, and endowment management.
  
  
• In-depth knowledge of a broad range of accounting, financial, and operations principles and practices.
  
  
• Ability to manage complex systems used in financial reporting, control, and administrative operations management. Experience with relevant financial and information technologies. 
  
  
• A CPA and/or an M.B.A. or other advanced degree in business, accounting, or a related field.
  
  
• An individual with superior interpersonal and communications skills who can forge effective working relationships and promote a better understanding of the financial implications of decisions and operations
  
  
• A hands-on, team player who can operate effectively as a member of the Academy’s senior management team;
  
  
• A high-impact, low-ego executive who thrives in a team setting and is motivated by the advancement of the organization and represents a strong role model and mentor;

Critical Competencies for Success

Financial Acumen:  Deliver comprehensive and sophisticated financial expertise and sound judgment in prioritizing operational and financial needs and lead, manage, and drive the finance function by:

• Providing leadership and oversight for the Academy’s financial and business operations, translating strategic vision into implications, limitations, and opportunities;
• Challenging assumptions based on a strong understanding of business operations, performance drivers, results, trends, fluctuating market conditions, and other dynamics;
• Providing a continual reference on important indicators of financial health and improvement, framing that information in a manner that provides context and analytical support to decision makers and stakeholders;
• Continuing to identify and measure key business metrics and creating tracking mechanisms to evaluate whether goals are being met;
• Articulating comprehensible and consistent financial and budget information, especially around the budget and allocation model;

Financial Management:  Provide financial leadership for the Academy using management skills and strategic thinking.

• Inspiring and engaging colleagues by pursuing best practice management methods and exposing them to rigorous financial and business management techniques;
• Communicating financial information in a way that is useful for high-level, strategic decision making;
• Anticipating strategic issues, drive insights, scale financial operations, and run the department efficiently;
• Achieving progress on immediate financial priorities while staying on course for long-term objectives; and
• Reconciling competing interests among diverse constituencies and justifying best practices and budget recommendations.

Inspire Confidence:  In a mission-oriented Academy with proud history and ambitious aspirations:

• Demonstrate the judgment, credibility, and development skills to interact effectively with many constituents;
• Achieve trusted colleague status with academic and administrative leaders through concise, direct communication appropriately targeted to different audiences;
• Demonstrate a clear command and mastery of the dynamics of the Academy and an orientation toward transparency and accountability;
• Build bridges across organizational units and unite staff;
• Motivate individuals at all levels to improve practices within their own units, while also working across units in the best interests of the Academy; and
• Navigate complex organizational and political structures, effectively introducing new approaches and initiatives.   

Communication and engagement:  In an Academy that values integrity and data-based decision-making, evidence the ability to:

• Articulate comprehensible and consistent financial and budget information, especially around the budget and allocation model;
• Connect with others and cultivate relationships based on mutual trust and respect through active listening and direct dialogue;
• Maintain a visible presence on campus, openly exchanging information and framing information in a way that provides context;
• Invest the time required to be accessible, inclusive, and approachable;
• Engage with colleagues across the organization; and
• Proactively stay abreast of developments in the finance function.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to GA@SpencerStuart.com.