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THE OPPORTUNITY:

Wilbraham & Monson Academy (WMA) is searching to fill the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to be available in July 2023. This essential role works collaboratively with the Head of School to ensure cohesive messaging of the instructional strategic goals and objectives, including alternatives and their financial implications, for consideration by board committees and other constituencies.

The CFO will report directly to the Head of School and is responsible for managing and overseeing the Academy’s Business Office and finances with a degree of efficiency, effectiveness, integrity and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Direct reports to the CFO include: Controller, Accounting Associate, Accounts Payable Specialist, Business Operations Manager, Director of Human Resources, Director of Facilities and Director of Dining Services.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the development, administration, and reporting on the operating budget to the Academy’s Board of Trustees, the auditors, federal, state, and local authorities, rating agencies and bond information agencies, donors and various WMA administrative offices.
• Assume administrative responsibility for the Academy’s endowment, providing appropriate information on invested funds and implementing decisions of the Board endowment committee; coordinate with the endowment consultants, investment managers, and custodian(s) implementing effective endowment allocations, performance and reporting.
• Organize and coordinate agendas and meeting material for the Finance/Audit Committee as well as the Endowment Committee.
• Collaborate with general counsel and consultants regarding all risk management matters.
• Work closely and in concert with the external vendors (FLIK) on all matters that pertain to food services and with (ABLE) on all matters that pertain to cleaning services.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop, implement and monitor operating and capital budgets.
• Prepare regular and financial investments (endowment funds, invested operating funds, etc.).
• Act as plan sponsor and fiduciary to the Academy’s 403b retirement plan with TIAA-CREF.
• Hold primary responsibility for the outcome of the annual financial statement and pension plan audits.
• Ensure effective financial policies, procedures, and operations in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

OPERATIONS AND RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Serve as the Academy’s primary risk assessment officer.
• Keep the Head of School apprised of all business and financial matters.
• Work collaboratively with the Leadership Team to support the successful operation of the Academy.
• Collaborate with board committees: Finance, Investment and Audit.
• Serve as the primary liaison in banking relationships and with the Academy’s investment managers.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to work effectively with all levels of a socially and culturally rich and diverse independent school.
• Capable of critical business thinking, skilled at providing positive and proactive solutions to business issues.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated experience and expertise with Excel and other Microsoft Office applications, Google platform, Mac, and accounting database management software.
• Knowledge and experience in setting up and monitoring effective financial controls, and proven financial modeling and forecasting skills.
• Established background in finance, budgeting, investing, and cash management required.
• Effective negotiation skills in developing contracts with external vendors.
• Creativity, analytical skills, project development and management skills.
• Possess the leadership skills to motivate and manage a high-quality staff, and hire new talent.
• Experience in an independent secondary school, college or university setting is preferred though individuals with strong financial and leadership skills in a related field are encouraged to explore this high visibility opportunity.
• 10+ years work experience in a financial and business leadership position.
• Bachelor’s degree required, M.B.A. and/or a master’s degree in a related field strongly preferred.

ATTRIBUTES OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• An effective financial and business manager, capable of earning the respect and trust of the Head of School, faculty, administration, staff, students and the Board of Trustees.
• Understanding of independent schools and non-profit accounting management.
• Commitment to fulfilling the mission and upholding the community values of Wilbraham & Monson Academy.
• Enthusiastic with an appreciation of a co-ed boarding and day independent school education.
• Strong ethical professional standards that serve as a role model to promote a positive and productive work climate.
• Possess an understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion and the implementation of those principles in independent schools.

About Wilbraham & Monson Academy

Wilbraham & Monson Academy is a transformational experience where students become challenge-seeking citizens and leaders of an evolving world. The Academy prepares students for the opportunities of higher education and for engagement as global contributors and lifelong learners. The Academy is a co-educational institution home to more than 400 Middle and Upper School students who journey from more than 34 nations and 12 states. There are currently 408 students, roughly 50% of whom are boarders. As the country’s 10th oldest boarding school, Wilbraham & Monson Academy has been educating global citizens and world leaders since 1804. WMA offers distinctive programs to its students, which pair innovative ideas and entrepreneurial thinking. There are 67 teaching faculty, a student/faculty ratio of 6:1, an average class size of 12-15, 157 course offerings, 24 AP courses and one-half of the faculty live on campus. Our mission and goal is to create ethical young men and women. Future leaders, who investigate opportunities for intellectual growth, integrate by seeking intercultural connections, interact with others respectfully and effectively and innovate by practicing critical reasoning and entrepreneurial thinking.

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