Director of Budget & Finance

Director of Budget & Finance

Start Date: Spring/Summer 2025

Overview

Located amid the lakes and mountains of central New Hampshire, Holderness School is a traditional co-ed independent secondary school, serving grades 9-12. Holderness strives to strike a balance in fostering the resources of the mind, body, and spirit: the mind through a challenging college preparatory curriculum; the body through outdoor activities and required interscholastic athletics; and the spirit through school and community service and affiliation with the Episcopal Church. Holderness remains by choice a small school where everybody plays an important role, and where students, faculty, and staff maintain close personal relationships.

Diversity Mission Statement

Holderness School is committed to being a community that celebrates and supports diversity in its many forms because multiple perspectives and experiences are vital to educational excellence and strengthen our community. Diversity refers to the human facets of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, and socioeconomic status. Holderness strives to create opportunities for cooperation, to broaden the educational experience of all students, and to enrich the lives of all community members.

Description Holderness School seeks an engaged and committed individual to join our team as a full-time Director of Budget & Finance. This position calls for an experienced professional with a broad knowledge of finance, business principles, and who can contribute to budgeting and financial planning, accounting oversight, and sound financial controls. The School seeks an experienced contributor and partner committed to financial stewardship. Reporting to the Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations, the Director of Budget and Finance will join a team advancing change, creativity, and sustaining strong working relationships.

Financial Management

• Prepare and manage the annual budget in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and in partnership with the Chief Financial Officer. Work with campus departments to review resource needs.
• Be a principal liaison between academic and operating departments and financial operations.
• Assist the CFO in the preparation of reports of disbursements, special analyses, and reports for school administration and Trustees; develop recommendations for changes and/or improvements, monetary control, and adherence to the budget.
• Monitor financial performance and provide regular reports to the CFO and Head of School.
• Conduct financial analysis and forecasting to support decision-making processes.
• Collaborate with the Controller to develop and manage cash flow forecasting and reporting.
• Collaborate with the Director of Facilities and Business Office team to manage and analyze capital and reserve funds, with an emphasis on annual capital renewals and an upcoming major capital campaign.
• Monitor the School’s financial reports and determine ways to reduce costs, find efficiencies, and identify opportunities.

Reporting and Accounting

• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Prepare unaudited, internal financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• Partner with the Controller to reconcile financial accounts, including intra-year soft closes.
• Prepare timely and detailed reports on financial performance on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Key contributor in financial audits and reviews, addressing any findings or recommendations.
• Collaborate with the Controller and Advancement to analyze and steward endowment funds that typically have donor-imposed restrictions placed upon the principal and/or income.
• Perform debt analysis, ensuring that all covenants are fulfilled in a timely manner, including annual debt management reporting.
• Assist with audit and internal control operations. Review all financial statements and footnotes in conjunction with external auditors.
• Develop financial reporting and tracking procedures for school events and fundraising campaigns.
• Work with the Admissions Office on tuition and fee planning during the application and contract processes.
• Interact with Board Committees and prepare and present materials for Board work.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax laws, and reporting requirements.
• Work with Business Office colleagues to facilitate internal controls and risk management protocols to safeguard assets.
• Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and legal developments related to finance.
• Work closely with the CFO to monitor the school’s financial position and proactively mitigate financial risks.

Key Colleagues and Expectations

• Work closely with the Controller and other members of the Finance & Operations departments, including Directors of Human Resources, Facilities, Technology, Dining, Auxiliaries, and the School Resource Officer.
• Foster a collaborative and productive work environment, providing and receiving mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in regular performance evaluations.