Chief Financial Officer

The Governor’s Academy, the oldest boarding school in New England, inspires and engages inquisitive students in ninth through twelfth grade. Our 456-acre campus is located thirty miles north of Boston and five miles south of Newburyport, a classic New England coastal town. Govs has approximately 400 students and 175 employees. 

Govs faculty and staff are committed to creating and cultivating an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that allows students to learn from each other’s unique backgrounds and experiences, discover their passions, find and use their distinctive voices, and achieve academic and co-curricular excellence. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Adults in our community are professionals who appreciate individuality, collaboration, and service to others— all so that we can go far together. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Governor’s Academy is searching for a dynamic and experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to be responsible for a wide range of financial and administrative management responsibilities. Reporting to the Head of School and working closely with the Admin Team and the Board of Trustees, the CFO must be able to formulate and articulate a vision, demonstrate strong business skills, and be a strategic thinker who will provide strong, innovative financial and organizational leadership. As the principal non-academic officer of Govs, the CFO functions as a business partner to the Head of School, advising on an array of matters ranging from day-to-day operational issues to the implementation of long-term strategic goals. 

This is a full-time, exempt position with Administrative Faculty status. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide Academy-wide strategic leadership, analysis, and management of the Academy’s finances
• Establish financial and capital strategies that enhance the long-term value of the Academy and are consistent with the Academy’s strategic priorities
• In consultation with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees, create, administer, monitor, and adapt the Academy’s strategic financial plan, operating and capital budgets, and other financial matters as needed; provide oversight of the management of the endowment
• Support the chairs of the Finance, Investment, Buildings and Grounds, Legal Affairs and Risk Management, and Audit Committees of the Academy’s Board of Trustees; prepare and present management and Board reports
• Evaluate and improve financial systems, operations, and controls by championing continuous improvement, adopting best practices, and effectively utilizing technology
• Manage and actively participate in all Business Office operations, including budgeting and accounting, financial modeling and analysis, payroll, human resources, risk management, and benefits
• Directly responsible for operational management of the Business Office, Human Resources, Information Technology, Facilities, the Bookstore, Auxiliary Programs, and Dining Services (outsourced)
• Serve on the Head of School’s Admin Team and the Crisis Management Team
• Chair the Academy’s Safety Committee
• Serve on the Personnel Committee
• Manage and make decisions regarding the Academy’s insurance programs: property, casualty, medical, workers’ compensation
• Work with auditors to ensure compliance with applicable accounting procedures and standards; oversee and actively participate in the annual audit process
• Manage the timely and accurate filing of all required financial reports in accordance with GAAP and in compliance with the IRS and other regulatory standards and requirements
• Support the Head of School and other senior administrators during accreditation reviews
• Work with colleagues to identify areas in which greater coordination or collaboration can improve the quality or cost-effectiveness of operations, services, and administrative support
• Collaborate effectively with and provide support for the Office of Advancement
• With the Head of School, work to maintain positive relationships with the Academy’s neighbors and local town officials, including the town manager, police, and fire
• Complete annual surveys and reports for benchmarking purposes
• Maintain appropriate professional memberships and represent Govs at related meetings and conferences
• Attend Board meetings ex officio
• Administrator on Duty responsibilities and other duties as assigned
• Must be able to work collegially; must be committed to working in a diverse community and have the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations; must enjoy working with young people in a boarding school environment
• A demonstrated interest in supporting our commitment to fostering community and belonging, and participates in professional development related to these priorities
• Successful completion of a criminal records background check