EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Faculty Member

chief financial & operations officer

Position Summary:

The Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO) is a key member of the WJA senior leadership team, responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the organization as well as key operational aspects of the organization. The CFOO ensures financial sustainability, accurate reporting, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulatory requirements while supporting strategic decision-making.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Lead the organization’s financial strategy, planning, and forecasting processes to support mission-driven decision-making.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the President and Board on financial matters, risks, and opportunities.
• Assist Finance Committee Chair in setting agendas for quarterly committee meetings.
• Present financial results and updates on financial trends, accounting, and compliance matters to the Committee.
• Alert the Finance Committee Chair as to any significant unusual items occurring (in tandem with Academy rules for such matters).
• Provide financial leadership and direction across departments to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.

Accounting & Financial Management

• Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger, cash receipts/disbursements, journal entries, reconciliations, and monthly close processes.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and nonprofit-specific accounting standards.
• Maintain and reconcile both cash-based and accrual (GAAP) accounting systems for internal and external reporting needs.
• Produce timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management and the Board.

 Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with department heads, ensuring alignment with programmatic and strategic goals.
• Develop and maintain rolling forecasts and financial models to inform decision-making.
• Monitor budget performance and provide variance analysis and recommendations for corrective actions.

 

Endowment & Investment Oversight

• Work with the Investment Committee, Board, and external advisors to oversee the endowment and investment portfolio.
• Ensure adherence to investment policies, spending policies, and donor restrictions.
• Coordinate the annual endowment draw in accordance with Board-approved policies.

Audit, Compliance & Risk Management

• Coordinate the annual audit process with external auditors; prepare and review audit schedules and financial statements.
• Oversee preparation of Form 990 and other tax filings.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, including grant-specific financial requirements.

·      Administer and maintain all property, casualty, liability, and all other forms of insurance.

Payroll, Benefits & HR Coordination

• Process bi-weekly payroll, benefits administration, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Serve as liaison with third-party benefits and 403(b) brokers.
• Partner with HR consultant on benefits planning and employee on/offboarding.
• Work with operations team on personnel budgeting and compensation analysis.

Systems & Reporting

• Manage and optimize financial systems, primarily Blackbaud Financial Edge, ensuring accurate data entry, reporting, and integration with other platforms (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, payroll systems).
• Develop internal dashboards and management reports to support transparency and performance tracking.

Team & Operations Management

• Manage staff supporting the Operations and Finance functions and ensure efficient day-to-day operations.
• Maintain strong internal controls and implement efficient financial policies and procedures.
• Participate in organization-wide initiatives and contribute to a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.

 

Facilities & Operations

• Oversee the daily operations of the School and any activities that pertain to the building usage including security, safety, facility, IT, and compliance.
• Communicate accounting and procurement policies to employees, ensuring compliance.
• Credit card management.

 

Qualifying Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations, accounting, or finance
• 5-7 years of operations, accounting, and management experience in a leadership position
• Experience in the not-for-profit environment
• Experience collecting, managing, and generating data-driven reports and metrics
• Proficiency in MS Office/Excel
• Strong analytical skills, with foundational financial acumen
• Excellent written and oral communication
• Ability to present complicated information in a clear and concise format

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience in an independent school environment
• Experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge

Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions

• Demonstrated knowledge of management principles and practices
• Ability to use salient data for planning
• Experience as a relentless problem-solver who takes initiative and contributes as a results-oriented, analytic, strategic thinker
• Outstanding attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent communications skills, both oral and written
• Ability to manage, evaluate, and motivate staff
• Ability to work with diverse constituencies fairly, respectfully, consistently, and with integrity
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively while maintaining high professional standards and confidentiality
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to establish and manage multiple priorities
• A belief in independent school education, and particularly the mission the Washington Jesuit Academy
• Commitment to leadership as a team-based endeavor and the collegial, frank, and civil communication and collaboration that team processes entail

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume/CV to Jess Vartughian, jvartughian@wjacademy.org