Chief Financial Officer

We seek an experienced professional to serve on Cary Academy’s Leadership Team and oversee the entirety of the school’s financial and human resource operations ($28m budget and 187 employees), including review of planning and budgeting functions and systems development; risk management and insurance; and purchasing and contracts.We anticipate a start date of July 1, 2026 but may be open to earlier should the right candidate be available. We will begin interviews of candidates on a rolling basis this fall, so interested individuals should begin the process as soon as possible. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES As CFO, you will: Develop and implement accounting policies and procedures in accordance with GAAP and Cary Academy policy set by the Board of Directors. With Business Office Team, oversee general accounting, financial reporting and budgeting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, student billing, and capital assets and as well as related internal controls. With Human Resources Manager and in coordination with Head of School and policy set by Board of Directors, implement all human resource policies, procedures, and payroll functions, including negotiation, ongoing administration, and employee communication regarding salary and benefit programs. With Business Office Team, perform and/or supervise cash management for all organizational fiscal resources. Provide cash flow data, invest excess funds on a short-term basis, and oversee the fiscal management and accounting of investments and endowment funds in accordance with Cary Academy guidelines. With Controller, plan and coordinates annual audit by independent auditors. Oversees tax compliance and regulator reporting. Oversee dining services, setting priorities and coordinating operations planning, in conjunction with relevant divisions or partners. Oversee risk management, including policies and procedures and insurance coverage. Manage legal issues, working with legal counsel and Head of School as needed. With Purchasing and Contracts Director, negotiate and manage school contracts. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will: Uphold and model Cary Academy’s commitment to its Cornerstones (mission, values, beliefs, professional culture and vision). Serve on appropriate Board and school committees and collaborate with other departments in articulating and executing strategic initiatives. As a Cary Academy employee, you will: Engage actively in the school’s diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism work in all aspects of your professional responsibilities and interactions in furtherance of Cary Academy’s commitment to equity and justice. Attend and actively participate in all required School professional development activities in areas to include, but not limited to, safety and security; diversity, equity, and inclusion; student learning and support; technology; and school operations. Engage authentically in processes of self-reflection and improvement of practice, including full participation in the Professional Growth and Renewal Program. Complete all required administrative and operational tasks and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements and School policies and procedures as articulated in handbooks, operating guides and other School policy and procedure communications and documentation in a responsive and timely manner. Use designated technology assets and platforms as directed by School policies and procedures to allow for secure, effective, and collaborative school operations. Work collaboratively with the Information Services team to research, implement and evaluate technology resources related to position responsibilities. Perform other projects and duties as assigned in support of both divisional and school operations and initiatives. ESSENTIAL EXPECTATIONS In this position, you will: Manage multiple projects and use time effectively -- while following school operating policies and procedures in a timely manner. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will Actively participate in discussions, activities, and initiatives in furtherance of the School’s mission and vision, endeavoring to take into consideration varying perspectives and making decisions that are the best for the School as a whole. Think and work creatively, collaboratively, and strategically to advance the mission and vision of the school. Maintain a commitment to ongoing professional learning and growth, including adapting to the ongoing usage of technology at Cary Academy. Work collaboratively with other divisions to ensure all division operations and individual leadership responsibilities are carried out in manner that is in compliance with laws and regulations and consistent with all School policies and procedures. Act as model for employees, students, volunteers and others in executing responsibilities and interacting with others. Demonstrate risk-taking, support risk-taking in other employees, and strive to maintain a culture of professional risk-taking in furtherance of the School’s mission tenets of discovery and innovation. As a Cary Academy employee, you will: Perform position responsibilities in a professional manner that overtly upholds and supports the School’s commitment to its Cornerstones as detailed in the Employee Handbook. Model and ensure a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and work environment. Honor the confidentiality of student, family, employee, and school information. Work collegially with other employees in ways that nurture a culture of professional collaboration, exchange and growth. Engage with students, parents, employees and alumni as well as members of the external community with courtesy, sensitivity, understanding, and discretion. Demonstrate a mindset and commitment to ongoing professional growth and innovation in your specific role at Cary Academy as well as in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion; student learning and support; and technology. Ensure technology skills meet current standards as defined by Information Services, consistent with Cary Academy’s profile as a technology-forward school. Utilize the school’s technology resources efficiently and effectively for school operations, adapting readily to changes and seeking guidance where needed. Apply emerging technologies to position responsibilities as applicable. Plan and prepare appropriately for position responsibilities. Demonstrate regular, predictable, and reliable on-campus attendance. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS In this position, you will have: Knowledge of GAAP, especially as it relates to non-profit institutions; thorough knowledge of personal productivity software and multiple operating systems. Knowledge of human resources including staffing, training, and employee benefits administration. Excellent management, organizational, communication and technical skills; strong mathematical and financial skills. Ability to design and implement a control reporting system. As a Cary Academy employee, you will have Strong interpersonal skills that uphold the school’s values of respect, integrity and compassion as well as contribute towards a learning and work environment that maintains and celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion. Ability to interact with other members of the Cary Academy community in a collaborative and positive manner. Ability to interact with students in a safe and developmentally appropriate manner. Effective oral and written communication skills that allow for successful execution of position responsibilities. Strong organizational and time management skills that allow for the ability to successfully handle a multi-priority, deadline-oriented work environment on an ongoing basis Working knowledge of technology platforms to communicate, collaborate and conduct business; experience in a Microsoft 365 ecosystem preferred Willingness to work collaboratively in a mission-centered organization. Ability to work independently and prevent or solve problems in areas of responsibility without requiring significant ongoing direction and guidance. EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS Education: Bachelor’s degree in related field; advanced degree and/or CPA preferred.Experience: 10 years of progressive accounting and supervisory experience, preferably with some public accounting with fund accounting exposure. Experience in human resources with emphasis in employee benefits administration preferred.Equivalency: Directly related experience or a combination of directly related education and experience may be considered in place of the above requirements. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2025-09-17