Southwest Christian School seeks to hire a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to begin as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. The CFO reports directly to the Head of School and serves as a member of the senior leadership team.
The CFO is responsible for ensuring the financial integrity, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability of the school. This executive leader provides strategic oversight of all financial functions, including budgeting, financial reporting, cash flow management, investments, risk management, capital planning, and regulatory compliance. In addition, the CFO oversees facilities and operations, information technology, auxiliary programs, food services, and related business functions.
The CFO partners closely with the Head of School, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, Campus Master Plan Committee, and Investment Subcommittee to ensure that adequate financial, human, and operational resources are in place to support the school’s mission and continued growth. This leader must be a strategic thinker, wise steward, and servant-leader who can effectively manage people, systems, and processes while modeling Christian integrity.
Essential Job Functions
Financial Strategy and Stewardship
- Partner with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to develop and implement long-range financial strategy, multi-year financial models, and scenario planning aligned with the school’s strategic plan.
- Oversee the development and management of the annual operating budget, including tuition and fee recommendations and salary planning.
- Direct preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including presentations to the Finance Committee, Executive Committee, and Board of Trustees.
- Ensure accurate and timely completion of the annual audit and all required regulatory filings.
- Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and credit facilities to ensure operational liquidity and financial stability.
- Provide independent financial analysis and guidance related to enrollment trends, tuition modeling, and financial aid strategy in partnership with Enrollment Management.
- Explore and evaluate alternative and non-traditional revenue strategies to strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
Operations, Facilities, and Risk Management
- Provide executive oversight of business operations, including accounting, tuition management, purchasing, payroll, employee benefits, and procurement.
- Supervise facilities management, campus operations, auxiliary programs, food services (third-party), and information technology.
- Lead school-wide risk management efforts, ensuring appropriate internal controls, legal compliance, and insurance coverage.
- Serve as liaison to legal counsel, insurance providers, and regulatory agencies as needed.
- Represent the school in professional associations relevant to the role (e.g., NBOA, ACSI, NAIS, TXCPA).
Capital Planning and Campus Development
- Serve as liaison for construction projects and capital improvements currently in process.
- Assist in the planning, financing, and execution of future capital improvement and campus master plan initiatives.
- Provide financial expertise and oversight related to capital projects, debt strategy, and long-term facilities planning.
- Serve as liaison to public agencies, city, county, and state officials regarding institutional matters.
Systems and Process Leadership
- Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of a new accounting platform in anticipation of the 2026–27 school year.
- Develop and recommend improvements to financial systems, operational procedures, and internal controls to ensure efficiency, transparency, and scalability.
- Manage the development of a strategic roadmap for information technology to support the school’s educational and operational needs.
- Foster clear, proactive communication from the Business Office to faculty, staff, and families.
Secondary Responsibilities
- Serve on appropriate Board committees and internal leadership committees as assigned by the Head of School.
- Support strategic planning initiatives and institutional effectiveness efforts.
- Assume additional responsibilities as determined by the Head of School in support of the mission and operational health of the school.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Personal faith in Jesus Christ and ability to articulate that faith clearly and consistently.
- Active membership in good standing at a local church and agreement with the school’s Statement of Beliefs.
- Demonstrated servant-leadership with the ability to inspire trust, collaboration, and accountability.
- Strong analytical and financial modeling skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and communicate insights in clear, accessible language to non-financial stakeholders.
- Extensive knowledge of not-for-profit accounting principles, regulatory requirements, and financial reporting standards.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including large-scale initiatives such as ERP or accounting system implementation.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing operations, facilities, and cross-functional teams.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with trustees, senior leaders, faculty, staff, parents, vendors, and community stakeholders.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment in handling sensitive financial and personnel matters.
- Proficiency with financial management systems, budgeting software, and standard business applications.
Background and Experience Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited institution required.
- CPA or MBA required.
- Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in finance and operations leadership; experience in an educational institution or nonprofit organization preferred.
- Demonstrated experience with budgeting, capital planning, financial reporting, and strategic financial leadership.
- Experience overseeing major capital improvement projects and institutional growth initiatives highly desirable.
- Successful completion of all required background checks and compliance training consistent with school policy.
