Chief Financial Officer

OVERVIEW

Charlotte Preparatory School, a PK-8 school of 425 students in Charlotte’s Southpark neighborhood, seeks a chief financial officer to oversee and lead the school’s financial operations. The school is implementing an ambitious strategic plan, building a new lower school, and enacting a vibrant campus master plan. The school’s recent growth in enrollment and philanthropy reflects its strong position within the Charlotte independent school market. The new CFO will partner with a new head of school and an experienced senior leadership team to guide the school’s continued evolution as the premiere school for children in Charlotte. Effective July 1, 2025. 

The CFO works closely with the head of school and board of trustees to ensure the school’s financial health and sustainability. Duties include oversight of financial management, accounting, payroll, human resources, risk management, facilities, food service, and other key business operations of the school. The CFO supervises two people in the business office and is actively engaged in the school’s financial functions. The CFO reports to the head of school and is a member of the senior leadership team. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Provide oversight and stewardship of and direct engagement with all financial functions, including accounting, budgeting, payroll, tuition contracts, vendor agreements, and reporting
• Conduct financial modeling that helps guide short and long-term decision-making and planning
• Manage human resources operations and programs
• Provide accurate and timely financial reports for the board finance committee, board of trustees, and senior leadership of the school
• Evaluate and improve internal controls and systems to ensure efficient operations and compliance with all pertinent regulations and standards
• Develop and actively manage the annual budget, ensuring alignment with the school’s strategic priorities and fiscal responsibility
• Help manage debt and all relevant covenant requirements
• Supervise and evaluate risk management, including insurance and financial risk mitigation, and oversee the annual audit
• Supervise the Director of Facilities  and ensure the optimal upkeep of facilities and grounds both in the short and long term
• Serve on the board finance committee and work with the chair to plan and execute committee meetings

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business; master’s degree in a similar field strongly preferred
• At least five years of related financial management experience, preferably in an independent school or non-profit organization

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Strong business judgment, problem-solving skills, and financial acumen
• Goal-oriented and highly collaborative team player
• Highly developed personal and professional integrity 
• Excellent people skills and ability to work with a range of constituents, from parents to faculty
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to present information in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to think creatively and solve problems
• Highly developed organizational skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Strong knowledge of and experience with school database and accounting systems
• Maturity, good judgment, and discretion

TO APPLY:

Please send a resume, letter of interest, and the names and contact information of 3-5 references to Christie Cole, Executive Assistant to Head of School, [email protected]. 

Charlotte Preparatory School offers comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation in a friendly and collegial work environment 

Charlotte Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, or any other legally protected classification applicable to Charlotte Preparatory School in administration of its educational policies, employment policies, admissions policies, financial aid, athletic and other school-administered programs. Candidates from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.