Posted: Apr 3, 2025

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Forman School, Inc. - Litchfield, CT
Full-time
Application Deadline: N/A
Administrative

Position Overview

Reporting to the Head of School, the Forman School Chief Financial Officer is a key member of
Forman’s leadership team is responsible for the school's overall financial health, financial reporting, and strategic financial oversight from a short- and long-term perspective. Forman seeks an innovative and entrepreneurial financial and operational leader who will act as a close advisor to the Head of the School and partner to the Finance Committee of the Board of Trustees, proactive in their guidance and progressive in their strategic leadership of the school’s financial team. Creative oversight and an appropriate sense of urgency in building Forman’s financial strength are essential in this role as Forman develops new opportunities for growing revenue while preserving the school’s asset base.

Forman’s Mission, Promise, and Core Values

Forman School is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory school for boarding and day students with identified learning differences. Forman develops the whole student based on each individual’s learning profile so that all graduates become educated, confident self-advocates throughout life.

Forman is committed to sustaining an inclusive environment that fosters a deeper understanding of differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, geographical origin, physical ability, and family structure.

We believe society is bettered when we learn from and embrace those with different experiences and perspectives from our own. Our community values truth, respect, and kindness.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Provide leadership on issues of financial affairs, creating and leading a strong, disciplined,
    well-formed and achievement-oriented financial team.
  • Proactively advise, consult, and strategize with the Head of School on all financial aspects of the school.
  • Partner with the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team in envisioning and developing plans to ensure that approved strategic initiatives are appropriately funded.
  • Act as a liaison to the Board, co-lead the Finance & Investment, Audit & Compliance, and
    Buildings & Grounds Committees: provide strategic leadership, advice, and partnership to the Board and school leadership.

Financial Planning & Accounting Operations

  • Supervise the work of the Comptroller, Director of Human Resources, and business office
    personnel; use standard accounting and bookkeeping procedures, ensuring appropriate internal controls to keep an accurate continuous record of the cash and financial position of the school; and manage the school's financial operation so that the institution remains financially stable.
  • Foster a collaborative, cross-trained business office that promotes teamwork and a goal-oriented culture.
  • Address parent questions and concerns regarding billing, contracts, and other business-related matters of the school, utilizing a strong customer-oriented model of communication.
  • Establish a plan and schedule to prepare the annual budget that will permit the setting of the succeeding year’s tuition by the Board of Trustees and ensure the school’s financial stability. Prepare monthly operating and financial statements for the Head of School and  Finance  Committee of the Board.
  • Develop projections and ensure that the budget, budget revisions, and/or budget requests are prepared within guidelines and submitted within the established time frames.
  • Provide a monthly report of expenditures for each individual budget center within the school.
  • Make recommendations relative to the accounting of assets, revenues, and expenditures.
  • Oversee the annual audit of the school’s financial reports and financial position.
  • Oversee the preparation and timely filing of the annual Form 990 Report.
  • Oversee all school purchasing, financial investments, banking activities, payroll, and benefits programs.
  • Ensure all aspects of the school’s financial management and accounting functions as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization reflect sound and prudent stewardship and compliance with regulatory agencies.

Employee Benefits Administration & Risk Management

  • In conjunction with the Director of Human Resources, assist the Head of School with an effective and transparent compensation model, including salaries and benefits for all Forman colleagues.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Human Resources on the development and implementation of strategies and best practices on the school’s hiring processes and administration of colleague benefits programs, including pension, health insurance, life, and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, and 403(b) plans.
  • Oversee and supervise the Director of Security and Security team, managing risk at the school to ensure the safety of all colleagues and students.
  • Incorporate safety and security policies and protocols.
  • Ensure crisis planning documents and records are current.
  • Evaluate capital needs associated with access control and security camera equipment and software.
  • Oversee all risk management for the school, minimizing exposure to liability, including providing oversight of Forman’s real and personal property and arranging appropriate insurance coverage for real and personal property, commercial general liability, automobile and workers compensation, and directors and officers liability.
  • Ensure school compliance with personnel rules and regulations, EEO/AA, and labor laws.
  • Proactively work with the school’s counsel on contract, employment, real estate, tax, and related issues.

Facilities Management & Auxiliary Operations

  • Oversee and supervise the management of the school.
  • Oversee housekeeping and maintenance, directing a strategic team culture.
  • Identify and initiate enhancements to the school’s physical plant to maintain,                        preserve, and ensure asset value. Initiate a long-term campus master planning process.
  • Represent the school in sending requests for proposals and securing contractual agreements for approved renovation and construction projects.
  • Represent the school to local municipal and regulatory agencies for the purposes of
    building positive relationships and securing land development and building approvals.
  • Oversee school transportation, including vehicle maintenance, fleet replacement, and contracts, and assess the performance of the transportation companies.
  • Ensure the effective management of the bookstore, student health center, and food service operations.
  • Oversee and work collaboratively with the Director of Information Technology.
  • Develop and monitor the school’s contracts and act as a liaison to outside vendors and organizations.

Educational and Experiential Background and Credentials

  • A minimum of 10 years total professional experience within an independent school, higher
    education institution, or other mission-driven non-profit organization is preferred, with at least 3 years experience in a senior financial role.
  • Strong experience and expertise in financial planning and analysis and financial reporting.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience and oversight in facilities management.
  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or related field; CPA or MBA preferred.

Forman School is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other federally protected class.