BerryDunn has partnered with Fryeburg Academy to find a qualified, education-focused, financial professional as their Chief Financial Officer.
Our client, Fryeburg Academy, is an independent secondary school for grades 9-12 and a Post-Graduate year that serves a widely diverse population of local day students and boarding students from across the nation and around the world.
The School is set in a classic New England village, in the foothills of the White Mountains. It is a community offering a sense of belonging to all who come, and a backbone of support to all. It is close to the ocean, rivers, lakes and 800,000 acres of White Mountain National Forest, so outdoor activities are limitless, every season of the year. The magnificent natural surroundings encompass a region rich in culture and entertainment, thanks to thriving local resort towns like North Conway. Living here provides learning opportunities about people from around the globe and from our very own place in the world.
This is a key executive officer role, reporting to the head of school and working collaboratively with the trustees, to oversee and manage the business, financial, facilities, human resources, and operational functions of the school.
This senior leader provides primary support to the Trustees’ Committees for Audit, Finance, Building & Grounds, Compensation, and Investment. The position requires active leadership, interaction and collaboration with the head of school and senior team, faculty, staff, and the board of trustees. The CFO is responsible for ensuring legal compliance, managing all business operations, and supervising directors in the following administrative areas: accounting and finance, business services, food services, employee services, plant operations, and campus safety.
Role:
Oversee the financial sustainability of the school by analyzing the short-and-long-term financial position and making recommendations regarding the ongoing organization, integration, and effectiveness of all financial and administrative functions
Supervise staff in business operations, food services, plant maintenance, campus safety, IT, and auxiliary-revenue sectors
Develop annual budgets and long-range, strategic plans in alignment with the School’s mission and core values as directed by the head of school.
Direct risk management processes including insurance, campus safety, technology, facilities management, legal issues, and financial controls.
Collaborate in strategic planning
Advise and oversee management in execution of major capital projects and any other on-campus construction
Serve as a key strategic advisor to the head of school, other senior administrative leaders, and the board of trustees.
Lead, motivate and manage a strong staff in various departments.
Qualifications:
Relevant business degree with significant accounting experience; strong management experience in an educational setting is desirable
CPA or MBA preferred but not required.
Commitment to leadership as a collaborative, team-based endeavor
Ability to manage, evaluate, and motivate staff; ability to innovate
Ability to work with diverse constituencies fairly, respectfully, consistently, and with integrity
Demonstrated knowledge of management principles and practices
Demonstrated knowledge of budget management specific to schools
Ability to use salient data for planning
Experience as a problem-solver who takes initiative and contributes as a business-oriented, analytic, strategic thinker
Outstanding attention to detail and accuracy
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
High degree of organizational skills; ability to establish and manage multiple priorities; ability to work under pressure
A strong belief in independent education, and particularly the mission of Fryeburg Academy – a belief that shapes all decisions: financial, operational, legal, educational, and ethical
A resume and cover letter indicating interest in the position and salary requirements can be sent to solson@berrydunn.com.
EOE
About Fryeburg Academy
Fryeburg Academy is an independent secondary school that serves a widely diverse population of local day students and boarding students from across the nation and around the world. The Academy believes that a strong school community provides the best conditions for learning and growth. Therefore, we strive to create a supportive school environment that promotes respect, tolerance, and cooperation, and prepares students for responsible citizenship. Within this context, the Academy’s challenging and comprehensive academic program, enriched by a varied co-curriculum, provides the knowledge and skills necessary for success in higher education and the workplace.
