Dawson School, a K-12 independent school of 520 students located east of Boulder, Colorado on a beautiful 112-acre campus, seeks a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The Dawson community is engaged, collaborative, and committed to the healthy development and education of all its students. 

The CFO oversees accounting, investments, insurance, and all financial aspects of the school. This includes direct supervision of  business office personnel, including accounting staff, and IT department. This position reports directly to the Head of School and collaborates to develop and implement annual and long-range budgets and plans, as well as  cash management and cash flow forecasts. The CFO provides financial reports to the Head of School, Administrative Team, Board Committees, and the Board of Trustees. These groups require accurate and timely information to make decisions, and this information is the responsibility of the CFO. 

Dawson Mission Statement

Dawson School is dedicated to excellence of mind, body, and character. We prepare students, through challenging and relevant learning, to become creative, resilient problem-solvers who bring their best to the world.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field. An MBA or related advanced degree is preferred. CPA desired, but not required

• 5+ years of experience as a CFO, Assistant CFO, or Business Manager

• Strong background in finance, budgeting, investing, and cash management

• Supervisory experience

• Experience with non-profits or schools a plus

• Ability to communicate effectively with direct reports, parents, faculty and staff, the Board of Trustees, and all community constituents

• Advanced Excel skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite

Professional and Personal Qualifications

• Ability to quickly learn the organization's financial management system (Sage Intacct)

• Leadership style that reflects teamwork and personal responsibility

• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate

• Effective, appropriate, and timely communication with all faculty, staff, administrators, Board Trustees, Board committee members, parents, students, vendors, etc. Interaction requires not only good language and writing skills, but technical knowledge, maturity, discretion and sound judgment as well

• Detail oriented; a great manager of their own time and others’ time

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with all constituent groups

• Absolute integrity, discretion, and confidentiality

• Strong work ethic

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines

• Strong supervisory and leadership skills

• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees

• Passion and skill to contribute positively to an educational environment that supports a lifelong love of learning

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Oversee accounting, financial reporting, accounts receivable (student billing), and annual audit

• Prepare and update the risk management plan for the school and its facility, ensuring that the school is properly insured from risk and liability issues

• Prepare the annual operating and capital budgets for board approval and any other additional reports necessary to assist the board with their review of the budget

• Prepare the monthly financial statements and narratives to the board and finance committees

• Manage the approved budget and prepare the rolling forecast for changes in events

• Supervise the business office staff and provide oversight in order to develop the proper internal controls over the various accounting tasks

• Support the Innovation and Technology Department to ensure the efficient use of funds for properly managing our technology infrastructure

• Manage banking relationships for operations and investments

• Work with legal council for collections and contract review

• Prepare the quarterly board packets for the Finance Committee and be able to present information to the board and committees

• Assist and manage special projects and other assignments as deemed necessary

• Participate in department, division, or school task forces and committees as needed

• Participate in Dawson community events and support faculty, staff, students, and families

• Seek out and participate in professional growth opportunities in independent school development
  
  

The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $145,000, and commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental, 401(k), and generous time off. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume on the Dawson website (www.dawsonschool.org).  Click on ABOUT at the top of the page, click on Careers, scroll to the middle of the page, click the link View Current Job Openings, and select the Chief Financial Officer posting to apply for this position. Only online applications will be accepted. No phone calls please.  This year-round position is available immediately and is 100% in the office.   

Dawson School Diversity Statement

Dawson is united in nurturing a culture of belonging that embraces diversity of thought, experience, identity, and passion.

Dawson actively promotes and embraces the exchange of diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds through curricular design, community involvement, and the integration of our four virtues - respect, compassion, courage, and integrity - into every aspect of our community life. It is our responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all members of our community, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, ability, or religion, as well as to cultivate in each student the ability to make empathetic, socially responsible decisions.