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, ccole@charlotteprep.org.
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.
Charlotte Preparatory School is committed to sustaining a professional, inclusive, and collaborative environment where diversity in thought and culture is welcomed. The School is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect such diversity.
Our PreK-8 structure is a time-honored and research-proven model that celebrates every stage from early childhood through middle school, honoring the opportunities for learning and growth inherent in each moment and at every age. At Charlotte Prep, our students stay a step removed from the presence and pressures of high school, allowing them to be children a little longer—to unabashedly embrace the simple joys of friendship, discovery, and play. They are also empowered to be leaders a little sooner, with our middle schoolers modeling responsibility, confidence, and kindness for their younger schoolmates.
For an in-depth look at this dynamic school, visit the Charlotte Prep website at www.charlotteprep.org.
"Charlotte Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of race, re...ligion, color, national or ethnic origin, or any other legally protected classification applicable to Charlotte Preparatory School in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, athletic and other school-administered programs."