Chief Finance and Operations Officer - National Association of Independent Schools
Chicago, IL 60290
About the Job
Position Title: Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO)
DOL Status: Full-Time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Head of School (HOS)
Effective Date: January 12, 2025
Position Overview
The Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO) at The Frances Xavier Warde School (FXW) is a critical leadership role tasked with supporting the school’s mission and interfaith values. The CFOO is responsible for the strategic and operational management of financial and administrative functions, fostering a collaborative environment, and ensuring operational excellence across departments.
Primary Responsibilities
Financial Reporting, Accounting, and Controls
- Oversee the Controller in preparing monthly financial statements for FXW and an affiliated foundation—Children at the Crossroads (CATC).
- Coordinate with the Controller annual financial statements and Form 990 tax filings and serve as the liaison for auditors.
- Manage compliance reports and filings, including DASL and NBOA submissions.
- Direct budget preparation, including CAPEX budgets, and ensure financial forecasting aligns with school needs.
- Oversee daily cash management activities and cash-flow planning in collaboration with the HOS.
- Oversee the Controller to maintain financial policies, chart of accounts, and internal controls, while driving automation and process improvements.
Risk and Compliance
- Serve as the primary point of contact for incident reporting, insurance policies, and legal compliance.
- Review contracts and collaborate with legal counsel as needed.
Additional Responsibilities
Facilities Management
- Collaborate with the Facilities Committee on multi-year CAPEX planning and vendor selection processes.
- Oversee contracts, leases, and compliance with facilities expectations.
- Supervise the Facilities Director and custodial staff.
Security Operations
- Supervise the Security Operations Director in hiring, training, and ensuring compliance with Archdiocese requirements.
- Coordinate security guidelines and ensure adequate campus coverage.
- Monitor and update the Emergency Operating Plan annually coordinating with the Director of Education.
Key Relationships
The CFOO will work closely with:
- Board of Trustees: Finance, Facilities, and Investment Committees.
- Human Resources
- Direct Reports: Finance, IT, Facilities, and Security teams.
- Internal and External Stakeholders: Principals, staff, vendors, contractors, and church staff.
Compensation and Benefits
FXW offers a competitive salary and robust benefits program, commensurate with experience and consistent with independent schools.
Expected compensation for this role includes a salary within the range of $125,000 - $205,000.
If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. FXW is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Benefits include but are not limited to:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life & Disability
- Short –Term Disability
- Long- Term Disability
- Basic Life & AD&D
- Voluntary Life & AD&D
- Voluntary Benefits
- Financial Wellness
- FSA
- Commuter Benefits
- 403B Retirement Savings
- Wellbeing & Balance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Mental Health Resources
Mission Statement
The Frances Xavier Warde School is a Catholic elementary school that delivers an excellent academic and values-based education in an urban environment. The school provides need-based scholarships to 30% of its students, fosters faith development, and encourages respect for all traditions.
Non-Discrimination Policy
FXW is committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining a diverse and exceptional team. The school does not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected statuses and complies with all applicable laws.
Learn More
Click here ( HERE ) to learn more about The Frances Xavier Warde School.
To Apply
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact hr@fxw.org or visit fxw.org/careers.
- A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position.
- A current résumé.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Education: Master’s degree in accounting or active CPA certification required.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting and management experience.
- Experience in a nonprofit or independent school setting preferred.
- Technical Skills:
- In-depth knowledge of GAAP and computerized accounting systems (Veracross preferred).
- Strong analytical skills and expertise in designing and monitoring internal controls.
- Leadership Skills:
- Proven ability to drive change collaboratively and inclusively.
- Strong relationship-building and problem-solving abilities.