Director of Finance

Overview

The Island School, a not-for-profit organization based in The Bahamas, was founded to create and support transformational educational experiences with the vision of leadership effecting change, on the island of Eleuthera. The diverse educational initiatives, including our High School Semester and Summer Term, Deep Creek Middle School, Elementary Learning Center, and our Community Engagement and Partnerships, deliver unique educational journeys in conjunction with the authentic and meaningful work our organization undertakes in research and sustainable development at the Cape Eleuthera Institute, our research, and innovation hub. We are reimagining what education is for, and redesigning how education is delivered.

Job Summary

The Island School is seeking a Director of Finance to join the leadership team at our campus on Cape Eleuthera, The Bahamas. Reporting to the Head of School, the Director of Finance will be directly responsible for all financial activities and fiscal control throughout the organization. This will include overseeing the budgeting and forecasting processes, as well as the preparation of financial reports and the review and refinement of all existing policies related to financial controls, fiscal and accounting processes, affiliated party relationships and reporting procedures. The Director of Finance supports the audit, finance, real estate, compliance and investment functions of the Board of Directors as well and sits on the Board of Directors Finance Committee.  The Director of Finance will work collaboratively with the Head of School and other senior leaders to lead the organization in all aspects, shaping the overall strategy, direction, and culture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Work closely with the Head of School and the Board of Trustees to lead the strategy development,  business modeling and fiscal forecasting for all current and proposed business initiatives. Lead, and directly supervise several teams and operational systems, including the Business Office, Facilities, IT and Procurement.

• Establish and develop relationships with other senior leaders, department heads, board members and other community members
• Ensure financial operating margins are maintained in accordance with Head of School and Board directives
• Prepare, review and finalize annual budgets and monitor budget performance, in collaboration with department heads
• Conduct periodic budget variance analysis (monthly)
• Prepare cash flow statements (monthly)
• Prepare financial statements (monthly)
• Prepare a cash flow forecast (quarterly)
• Manage annual external audits and refine fiscal control structure
• Review and refine staff compensation and benefit policy in conjunction with HR and CEO/Head of School
• Review and finalize agreements, leases and contracts with vendors and partners
• Review and optimize program pricing structure in conjunction with the Head of School and program leaders
• Monitor and report on grant performance
• Prepare, review, and finalize  bi-monthly payroll
• Manage operational and legal risk exposure, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Collaborate on organization wide insurance review and policy renewal

As a senior leader within the organization, the selected candidate will be expected to be flexible, and may be called upon to step outside of their daily responsibilities, as necessary.

Skills and Qualifications

The ideal candidate has worked for an established non-profit organization and is comfortable with the principles of both fund accounting and accrual accounting. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education – A CPA and/or MBA is preferred, however, an individual with a bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in business or accounting with an exceptional track record and significant related experience would be considered.
• Experience - A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible financial experience (preferably at educational or non-profit organizations), with a minimum of 3-4 years experience at a senior management level.
• Communication Skills – Excellent interpersonal,written, and verbal communication skills, with a strong ability to translate complex financial data to a range of audiences. Ability to read and interpret documents. Ability to create publication quality text, write routine reports, correspondence, etc.
• Leadership Capacity - Proven ability to lead and inspire others to achieve ambitious goals and to build a collaborative, trusting and supportive work culture. The desire to lead by example and to model the values of the institution.
• Computer Skills – In-depth knowledge of the Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Quickbooks, and other accounting software and payroll systems.
• Adaptability – Able to survive and thrive in a small and tight-knit, international community located in a remote part of The Bahamas.  Enthusiasm to engage with, be a part of, and to lead within a diverse, international community of staff and students.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Housing, medical insurance and access to dining hall for meals provided
• 20 days of paid vacation per year in addition to Bahamian public holidays
• Eligibility for matching retirement plan after two years of service
• Professional development opportunities

Schedule

This is a full-time position with an annual performance review. The Island School operates year round and working hours vary depending on needs but are typically Monday-Friday (40 hours/week); however, evening and weekend work will be required. Special events will require periods of time outside of normal working hours when staff must be on site for extended periods. Given the degree to which this position specifically works with and supports the most senior leaders of the organization the successful candidate should expect, and desire to work a variable and mission-driven schedule.

Application

Interested persons should submit an application along with the following documents (in PDF format) via https://ceis.bamboohr.com/careers/

• Cover letter and personal statement.
• Current resume.
• Three references (to include name, telephone number and email address) familiar with the applicant’s work.