Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The Branson School•Ross (SF Bay Area), CA

8d•$250,000 - $350,000

About The Position

The Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is the strategic and operational leader responsible for the financial stewardship of The Branson School. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CFO partners closely with the Head of School and Board of Trustees to ensure the school’s long-term financial sustainability, operational excellence, and alignment with mission and strategic priorities. The CFO oversees finance, budgeting, investments, financial aid, risk management, technology systems, food service, and other operational functions. The CFO also serves as staff liaison to the Finance, Investment, Audit/Risk Management, and Building & Grounds Committees of the Board. Direct reports include: Senior leaders in finance and facilities.

Requirements

10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in finance and operations leadership.
At least 3–5 years in a senior management or executive role with broad oversight responsibilities.
Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or related field required.
Demonstrated experience with nonprofit financial management and GAAP.
Familiarity with endowment management, and long-range financial modeling.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral).
Ability to navigate and resolve complex conflicts.
Familiarity with construction and facilities management procedures.
Deep appreciation for the various arms of an independent school (academics, athletics, alumni/parent relations).

Nice To Haves

MBA, CPA, or other advanced degree or certification strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as chief financial strategist and advisor to the Head of School and Board of Trustees.
Develop and maintain a multi-year financial model aligned with the school’s strategic plan and campus master plan.
Lead long-range financial planning, including enrollment modeling, tuition strategy, compensation forecasting, capital planning, and debt management.
Ensure financial decision-making reflects Branson’s mission, values, and commitment to access and belonging.
Oversee all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, and internal controls.
Ensure timely and accurate monthly and annual financial reporting to leadership and the Board.
Lead preparation for and management of the annual audit and IRS Form 990.
Maintain strong internal control systems and compliance with nonprofit accounting standards (GAAP).
Monitor liquidity, reserves, debt obligations, and financial covenants.
Oversee endowment administration in partnership with the Investment Committee and external advisors, ensuring adherence to investment policies.
Lead development of the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Head of School and senior administrators.
Present budget assumptions and financial forecasts to the Finance Committee and Board.
Monitor performance against budget and provide clear, actionable variance analysis.
Oversee capital and facilities budgeting, including major maintenance and campus improvement projects.
Oversee risk management strategy, including insurance programs (property, liability, D&O, cyber, workers’ compensation, fiduciary, travel, etc.).
Review and negotiate major contracts in consultation with legal counsel.
Supervise food service, technology and other key outsourced service providers.
Ensure operational practices support a safe, efficient, and sustainable campus environment.
Serve as main liaison in all building projects.
Partner with Admissions and the Financial Aid Committee to steward the school’s financial aid resources responsibly and equitably.
Serve as a member of the Financial Aid Committee.
Support data-driven financial aid modeling aligned with enrollment and access goals.
Serve as staff liaison to Finance, Investment, Audit/Risk, and Building & Grounds Committees.
Prepare materials and presentations that enable strong governance and informed oversight.
Support the Board in fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities.
Partner with the Director of Human Resources to support compensation planning, benefits strategy, and employment agreements.
Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations affecting independent schools.
Stay current on nonprofit tax law, bond financing, employment regulations, and risk-related issues.