Director of Finance

Director of Finance

JCDS, Boston’s Jewish Community Day School

About Us

JCDS Boston provides a premier education that nurtures each student’s capacity for intellectual discovery and decision-making within a respectful, pluralistic, dual-language Hebrew-English environment. Our graduates are empowered to shape their futures informed by Jewish values, texts, and culture, and to make a meaningful difference in their communities and the world. We kindle the flame of lifelong learning across our constituencies and serve as an inspirational model of innovative, effective, and joyful teaching and learning.

Position Summary

The Director of Finance is a strategic thought partner to the Head of School and a key member of the leadership team. This role oversees the school’s financial health, tuition assistance (flexible tuition), strategic planning, risk management, compliance, and audit processes. The ideal candidate combines vision with hands-on management, ensuring fiscal responsibility while fostering collaboration across leadership, administration, faculty, and parent community.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Head of School to develop short- and long-range budgets, forecasts, and cash flow models aligned with strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with the Head of School and Treasurer of the Board to plan and facilitate Finance Committee meetings.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for staff, Board, and funders.
• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, tuition receivable, flexible tuition, payroll, and employee benefits.
• Lead the annual audit and tax reporting process in coordination with external auditors.
• Direct the annual budgeting and planning cycle; monitor progress and keep senior leadership informed of financial status.
• Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.
• Evaluate and oversee risk management, including insurance coverage and claims.
• Maintain strong relationships with funders and community partners; prepare required financial reporting.
• Oversee flexible tuition, including reporting and serving as liaison for families.
• Participate in school leadership, Board, and business operations meetings.
• Communicate and present critical financial matters to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with all school constituencies.
• Ensure compliance with all policies and regulations, including tax-exempt bond requirements, NAIS, Prizmah and AISNE reporting requirements, Form 990, Form PC, form ABC (Federal, State and Local) filings, Unemployment, Worker Compensation Audit, Compliance Certificate, PFML waiver
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field; advanced degree or CPA preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• Proven track record of accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational excellence.
• Strong commitment to meeting deadlines and delivering results.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while fostering collaboration across teams.
• Skilled at translating financial concepts for colleagues without finance backgrounds.
• Discretion and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Proficiency with  fund accounting software and financial systems (Veracross software) 

What We Offer

JCDS offers a competitive gross annualized base salary range of $160,000-$170,000 commensurate with qualifications, skills, and experience, and aligned with our values and culture. Benefits include:

• Medical Insurance- we provide funding towards HSA Accounts to help defray deductibles ($1600 for single and $2400 for other plans)
• 4 weeks of vacation, 10 days of sick time and 3 personal days, most federal and state holidays, plus Jewish holidays
• 403B Retirement plan with Roth option
• Professional development opportunities
• A collaborative, intimate, mission-driven work environment