Director of Business Affairs

Forsyth School in St. Louis, Missouri is a vibrant and thriving learning community for children age 2 through Grade 6. Founded in 1965, Forsyth is located in the Wydown-Forsyth Historic District, and is comprised of six historic homes within walking distance of Forest Park and Washington University.

The Director serves as a key member of the leadership team and is the key liaison to the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee regarding financial matters. The Board and Finance Committee depend upon the Director of Business Affairs for timely and accurate financial reporting, a disciplined and professional budget process, a clean annual audit, and clear, precise data and analysis for guiding decision making on widely varied, complex financial subjects.

The ideal candidate is a mission-driven strategic thinker who has superb people skills, uncompromising judgment and integrity, and a demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion. The candidate must have a hands-on workstyle with the ability to balance and prioritize the competing needs of the school and be fair but firm when necessary.

Forsyth School is committed to implementing inclusive, equitable and sustainable practices that attract, welcome and retain a diverse group of employees. 

Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Head of School, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees on strategic financial issues, and provide counsel regarding finances, debt management, budget preparation, long-term financial planning, facilities planning and development, compliance, human resources, information technology, and risk management.
• Manage annual and long-term financial planning, including the operating and capital budgets, projected cash flows, and debt planning.
• Prepare and present financial reports and metrics to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee.
• Manage accounting operations in compliance with all appropriate FASB and GAAP accounting standards, and all relevant state and federal tax reporting requirements for nonprofit entities.
• Process bi-monthly payroll for approximately 100 employees.
• Coordinate and oversee the annual external audit process.
• Supervise Business Office personnel ensuring that all Business Office procedures are efficient, adhere to best practices, and compliant with all applicable accounting standards.
• In conjunction with the Financial Aid Committee, direct financial aid process and oversee financial aid decisions.
• Serve as Human Resources Manager in the implementation and development of the School’s employment practices and policies; provide support and guidance to the Head of School and administrators around decisions involving HR policies and practices.
• Oversee the administration of employee benefit programs including benefit strategy, database maintenance, employee communications, open enrollment, problem solving and claims resolution.
• Work with school’s insurance broker to maintain a suite of appropriate property, liability, umbrella, workers compensation, directors and officers, cyber, fiduciary liability, and other coverages.