Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children / Job Description
Position Title: Director of Finance
Department: Finance
Reports To: Executive Director
Last Updated: November 5, 2025
Position Summary:
The Finance Director provides strategic financial oversight for the organization, including
budgets, audits, compliance reporting, IRS/GAAP requirements, risk management, and cost
analysis for benefits. This role advises executive leadership on the organization’s financial
health and supports informed decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
Administrative:
-Supervise and develop the Staff Accountant, Purchasing Coordinator, and Payroll Clerk,
fostering accuracy, efficiency and collaboration in daily operations.
-Maintain direct responsibility for financial operations and oversees the review and
approval of accounting, purchasing, and payroll functions.
-Provide detailed financial analysis to support strategic decision making. Contribute
actively as a member of the leadership team, participating in strategic planning, decision
making and development initiatives.
-Uphold senior leadership expecations and organizational core values at all times.
-Provide financial leadership support to the Principal in the Executive Director’s absence.
-Perform other duties as assigned, including assisting with student drop-off and pick-up
when needed.
Budget & Payroll:
-Manage and oversee the review and approval of budgets and forecasts in alignment with
organizational goals.
-Collaborate with department heads and the Executive Director on long-term planning.
-Oversee semi-monthly and monthly payroll processing, reporting and accrual audits at
the start of each fiscal year – including new hire audits – and ensure ongoing accuracy
throughout the year.
-Verify budgets for salary proposals from Human Resources.
-Distribute and review budget reports with department heads, advising on variances.
-Partner with the Development Director to assess fundraising strategies and ensure
alignment with financial goals.
Audit & Compliance:
-Ensure the accuracy and integrity of all financial statements and reports. Lead the
annual financial audit process, coordinating with auditors and resolving issues including
the annual benefit audit.
-Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS, GAAP, 403(b), and all applicable regulations.
-Administer liability insurance policies and manage claims.
-Conduct risk assessments to mitigate liabilities and safeguard investments.
-File required reports, including IRS Form 5500 and Workers’ Compensation.
Communication & Reporting:
-Maintain relationships with banks, auditors, and financial advisors.
-Prepare clear, timely, and accurate monthly reports for the Finance Committee and
present updates to the Board Treasurer, Executive Director, and Board of Trustees.
-Maintain respecƞul and effective relationships with leadership.
-Clearly communicate budget and salary information to staff and board members.
Qualifications
Skills and Experience:
-Exceptional attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy, and timely completion
of responsibilities.
-High degree of accuracy in financial reporting.
-Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency.
-Strong data analysis, database management, and spreadsheet skills.
-Excellent problem-solving, conflict resolution, and collaboration abilities.
-Professional and effective communication with diverse audiences.
Education and/or Experience:
-Bachelor’s degree in Accounting; CPA preferred.
-7–10 years accounting experience; 3–5 years in a supervisory role preferred.
-Demonstrated ability to provide oversight and ensure compliance.
-Nonprofit sector experience preferred.
-Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; Financial Edge experience a plus.
-Strong skills in financial analysis, forecasting, fund accounting, reconciliations, and multiyear planning.
-Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to
present complex financial concepts to non-financial audiences.
-Strategic problem-solver with excellent attention to detail and deadline management.
-Bilingual preferred.
-Valid Texas driver’s license or ability to obtain.
Physical Demands:
-Frequent sitting, walking, talking, hearing, writing, and typing.
-Close and distance vision required.
-Occasional lifting/moving up to 50 lbs.
-Some travel and irregular hours may be required.
Working Conditions:
-Moderate noise level, office/classroom setting.
-Interaction with staff, students, and the public.
If interested, please go to www.sunshinecottage.org and download our application and send the completed application to hr@sunshinecottage.org.