Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer - Apply by 10 / 13 / 2025

Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is accepting applications for a Chief Financial Officer.

Job Classification : Exempt

Department : Business Office

Reports To : President

Schedule : Monday – Friday, occasional weekends and evenings

Pay Range : $135,000 - $170,000 based on experience, education and qualifications

Supervisory Responsibility : Business Office Staff, Campus Store Manager

Primary Purpose : The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a member of the school's administrative leadership team, working closely with the President to ensure the school's financial health and long-term sustainability. The CFO provides strategic oversight and has primary day-to-day responsibility for planning, implementing, managing, and overseeing all financial-related activities. This includes direct responsibility for accounting, finance, forecasting, strategic planning, compliance, internal controls, and GAAP accounting, as well as oversight of business office functions, treasury services, and the campus store. In alignment with the school's Catholic identity and the charism of Caritas Christi – the love of Christ – the CFO ensures financial stewardship is conducted with integrity, transparency, and fidelity to the school's mission, while maintaining compliance with diocesan policies and reporting requirements.

Essential Functions :

GAAP Accounting

Engage external audit firm and oversee preparation of the annual financial report

Supervise the annual audit

Maintain financial records in accordance with GAAP

Treasury Services

Maintain banking relationships and ensure Santa Margarita Catholic High School (SMCHS) loan covenants are maintained

Arrange short- and long-term financing as needed

Serve as the school's primary check signer

Financial Planning and Analysis

Lead development and dissemination of the budget

Collaborate with the President on master and strategic planning

Develop and maintain a forward-looking 5-year financial plan aligned with the overall school strategy

Accounting Oversight

Prepare monthly financial statements and executive reports for the President and Diocese CFO

Review month-end closing documents to ensure accurate journal entries and timely closing of books

Supervise Business Office staff, including hiring, training, and performance management

Oversee and review bi-weekly payroll processing

Oversee tuition receivables and tuition assistance programs

Maintain and monitor internal controls

Campus Store

Supervise the Campus Store Manager to ensure profitable operations

Assist with purchasing and pricing decisions as needed

Additional Duties

Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the President

Qualifications & Experience :

Required :

Bachelor's degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration

Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management

Prior experience in educational or nonprofit organizations

Proven success in budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting and compliance, strategic financial planning, and managing audits and investments

Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

Demonstrates confidentiality and integrity

Excellent prioritization and project management skills

Must be a team player and self-motivated

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and financial management software

Preferred :

Advanced degree or professional certification in business or finance, such as : MBA (Master of Business Administration), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or CMA (Certified Management Accountant)

Demonstrated understanding of the Catholic faith, its teachings, and values

Physical Requirements : Works extensively in an office environment, sitting and standing for long periods of time. Involves repetitive use of computers and telephones and requires the ability to communicate effectively. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will also be required to use hands to handle or feel, and to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands or arms, and occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and / or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Benefits : This position includes benefits as outlined in the SMCHS employee handbook.

To apply, please submit anapplication , cover letter, and resume to HR@smhs.org by October 13, 2025.

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