Saint Mark’s Episcopal School
Business Manager/Controller: Position description on the school side
The Business Manager is a member of the school’s administrative team reporting to the Head of School and to
Finance Committee Chair with direct responsibility for all aspects of the financial, business and operational
integrity of the school. The Business Manager is responsible for developing, implementing and managing all
aspects of the School’s finances, documenting fundraising, accounts receivable, accounts payable, human
resources and relations, public relations, strategic initiatives and long-term financial sustainability. The
Business Manager is a key partner in strategic planning, Board development, and admission/enrollment
management. The Business Manager plays an important part in fostering a positive and productive
environment with Board members, current and past families, faculty, staff, alumni and external audiences.
The Business Manager must have the ability to both listen to and communicate well with constituencies inside
and outside of the School.
Areas of responsibilities
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To provide staff support, in conjunction with the Head of School, to the Finance Committee and the
Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.
To manage risk at the school to ensure the safety of personnel and students in their use of the
facilities and to maintain appropriate levels of insurance to protect the property and to cover the
liability of the school.
To provide the Head of School information regarding budgets related to salaries and benefits for all
personnel, and to represent the school at various committee meetings.
To provide a monthly report of expenditures.
To oversee and manage the School Plant
Performs annual reporting requirements for CAIS and NAIS, as well as other government and
association reporting. Completes the Annual Audit and required filings.
To oversee all school purchasing, financial investments, and banking activities.
Supervises the financial aid process and serves as a member of the financial aid committee that
reports to and provides recommendations to the Head of School.
Provide financial oversight and financial integration for the Parent Organization (PO) activities
including banking and audit.
Coordinate with the After-Care Program Director on the general aspects of the after-care program to
be offered by the school to ensure financial and operational accountability.
School Board Relations
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Collaborates with the Head of School and Board of Trustees as required ensuring the operations,
business, and financial objectives of the School are met in an effective and timely manner and that
programs remain on budget and are scaled to available financial resources
Engages in all aspects of financial accounting responsibilities and prepare monthly operating
statements for the head of school and the board of trustees
To establish a plan and schedule for the preparation of the annual budget that will permit the setting
of the succeeding year’s tuition at a Board of Trustees meeting early in the calendar year.
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Works with the Finance Committee of the School Board and the Head of School to develop strategies
to initiate and meet audacious fundraising goals.
Develops a strategic 5 year plan and reports to the Head of School and the School Board
Produces all financial reports to the School Board and other agencies.
Business Office Infrastructure
 Produces the written plan outlining the schedule of activities designed to meet the short- and longterm financial priorities of Saint Mark’s.
 Creates office systems to support all financial projects and operations.
 Oversees donor and gift record-keeping of the Advancement office
 Oversees the databases and all records, files and gift processing.
Facilities-Property, Plant
 Plan and oversee the physical plant, as well as, major projects from the construction and budgetary
aspects
 Works with the Head of School to produce long range facilities budget.
 Create and maintain an on-going equipment replacement program and the budget establishment and
maintenance of an active physical plant replacement, repairs, and special maintenance (PPRSM)
program.
 Establish as necessary contracts or as necessary a bid process for outside work and ensure the
development of specifications of documented expectations for all outside contract work. Strategize
and develop mechanisms to manage expenses and capital projects.
 Provide oversight of school safety and security and with human resources integrate emergency and
crisis plans with related physical plant issues.
Church School Relations
 Develops and implements a plan to create a smooth transition between church and school.
 Manages and maintains the financial database.
 Organizes reports, collects information about the gifts, tuition and other sources of income for
publication and keeps accurate records.
Parent Relations
 Provides support to the Parent Organization.
 Works with Parent Organization Treasurer, Student Council Lead Teacher, and School Board Finance
Chair to identify and report any red flags.
 Ensure the protection of the 501C3 status
Communication
 Gives information or reports for the production of all major publications and the School’s website
 Develops and implements strategies to promote the School’s mission to the internal community and to
external audiences.
 Creates reports to guide the Finance Chair of the School Board, Advancement Director or Head of
School for in giving information towards a promotional plan for a capital campaign, annual report or
State of the School
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To perform other duties as assigned by the head of school.
To support the school and its leadership.
Qualifications– The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field. A
minimum of 5-7 years of related and progressively more responsible experience in managing business and
financial affairs of a multi-functional business organization. A thorough background in physical plant and
operations administration, including food service, housekeeping, maintenance, and grounds with experience
overseeing construction projects ranging from small maintenance job orders to new building construction. A
working knowledge of nonprofit accounting is essential.
Highest regard for confidentiality and exemplary ethical standards is necessary, as well as the ability to
manage multiple tasks and projects under the pressure of deadlines while constantly adhering to internal
control procedures and guidelines.
Desirable – Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Master’s Degree in Business Administration preferred.
Independent School experience is a plus. Additionally possess the following personality traits: self-motivated,
smart, energetic, strong people skills, team player, approachable, receptive to new ideas, extremely customer
service oriented and comfortable in an educational setting where small children and adults are present.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Ability to learn and teach others established procedures as well as reproduce the current processes and
recommend best practices to streamline Business Office and School procedures. Manage many tasks and
projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines; ability to meet deadlines and “make” time for
unexpected projects or requests. Creates action plans to meet goals and objectives, and conducts periodic
reviews of progress and measures against goals. Exercises self-motivation with an excitement to learn and
grow within the position and organization. Exhibits strong interpersonal skills and maintains open
communication channels with numerous constituencies of the School, including peers, administrators, parents
and vendors; effectively communicates key data and complex accounting issues, including presentations and
dashboards, to various Board of Trustee committee members. Considers a broad range of internal and
external factors when solving problems and grasps complexities and perceives relationships among different
problems or issues. Effectively communicates accounting, financial and service issues that can be complex in
nature with peers, administrators, and customers of the School.
Commitment to Saint Mark’s core values and mission.
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Experience in finance work at least at the Book-keeper level, preferably in school environments
Record of consistently meeting deadlines and follow-though with assignments/projects.
High energy level
Record of ability to work across diverse populations
Record of creative and innovative problem solving
Knowledge of financial plans
Proficiency with a number of technologies necessary for the position, e.g., WORD, Excel, PowerPoint,
databases etc.
Application Process
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Submit a chronological resume
Submit a letter of application addressing your qualifications for the position
Submit a list of at least three professional references
All required materials must be sent to Head of School at mravelli@stmarks-upland.org . Review of
applications will begin on January 30, 2015. Position will remain open until filled.
About Saint Mark’s
Saint Mark’s Episcopal School is an independent school, preschool through eighth grade, with a commitment
to being an inclusive community. Saint Mark’s inspires each child to achieve their highest potential by
promoting intellectual, social, physical and spiritual growth in a safe and nurturing community.
Grounded in the Episcopal tradition we strive to 1) achieve academic excellence, 2) enhance learning with
enrichment programs, 3) promote character development and social responsibility, 4) foster a lifelong
commitment to philanthropy, community service and leadership, and 5) create a diverse and inclusive
community.