Chief Financial Officer

The Shlenker School of Congregation Beth Israel | Houston, TX

The Shlenker School, an infant–5th grade Jewish independent school in Houston, TX, seeks a strategic and collaborative Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to serve as a key member of the Administrative Team.

Shlenker serves more than 330 students, manages an approximately $7 million operating budget, and is a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School. Our 16-acre campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including a 1.5-acre outdoor classroom, SPARK Lab, purposeful play spaces, and a full gymnasium.

Position Overview

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the CFO is responsible for the financial stewardship and operational sustainability of the School. This is a full-time, 12-month position (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).

The CFO oversees all business office functions, including finance, accounting, budgeting, facilities, risk management and insurance, technology, compensation, and employee benefits. The role requires close collaboration with the Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, and senior leadership, as well as strong relationships with external partners and Congregation Beth Israel.

Direct reports include the Business Manager, Controller, and Staff Accountant.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy 

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and long-term projections
• Prepare and present financial reports to the Head of School, Board of Trustees, and Finance Committee
• Support strategic planning and major initiatives, including capital projects
• Collaborate on Annual Fund goals, tuition modeling, and tuition assistance planning

Accounting & Compliance 

• Ensure sound financial controls and GAAP compliance
• Supervise payroll, accounts payable/receivable, tuition billing, and financial aid processes

• Coordinate annual audits and maintain relationships with auditors, banks, and investment managers
• Partner with Advancement to ensure accurate gift accounting and reporting

Personnel & Benefits Administration 

• Oversee compensation planning, salary benchmarking, and benefits administration
• Supervise employment agreements, onboarding processes, background checks, and payroll
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal employment requirements

Risk Management 

• Oversee insurance and risk management
• Coordinate safety compliance, inspections, and corrective actions
• Collaborate with school leadership to proactively address safety and legal risks

Technology & Systems 

• Support technology planning, budgeting, and system implementation within the Business Office
• Stay current on financial and administrative systems used by independent schools

External & Professional Engagement 

• Serve as the School’s liaison to auditors, legal counsel, insurers, contractors, and vendors
• Provide required data for NAIS, ISAS, NAEYC, and other professional associations
• Participate in regional and national independent and Jewish day school finance networks

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an independent school or nonprofit setting preferred
• Strong expertise in financial management, budgeting, and organizational leadership
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
• Commitment to supporting a mission-driven school community

Culture & Leadership

The CFO is expected to contribute positively to school culture by modeling collaboration, professionalism, and respect, and by supporting faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees in advancing the School’s mission and values.