St. Stephen's Episcopal School, Director of Finance and Accounting

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of Finance and Accounting (DFA). This is an excellent opportunity for a CPA‑level accounting leader to join a nationally recognized independent school as the senior accounting professional and a key partner in advancing disciplined financial stewardship. 

Reporting to the Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations (AHOSF&O), the Director of Finance and Accounting will play a central role in the Business Office, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of the school’s financial systems and reporting. This position provides day‑to‑day leadership of accounting operations, supervises the Senior Accountant, and serves as the primary liaison to external auditors and financial partners. 

The role offers meaningful scope, responsibility, and professional growth within a collaborative, mission‑driven organization known for academic excellence, strong governance, and financial stability.

About St. Stephen's Episcopal School 

Founded in 1950, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School is a nationally recognized, coeducational day and boarding school serving approximately 700 students in grades 6–12. Located on a breathtaking 370‑acre campus overlooking Lake Austin, the school is known for its rigorous college‑preparatory curriculum; strong programs in the arts, athletics, and outdoor education; and a deep commitment to wellness, service, and community. 

As the first coeducational Episcopal boarding school in the United States—and the first integrated boarding school in the South—St. Stephen’s has a long‑standing commitment to inclusion, dignity, and educating young people to live lives of meaning. The school’s Episcopal identity and core values of love of learning, balance, diversity, community, and service are woven throughout campus life and decision‑making. 

The DFA Role at St. Stephen's 

The Director of Finance and Accounting serves as the school’s senior accounting leader, responsible for the integrity of all financial accounting, controls, and reporting functions. 

Working in close partnership with the AHOSF&O and collaborating with colleagues across the institution, this role supports informed decision‑making through rigorous financial analysis, timely reporting, and strong internal controls. The DFA is both a hands‑on leader and a trusted thought partner, ensuring that financial practices align with GAAP, regulatory standards, and the school’s mission and strategic priorities. 

Key Areas of Responsibility 

Financial Accounting and Internal Controls 

• Hold primary responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the school’s financial accounting and reporting.
• Oversee all core accounting functions, including the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, purchasing, payroll coordination, taxes, and related systems.
• Establish, document, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls consistent with GAAP, FASB, and AICPA standards.
• Review monthly reconciliations and ensure prompt resolution of discrepancies.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports. 

Budgeting, Analysis, and Decision Support 

• Partner with the AHOSF&O on the annual operating budget and multi‑year financial projections.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide clear, actionable insights into financial performance and trends. 
• Support internal stakeholders with accurate financial data and analysis related to strategic initiatives and operational decisions.

Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management

• Serve as the primary liaison to external auditors and manage a well‑organized, timely annual audit process.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, internal controls, and regulatory requirements; recommend and implement improvements as needed.
• Coordinate risk management efforts, including insurance renewals and certificates of insurance. 

Endowment, Investments, and External Reporting ​​​​​​

• Oversee endowment and investment accounting and reporting, including reconciliation of Fundriver. 
• Prepare and submit financial and operational surveys for organizations such as NAIS/DASL, NBOA/BIIS, SAES, ISAS, and Commonfund. 
• Develop financial benchmarks and comparative analyses in collaboration with the AHOSF&O. 

​Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead, mentor, and develop the finance and accounting team, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement. 
• Directly supervise the Senior Accountant, providing guidance, coaching, and performance feedback. 
• Serve as a collaborative and trusted financial partner to colleagues across the school. 

What Makes This Role Compelling   

1. A senior accounting leadership role at one of the nation’s most respected Episcopal day and boarding schools.
2. Close partnership with a newly appointed Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations, with real influence and visibility. 
3. The opportunity to lead accounting and reporting within a financially stable, well‑governed institution. 
4. Broad professional scope spanning accounting, audit, budgeting, endowment reporting, and compliance. 
5. A mission‑driven environment that values rigor, integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

Candidate Profile 

The ideal candidate will bring: 

• Deep expertise in nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls. 
• Confidence serving as a CPA‑level accounting leader and trusted financial advisor. 
• Experience supervising accounting professionals and improving systems and processes. 
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. 
• A collaborative leadership style grounded in professionalism, discretion, and service. 
• An appreciation for—and alignment with—the mission, values, and culture of St. Stephen’s Episcopal School. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; master’s degree strongly preferred. 
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required. 
• Minimum of five years of public accounting experience with nonprofit clients and/or five years of progressively responsible nonprofit or independent school accounting leadership experience. 
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis; school‑based accounting systems preferred. 

The Search Process 

St. Stephen’s Episcopal School has partnered with NBOA Advisory Services to lead this search. The process builds on the successful recent search for the AHOSF&O and reflects the school’s commitment to assembling a strong, collaborative finance and operations leadership team. This search is being conducted in close partnership with Head of School Chris Gunnin, incoming AHOSF&O Bruce Orem, and Director of Human Resources Kristin Weigand. 

The salary range for this position is $125,000-$140,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Additionally, St. Stephen’s offers a generous and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support employees through all stages of life and career.   

All inquiries, nominations, and questions should be directed in confidence to:
James Palmieri, CEO and Search Lead 
jpalmieri@nboaadvisoryservices.com     

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and letter of interest ASAP through the application link on this page. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. The desired start date is Spring 2026. 

Please do not contact the school directly. Interested candidates should apply using the form on this page at their earliest convenience.  

Equal Opportunity Statement 

In accordance with our founding mission and as a diocesan school of the Episcopal Church, St. Stephen's Episcopal School believes in the inherent value and dignity of every human being. We seek qualified candidates who share this foundational belief and are ready to work in community to create a more just society. We celebrate every individual, recognizing that our unique stories, histories, and voices are essential to creating a vibrant living and learning space. As such, we strongly encourage people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply to become members of our community. 

Equal access to employment, programs, and services is available to all. With respect to its employment practices, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender or gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation or identity.