About the Role

The Business Manager plays a critical role in both operational and strategic functions, supporting the school’s financial health and operational efficiency. This role involves close collaboration with the Director of Finance & Operations to ensure robust accounting practices, systems integrity, and a strong internal control structure. The Business Manager will compile, analyze, and prepare financial reports for the school’s Head of School, Leadership Team and Board of Trustees, develop and monitor the annual budget, oversee the financial aid award process, and partner with the HR Manager to process payroll and develop and implement applicable financial and operational policies and procedures.

The individual who will be successful in this role will demonstrate a commitment to Epiphany School values and have robust financial and operations knowledge and experience, including but not limited to: budget management, financial and employee compliance regulations, risk management strategies, grants and contracts management, and accounting best practices. The person in this role must have strong communication and collaboration skills, a commitment to ensuring equitable and ethical best practices, an ability to pivot from strategic to tactical thinking, and delight in working in a school environment with elementary-aged children. Previous experience in a school setting is preferred but not required.

This is a full-time, exempt, year-round position, reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations.  

Location:

The person in this role must work in-person on the school campus in the Madrona neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Epiphany School does not cover or reimburse relocation costs and/or expenses. 

Standard work hours are typically Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm. Staff meetings typically run through 5:00pm on Wednesdays (dates will be communicated ahead of time). 

This position may require infrequent evening and weekend work to support school community events such as the school auction. 

Working from home is permitted occasionally after the 90-day probationary period.

What You'll Do

Strategic Financial Management

• Perform general accounting functions, including journal entries, accounts payable, and processing cash receipts, payroll and tuition billing
• Monitor accounts receivable aging and communicate with delinquent account holders
• Collaborate with the Director of Finance & Operations to maintain accurate accounting processes and systems.
• In partnership with the Director of Finance & Operations and Head of School, design financial policy, philosophy, and process documentation.
• Ensure the integrity of the internal control structure by maintaining orderly records of financial transactions, in compliance with school policies and local, state, and federal requirements
• Compile, analyze, and prepare regular and ad hoc financial reports for various internal and external users.
• Ensure strict confidentiality of financial data and information.
• Develop and monitor the annual budget in alignment with the school’s strategic goals.
• Manage the financial aid award process and review methodology with Financial Aid Committee and update as needed.
• Maintain financial aid section of website, updating timelines and deadlines, correspond with families applying for financial aid, analyze family financial data entered into third party financial aid processing system, present requests and award recommendations to the Financial Aid Committee, and communicate committee decisions to families.
• Ensure the fair and consistent application of financial aid policies. 
• Provide strategic financial insights and recommendations to support decision-making by the leadership team.
• Assist in long-term financial planning and risk management.
• Conduct financial analysis and projections to inform strategic initiatives.
• Lead month-end closing processes, including preparation of journal entries, reconciliations, account analysis, and financial statements.
• Monitor finance and payroll compliance best practices to ensure the school is following current industry processes and procedures.

Operational Management:

• Process biweekly and monthly payrolls, complete annual payroll audit, and support in managing accurate processing of benefits deductions and employee retirement contributions.
• Support employee leave of absence payroll calculations in coordination with various benefits available to the employee.
• Respond to employment verification requests for payroll information.
• Keep minutes at monthly Finance Committee and other meetings as needed.
• Partner with HR Manager to develop and monitor policies and procedures related to finance and payroll operations.
• Collaborate with Admission Team with online enrollment process for new and returning students, including enrollment contract revisions as needed, and manage tuition deposit process.
• In partnership with the Executive Assistant to the Head of School, manage the school’s subscriptions (e.g., memberships, systems platforms), tracking contract renewal dates, and communicating with key stakeholders in case changes are needed
• Analyzing and providing operations data for annual reporting to local, state, and national agencies.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the online student uniform and spirit store, including managing the vendor relationship and contract.

Expectations For All at Epiphany School:

• Contribute to a learning environment based on Epiphany School’s values
• Use Responsive Classroom approach as a social-emotional learning framework for working with students.
• Provide recess supervision, arrival, dismissal, and/or front desk coverage as scheduled.
• Participate in the school community, including professional development/learning, service learning, and community events.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor or Head of School.
• Represent the school at various regional, state, and national associations relative to role.

Typical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and work experience required (CPA designation preferred).
• A minimum of 5+ years of financial management experience with the day-to-day financial operations of a similarly sized and resourced organization. 
• Knowledge of not-for-profit accounting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. 
• Knowledge and experience with fund accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll administration.
• Knowledge and experience with labor laws and human resource management issues related to payroll administration. 
• A minimum of 2+ years of experience in processing financial aid awards. 
• Proven experience in strategic planning and execution of finance and operations initiatives.
• Must be detail-oriented with a proven process to ensure “right first time” financial reports.
• Excellent and clear communication skills in the English language in all forms (i.e., oral, written, and presentational) with an ability to succinctly explain complex topics in a digestible way. 
• Demonstrated project management skills and an ability to work against competing priorities and deadlines.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills. 
• Ability to pivot quickly to handle changing circumstances and work collaboratively with a diverse group of people.
• Proficiency in data analysis and using enrollment management and admission software.
• Must possess a professional attitude and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft environment.
• Experience with accounting software systems required; working knowledge of Rippling, Blackbaud (Financial Edge), Financial Aid for Student Tuition (FAST) applications desired.
• Commitment to model and promote school values.
• Valid CPR/First Aid certification (not required at time of application – new hires will have time to complete if needed).

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role is between $95,000 - $110,000 based on years of experience, education, skill, and internal equity in line with our school’s Administrator pay scale. When determining an initial offer, we carefully consider these factors.

Alongside salary, Epiphany School offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Benefits stipend to put towards employee benefits including medical, dental, vision coverage, voluntary employee, spousal, and child life and critical illness insurance, accident insurance, voluntary short-term disability, and flexible health savings accounts 
• Employer-paid monthly premiums for employee assistance program and long-term disability coverage 
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution  
• 12 paid holidays 
• 6 weeks of paid vacation and 2 weeks of sick leave 
• Paid supplemental parental leave after 12 months of employment 
• Professional development funding

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter through our Employee Portal. The priority review deadline for applications will be June 30, 2025, but applications will be received until the position is filled. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United Sates and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Final offers will be contingent on the successful completion of a background, education, and employment check. 

About Epiphany School

Epiphany School is a non-parochial, independent elementary school serving grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. The school mission is to challenge and support all students to become confident, curious, and courageous learners through innovative teaching in a caring and inclusive environment. We strive to inspire every child to discover meaning and purpose in a life of learning and actively cultivate an awareness and respect for diversity in all forms. We aim to create a positive, joyful, and inclusive community by embracing the following values:

Respect: We encourage empathy through the strength of our differences, awareness of our global surroundings, and adherence to high standards of conduct.

Responsibility: We build integrity and trust by understanding our choices and owning our actions.

Resourcefulness: We foster resilience and expect all to search and find, to fail and learn, to risk and succeed in a changing world.

With over 260 students, Epiphany School is large enough to offer a broad spectrum of educational opportunities and small enough to maintain a close-knit community. The beautiful, historic campus is located in a quiet setting in central Seattle’s Madrona neighborhood. 

Epiphany School’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Epiphany School promotes and cultivates a diverse community as essential to academic success, social and emotional growth, and the development of good character. Engaging diverse perspectives stretches the mind and requires critical thinking, intellectual courage, and creativity. It takes careful listening and thoughtful expression and manifests itself in cultural competency. Thinking beyond oneself and seeing the world through the eyes of others is the foundation of fairness and empathy, and thus prepares our students to live respectfully and responsibly in our pluralistic democratic society. 

Epiphany School is committed to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the principle of equal access and opportunity in education and employment and full participation for persons with disabilities in all its programs and services.  

Epiphany School is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee because of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, political ideology, physical, mental, or sensory disability, military status, genetic information, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

Epiphany School complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact careers@epiphanyschool.org.