Senior Director of Finance

Description

 The Senior Director of Finance supports the leadership team by overseeing the financial health of The Kindezi Network and managing the $26,000,000 annual budget. This role ensures effective fiscal operations, including accounting, budgeting, and reporting, while implementing strategic financial plans set by executive leadership. The Senior Director of Finance will provide strategic financial leadership, ensuring accountability, transparency, and compliance with all applicable regulations, particularly within the unique context of charter school finance. The Senior Director will be a key advisor to the Chief Operations Officer, Executive Director,  and the Board.

Reports to: Chief of Operations

Supervises: Accounting Manager

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Leadership & Strategy:

• Develops and implements comprehensive financial strategies aligned with the network's mission and strategic goals
• Provides strategic financial analysis and recommendations to the COO, ED,  and Board of Directors regarding budget development, resource allocation, and long-term financial planning
• Leads the annual budget development process, ensuring alignment with educational priorities and operational needs
• Monitors and analyzes financial performance against budget, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions
• Develops and maintains financial models for forecasting revenue, expenses, and cash flow
• Evaluates and manages financial risks, implementing appropriate controls and mitigation strategies.
• Monitors enrollment projections and evaluates budgetary impacts
• Leads financial sustainability and ensures equitable use of public and philanthropic funding
• Oversees the annual budget process, monitors revenue and expenses, and enforces budget accountability as needed, working closely with senior managers
• Seeks innovative ways to reduce fixed costs and liabilities throughout the organization

Organizational & Internal Fiscal Management 

• Demonstrates and communicates a working knowledge and understanding of Georgia public education rules, regulations, and laws, as well as Atlanta Public Schools policies and procedures
• Identifies potential financial issues and addresses them in a timely, consistent, and effective manner
• Establishes and uses accepted procedures to develop short- and long-term financial goals through effective allocation of resources
• Reviews fiscal records regularly to ensure accountability for all funds
• Plans and prepares a fiscally responsible budget that supports the Network’s mission and goals
• Follows federal, state, and local financial policies and ensures accurate accountability and reporting
• Collaborates with the leadership team to make strategic management decisions, resulting in a smoothly operating Network
• Collaborates with the COO to implement operational accounting process improvements for high organizational efficiency and effective school accounting and reporting
• Works closely with all budget owners to ensure budget accuracy and appropriate spending
• Ensures all financial and accounting transactions are accurately recorded in accounting software, accounts receivable and payable, investment tracking, and asset depreciation
• Manages finance team (Accounting Manager) 
• Prepares and presents monthly financial reports for the Executive Director and the Kindezi Governing Board Finance Committee, including monthly financial statements at board meetings
• Oversee all aspects of financial operations, including accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and procurement.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records and reporting.
• Develop and implement robust internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.
• Manage the annual audit process, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of all required financial reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Manage banking relationships and treasury functions.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to negotiate contracts across schools, ensuring cost-effectiveness and maximizing financial efficiency.
• Provide timely and accurate budget-to-actual reports to all budget owners, offering insights and guidance to ensure financial alignment with organizational goals.

Charter School Finance Expertise

• Possess a deep understanding of charter school funding models, state and federal grant programs, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable charter school financial regulations, including state education agency reporting, federal grant