Director/Senior Director of Finance and Administration

Description

Amethod Public Schools (AMPS) is a mission and values driven organization. Our mission is to provide a rigorous college preparatory education and character development program that will prepare students from underserved communities to succeed in college and beyond. Our day-to-day work is embodied by a set of core values: Students First, Adaptability, Perseverance, Results Oriented Mindset (Accountability), Commitment to Distinction (Be the Change). We are looking for team members who exude these values and a passion for our mission.

POSITION

We are seeking a strategic and results-oriented financial leader to serve as Director of Finance and Administration. This critical role is responsible for the overall financial health and operational efficiency of our organization, ensuring compliance with all financial regulations while driving organizational success. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of financial acumen, leadership, and strategic thinking to effectively manage and optimize our financial resources. The Director of Finance and Administration will report to the Chief Operations Officer and will work closely with school leaders and members of the Home Office team.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management

• Develop and oversee annual budgets in collaboration with C-suite executives, school leaders, and the back office.
• Provide financial training to school leaders and home office staff.
• Ensure home office and school sites understand and adhere to budgets.
• Manage day-to-day financial operations including accounting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and cash management.
• Ensure timely and accurate payments, transactions, and monthly close processes with the finance team and the back office.
• Ensure accurate coding and entering of invoice and reimbursement information.
• Review credit card reconciliation reports.
• Work closely with the finance team to maintain vendor and accounting files.
• Serve as a thought partner with home office leadership teams and school site leaders on financial and operational strategies and priorities.

Reporting and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all authorizer, state, and federal financial reporting requirements, in cooperation with the back office team.
• Ensure compliance with all financial regulations and internal policies.
• Produce accurate and timely financial reports for stakeholders, including analysis and recommendations to drive strategic decision-making.
• Coordinate and collect audit information and work with auditors during field work, contacting team members and back office for completion of tasks.
• Consistently analyze financial data and present financial reports to school sites and home office leadership in an accurate and timely manner, monitor progress and changes, and keep senior leadership abreast of the organization’s financial status.
• Develop and maintain record retention policies, procedures, and practices.

Business Services Coordination

• Build and lead a high-performing finance team.
• Work closely with the Chief Operations Officer on communication and congruence between departments.
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented team culture.
• Support payroll process and team, reviewing and approving all payroll runs.
• Serve as additional support to operational departments, as needed.

Perform other duties, as assigned.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Unwavering commitment to the organization, its mission, and core values.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting and business services.
• Ability to edit and write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and solve problems effectively.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with multiple technologies and learn new systems quickly.
• Knowledge of public education and charter school movement, preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in the education sector.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and financial reporting standards.
• Proven ability to analyze financial data and translate com