Senior Director of Finance

Company: Shelby American, Inc.
Location: Atlanta
Posted on: April 4, 2025

Job Description:

DescriptionThe 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 OperationsSupervises: Accounting ManagerPERFORMANCE 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.
• Oversees all aspects of financial operations, including accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and procurement.
• Ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial records and reporting.
• Develops and implements robust internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.
• Manages the annual audit process, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
• Oversees the preparation and submission of all required financial reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Manages banking relationships and treasury functions.
• Identifies and pursues opportunities to negotiate contracts across schools, ensuring cost-effectiveness and maximizing financial efficiency.
• Provides 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
• Possesses a deep understanding of charter school funding models, state and federal grant programs, and reporting requirements.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable charter school financial regulations, including state education agency reporting, federal grant guidelines, and IRS regulations.
• Manages the network's relationship with authorizers, ensuring timely and accurate submission of all financial reports and documentation.
• Stays abreast of changes in charter school finance legislation and regulations, providing guidance and recommendations to leadership.
• Experience with per-pupil funding calculations, grant management, and facilities financing related to charter schools.Accountability & Transparency
• Promotes a culture of financial accountability and transparency throughout the network.
• Develops and implements clear financial policies and procedures.
• Provides regular financial updates to the Board of Directors, including detailed financial reports and analyses.
• Ensures that all financial information is readily accessible and understandable to stakeholders.
• Responds to inquiries from auditors, regulators, and other stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.Federal, State and Local Compliance
• Leads the annual state audit process and acts as a liaison between Kindezi and auditors; ensures all required state and federal reports are prepared and submitted within program guidelines.
• Develops, recommends, and implements the budget for assigned areas while monitoring expenditures to ensure compliance.
• Builds capacity in school-based leadership teams to effectively manage school budgets.
• Oversees the management of all federal, state and self-funded grants for compliance and usage, including Title I, Title II, state facilities, philanthropic funding, and QBE revenue.
• Oversees CPI and QBE reporting to maximize federal, local, and state revenue.
• Ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other applicable standards, initiating corrective actions as necessary.
• Provides effective and timely communication of critical financial information, including relevant trends, forecasts, risks, and opportunities.KEY ATTRIBUTES:
• Alignment with the (mission, core values, equity commitments) model and goals.
• Demonstrated commitment to increasing student achievement and supporting the social-emotional needs of students.
• Dedicated, reflective thinker with a growth mindset.
• High academic expectations; believes that all students deserve an equitable education experience no matter their circumstances.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Master's degree in accounting, business or public administration is required.
• CPA certification preferred.
• Experience with school budget preparation and management.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Knowledge of public and local charter school district operations especially in educational organizations.
• Strategic planning and analytics skills to implement and lead an executive vision.REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS:
• Must have or be able to obtain a GaPSC-issued clearance certificate.WORK EXPERIENCE:
• 8-10 years of experience in finance and business.
• 5+ years of experience managing others (i.e. Assistant Director or Director of Finance).COMPENSATION/BENEFITS:
• Starting salary $99,000.00.
• Compensation aligned with The Kindezi Schools' salary schedule.
• Teacher Retirement System (TRS) pension, 403b plan, paid time off, vacation, health, vision, and dental insurance, employer-paid life insurance, and short and long-term disability benefits.JOB CLASSIFICATION:
• Work Days: annual.
• Salaried, Full-Time, Exempt.
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Keywords: Shelby American, Inc., Atlanta , Senior Director of Finance, Executive , Atlanta, Georgia