Chief Financial Officer

Position Overview

The Chief Financial Officer is a key member of KIPP NYC’s executive leadership team, overseeing a ~$250M annual operating budget, with projected growth to approximately $300M over the next several years. The CFO leads all aspects of the finance function, including accounting and financial planning & analysis (FP&A), and is responsible for ensuring financial health, operational rigor, and long-term sustainability.

This is a full-time position with a hybrid schedule, requiring a minimum of three in-person days per week based out of our KIPP NYC Midtown Manhattan office.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Leadership
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO, shaping financial and organizational strategy through forward-looking insight, scenario planning, and constructive challenge
• Partner with the CEO and executive team to translate strategic priorities into actionable financial plans, operational targets, and measurable outcomes
• Partner with the CEO, Board, and Finance Committee to align on long-term financial strategy, including making strategic investments to strengthen infrastructure and support long-term scale
• Deliver clear, actionable financial insights to stakeholders, translating complex data into recommendations that drive decision-making
• Lead the continued evolution of the finance function, building systems, structures, and capabilities that enable long-term sustainability and organizational effectiveness
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis processes, strengthening rigor, transparency, and alignment to organizational priorities; advance budgeting toward more strategic, driver-based and school-level practices
• Lead long-term financial planning, scenario modeling, and resource allocation across a complex, multi-entity organization
• Oversee financial strategy related to real estate and facilities, including long-term planning, financing, and partnership with external providers across a ~$500M asset portfolio
• Accounting, Systems, and Infrastructure
• Strengthen core accounting operations and financial infrastructure, improving structure, alignment, and consistency across a complex, multi-entity environment
• Strengthen and standardize internal controls, financial reporting, and cross-functional processes to improve accuracy, reliability, and operational rigor
• Lead the integration and optimization of financial systems and tools to support a more scalable, efficient, and data-driven finance function
• Strengthen and streamline cash management infrastructure, including rationalizing bank accounts and supporting a transition to a more effective banking structure
• Lead the transition of payroll from HR into finance, including implementation and stabilization of improved payroll systems, and build a more reliable, controlled, and sustainable payroll function
• Lead the annual audit and external reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong financial governance
• Systems, Tools, and Enablement
• Partner with the CEO to define and drive execution of a multi-year finance and operations roadmap focused on strengthening systems, enabling scalability, and supporting long-term sustainability
• Lead the optimization and effective use of core financial systems (e.g., Intacct, FloQast, Ramp, Vena), ensuring consistency, accuracy, and usability across the organization
• Strengthen underlying processes and data flows to improve system effectiveness, data integrity, and cross-functional alignment
• Design and deliver training for school leaders and Shared Services staff to build financial acumen and ensure consistent application of fiscal policies
• Identify and implement opportunities to leverage technology, including AI, to improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and enhance decision-making
• Stakeholder and Team Management
• Lead and develop a high-performing finance team, including onboarding recent hires and strengthening team structure, clarity, and accountability
• Build a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and high standards across the finance function during a period of ongoing transformation
• Provide coaching, feedback, and development to team members, ensuring strong performance and long-term growth
• Steward Board members in supporting the organization’s long-term fiscal health, in partnership with the CEO and Chief Development Officer
• Build strong, trust-based relationships across the organization and ensure the delivery of high-quality financial support to schools and central teams

Qualifications

• BA/BS required; master’s degree in business administration, finance, or accounting preferred
• 15+ years of relevant experience, including 10+ years in senior finance and/or accounting leadership roles
• Experience operating in complex organizations ($100M+), preferably with multi-entity structures; education or nonprofit experience is helpful but not required
• Strong technical foundation in accounting and financial management; experience with nonprofit and lease accounting standards preferred
• Proven track record of strengthening or transforming finance functions, including modernizing systems, improving processes, and building high-performing teams
• Deep experience leading financial strategy, including long-term planning, budgeting, and resource allocation in dynamic environments

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Demonstrated commitment to KIPP NYC’s mission of providing high-quality public education and advancing social justice and racial equity, with a deep belief in the power of education to create opportunity
• Bring independent judgment and confidence to serve as a true thought partner to the CEO, constructively challenging assumptions and guiding decision-making at the executive and board level
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, set a clear vision, and drive accountability for results
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and partner effectively across a diverse set of stakeholders, including senior leadership and boards
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling highly sensitive and confidential information
• High attention to detail with the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Intellectually curious and growth-oriented, with a strong desire to learn, lean into complexity, and lead through ambiguity while continuously improving the function and organization