Director of Finance

About the role

The Director of Finance serves as the operational leader of the finance department and a strategic partner to the Chief Financial Officer. This role is responsible for leading the day-to-day finance function while strengthening financial oversight, reporting, accounting operations, audit readiness, financial planning, and department effectiveness across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Finance Leadership & Department Management

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the finance department across accounting, reporting, payroll oversight, financial planning, and finance administration
• Directly manage and develop finance team members
• Establish clear ownership structures, accountability systems, and department workflows across the finance team
• Coach team members toward stronger execution, critical thinking, and professional growth
• Increase departmental consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness
• Build a culture of responsiveness, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Financial Planning, Analysis & Strategic Support

• Lead budget-to-actual variance reporting and ongoing financial analysis
• Build and maintain financial models, forecasting tools, and scenario analyses
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes
• Support oversight of grant and public funding streams, including forecasting, financial planning, compliance coordination, and alignment between funding requirements and organizational priorities
• Translate financial information into clear, actionable insights for organizational leaders
• Support strategic decision-making through financial analysis and business insight
• Partner with organizational leaders to evaluate financial impacts, operational priorities, resource allocation decisions, and strategic initiatives
• Identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities proactively
• Improve visibility into financial performance across departments and schools
• Support strategic initiatives and cross-functional problem-solving

• Accounting Oversight & Financial Operations

• Provide leadership oversight of monthly close and financial reporting processes to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and reliability
• Ensure balance sheet integrity through strong reconciliation oversight and review processes
• Strengthen accounting controls, financial procedures, and reporting consistency
• Oversee organizational audit readiness, external auditor coordination, audit planning, and audit follow-through efforts while ensuring the finance team maintains timely and accurate supporting documentation throughout the year
• Partner with the finance team to improve reporting accuracy, workflow efficiency, and department effectiveness
• Support compliance with applicable accounting standards, grant requirements, and organizational policies

• Systems Improvement & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Improve finance systems, reporting tools, workflows, and financial visibility
• Help establish a scalable finance infrastructure capable of supporting continued organizational growth, operational complexity, and evolving business needs
• Partner cross-functionally with school leaders and organizational departments to support planning, decision-making, and financial management
• Identify inefficiencies and proactively implement process improvements
• Serve as a collaborative and solutions-oriented partner across the organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive experience leading finance operations, financial planning, accounting oversight, or operational finance functions, including experience managing people, workflows, and cross-functional financial processes
• Strong understanding of accounting operations, financial reporting, financial analysis, and internal controls
• Advanced Excel proficiency required, including: Financial modeling, Forecasting, Scenario analysis, Reporting development, Complex formulas and data analysis
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities
• Experience leading or supporting annual audits
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, evolving environments

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package available, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, and other organizational benefits.