Finance Director

Reports To: Executive Director Classification: Full-Time, Exempt - 260 days/year / Compensation: $125,000 - $140,000 Supervises: Finance Department Staff (Business Office, Payroll, Accounts Payable, etc.) Position Summary The Finance Director serves as the chief financial administrator for the school and is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, integrity, and compliance of all financial operations. The Finance Director ensures sound fiscal stewardship of public funds while supporting the school's mission through accurate financial reporting, long-range financial planning, budgeting, internal controls, and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws governing Minnesota public charter schools. This position requires extensive knowledge of Minnesota charter school finance, Uniform Financial Accounting and Reporting Standards (UFARS), Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) reporting requirements, Skyward financial systems, governmental accounting principles, and best practices in nonprofit and public school financial management. Essential Duties And Responsibilities Financial Leadership Provide strategic financial leadership to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.Develop long-term financial forecasts and sustainability plans.Advise leadership regarding financial implications of strategic initiatives.Monitor financial health and recommend corrective actions when necessary.Present financial information clearly to administrators, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors. Budget Development and Management Lead the annual operating and capital budget development process.Prepare multi-year financial projections.Monitor revenues and expenditures throughout the fiscal year.Analyze budget variances and recommend adjustments.Coordinate budget revisions as necessary.Ensure alignment between financial resources and strategic priorities. Financial Reporting Prepare And Oversee Monthly financial statementsBudget-to-actual reportsCash flow analysesRevenue projectionsFund balance analysisBoard financial reportsAnnual financial reports Ensure reports are timely, accurate, and understandable for leadership and the Board. Charter School Financial Compliance Maintain Compliance With Minnesota charter school statutesMDE financial reporting requirementsUFARS accounting standardsGenerally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)Federal grant requirementsUniform Guidance requirementsState and federal audit requirements Monitor legislative changes affecting charter school finance and implement necessary operational changes. MDE Reporting Oversee timely and accurate submission of required financial reports including, but not limited to: MARSS financial componentsUFARS submissionsAnnual financial reportingSpecial education financial reportingFederal grant reimbursement requestsState aid reportingLevy and debt reporting (if applicable)Other required MDE submissions Maintain strong working relationships with MDE finance staff and charter authorizer personnel. Accounting Operations Direct And Oversee General ledgerAccounts payableAccounts receivablePayroll accountingCash managementBank reconciliationsFixed assetsInvestmentsPurchasingInternal financial controls Ensure all financial transactions are properly recorded and reconciled. Skyward Financial Management Serve As The School's Primary Financial System Expert By Maintaining the Skyward financial systemOverseeing chart of accountsManaging budget setupMonitoring purchasing workflowsSupporting payroll financial processingDeveloping financial reportsEnsuring system integrity and accuracyTraining staff on financial procedures within Skyward Collaborate with Human Resources and Payroll to ensure accurate personnel and payroll reporting. Audit Coordination Lead The Annual Independent Financial Audit By Preparing audit schedulesCoordinating auditor requestsManaging audit timelinesImplementing audit recommendationsMaintaining supporting documentationAssisting with annual Form 990 preparation (if applicable) Ensure timely completion of all audit requirements. Grants Management Oversee financial administration of federal, state, and private grants by: Establishing grant budgetsMonitoring expendituresEnsuring allowability of costsPreparing reimbursement requestsMaintaining required documentationSupporting grant compliance reviews Internal Controls and Risk Management Develop, Implement, And Monitor Financial policiesInternal accounting controlsCash handling proceduresPurchasing proceduresSegregation of dutiesFraud prevention measuresFinancial risk mitigation strategies Recommend policy improvements to strengthen fiscal accountability. Board Support Provide Professional Support To The Board By Preparing financial reportsAttending Finance Committee meetingsPresenting financial informationSupporting annual budget approvalAssisting with financial policy developmentResponding to Board financial inquiries Leadership and Collaboration Supervise finance department staff.Foster a culture of customer service, accountability, and continuous improvement.Collaborate with Human Resources, Operations, Special Education, Academic Leadership, and Administration.Provide financial guidance to department leaders.Support strategic planning initiatives. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.Minimum of five years of progressively responsible governmental or public school finance experience.Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.Extensive knowledge of Minnesota public school finance.Extensive knowledge of Minnesota charter school funding formulas.Demonstrated experience with UFARS accounting.Strong knowledge of MDE financial reporting requirements.Advanced proficiency with Skyward Financial Management.Strong understanding of GAAP and GASB standards.Experience preparing and managing annual budgets exceeding several million dollars.Experience coordinating independent financial audits.Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Preferred Qualifications CPA, CMA, or MBA.Experience as a Finance Director or Business Manager in a Minnesota public or charter school.Experience with federal education grants.Knowledge of special education finance.Experience with bond financing and facility funding.Experience presenting financial information to governing boards. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Expert knowledge of Minnesota charter school finance laws and regulations.Expert understanding of school accounting best practices.Strong financial forecasting and modeling skills.Advanced spreadsheet and financial analysis skills.Ability to interpret complex financial data.Ability to communicate financial information to non-financial audiences.Strong project management and organizational skills.Ability to maintain confidentiality.Excellent judgment and problem-solving abilities.Commitment to ethical financial stewardship. Physical Requirements Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.Ability to attend meetings on and off campus.Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Working Conditions Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with occasional attendance at Board meetings, professional development activities, and off-site trainings. Core Competencies Financial StewardshipStrategic PlanningFiscal AccountabilityRegulatory ComplianceLeadershipCollaborationCustomer ServiceIntegrityContinuous ImprovementCommunicationData AnalysisAttention to Detail Key Areas of Expertise The Successful Candidate Will Demonstrate Expertise In Minnesota charter school finance and governanceMinnesota Department of Education (MDE) reporting requirementsUniform Financial Accounting and Reporting Standards (UFARS)Skyward School Business Suite (Finance, Payroll, Budget, Purchasing, and Reporting)Governmental accounting (GAAP/GASB)Annual budgeting and long-range financial planningAudit preparation and coordinationFederal and state grant financial managementInternal controls and risk managementSchool board financial reporting and public transparency