Finance Manager

Position Summary

The Finance Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for all financial functions of the MECK Pre-K program. This role oversees financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, compliance, contract management, audits, and internal controls while supervising finance staff. The position serves as a key advisor to executive leadership, ensuring fiscal accountability, regulatory compliance, and the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Financial Management
  • Lead financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, accounts payable, ACH processing, financial reporting, and data integration across multiple business systems.
  • Analyze financial performance, monitor budget variances, and provide recommendations for leadership.
  • Maintain strong internal controls, financial systems, and accounting processes.
  • Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities and fund accounting records.
  • Serve as a financial advisor to program leadership by providing guidance on financial policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Support strategic planning through financial modeling and long-term forecasting.
• Contracts and Related
  • Oversee financial administration and compliance for all MECK Pre-K related contracts.
  • Review and approve provider payment requests and ensure expenditures comply with budgets and cost principles.
  • Conduct financial monitoring and compliance reviews of contracted providers.
  • Manage finance-related reporting and presentations for MECK Pre-K Directors' Meetings.
• Audit, Compliance, and Reporting
  • Ensure compliance with GAAP, NCPC Cost Principles, grant requirements, and organizational policies.
  • Prepare financial reports for regulatory and contractual stakeholders.
  • Cookbook and Microix knowledge a plus.
  • Conduct benchmarking, forecasting, and financial analysis to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Supervision
  • Directly supervise and develop finance team members.
  • Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
  • Lead recruitment, coaching, performance management, and succession planning efforts.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Comprehensive financial proficiency
• Results Orientation
• Decision Making & Problem Solving
• Communication & Influence
• Relationship Management
• Talent Development
• Change Leadership
• Accountability & Integrity
• Customer Focus

Education, Experience, And Other Job Functions

• Education and Experience Required for Position:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA a plus.
  • 10+ years' experience in financial management and analysis (non-profit experience preferred).
  • SAGE MIP fund balance accounting software preferred.
  • Cognito and Microix knowledge a plus.
• Ability to synthesize large quantities of complex data into actionable information.
• Ability to work and effectively communicate with team members.
• Excellent business judgment, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong demonstrated use and knowledge utilizing PC based tools (MS Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point), and a willingness and aptitude to learn other technology.
• Ability to consistently meet all deadlines.
• Excellent judgment, communication (verbal and written) and listening skills.
• Conscientious, organized and very detail-oriented.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently while managing multiple tasks and projects as well as to assess and change priorities based upon evolving agency needs.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and budgeting practices.
• Motivated and results oriented.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time exempt position with flexibility in work scheduling. Regular on-site presence is expected. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Location & Travel

This position is based in Charlotte, NC with a minor amount of travel. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.