Finance & Operations Manager
About the role
The Finance & Operations Manager is the engine behind our internal systems. Reporting to the Managing Director of Finance & Operations (MDFO), this role is responsible for financial processing, HR administration, and infrastructure management. You will be the primary liaison for school districts regarding billing and the "go-to" person for staff needing support with organizational systems. This role is designed for a detail-oriented professional who thrives on reliable project management and execution, system integrity, and high-level organization while simultaneously improving operational processes to support organizational growth.
Responsibilities
Manage day-to-day accounting operations, including AP/AR, general ledger entry, and vendor relationships; administer Ramp expense management system and expense policies.
Generate and distribute invoices to school districts, prioritizing client relationships; lead proactive follow-up communications to ensure timely payment.
Manage check processing, deposits, and digital record-keeping of all incoming funds.
Collaborate with business development to support with proposals and contract development.
Owning end-to-end vendor setup process and responding to client-specific administrative requests.
Utilize advanced Excel/Google Sheets modeling and other financial tools to track project-specific costs (staffing, travel, and materials) to support budget accuracy.
Assist the MDFO with month-end close by reconciling Ramp expenses bank accounts, verifying general ledger entries, and executing other accounting tasks.
Create/provide one-off financial reports as requested.
Monitor aging accounts receivable and internal expense submissions to proactively identify and flag billing discrepancies, overdue district payments, or financial policy violations to the MDFO for resolution.
HR Administration & Compliance
Assist with HRIS administration, maintaining accurate personnel records, and ensuring compliance with multi-state labor laws and mandatory workplace posters and notices.
Support the MDFO with annual Open Enrollment (OE) and manage year-round benefits changes, COBRA notifications, and staff inquiries.
Coordinate onboarding and offboarding logistics for new hires and departing employees, providing regular communication and support.
Lead the technical onboarding for all new hires, ensuring they are trained on our tech stack (Google Workspace, Ramp, Asana, etc.) and organizational policies.
Monitor and support organizational adherence to the Employee Handbook and Finance & Administration policies; support the MDFO in "audit-proofing" all files.
Technology & Systems Support
Serve as an internal expert on our tech stack, providing "front-line" technical support for software and hardware troubleshooting and identifying ways to automate manual workflows.
Develop operational guides and training resources to help staff navigate internal systems.
Manage software licensing and systems access.
Data Collection, Management, & Visualization
Create documented systems and procedures for data management in partnership with the MDFO and other organizational leaders.
Support the collection, organization, management, and protection of data in alignment with organizational standards and data sharing agreements to ensure compliance and accurate reporting.
Collaborate with business development and program teams to develop and manage reporting and visualization tools that articulate impact to stakeholders.
General Operations & Project Management
Own the organization and management of the company Google Drive architecture, ensuring standardized filing conventions and secure accessibility for all staff.
Support the execution and tracking of internal organizational projects (e.g., system rollouts, compliance audits) by maintaining project timelines and ensuring milestones are met with professional independence.
Provide grounded feedback to the MDFO regarding the effectiveness of organizational policies and systems to support continuous improvement.
Position Qualifications
Demonstrated experience managing modern, cloud-based platforms (e.g., Rippling, Ramp, QuickBooks Online, Asana, Tableau).
Familiarity with GAAP standards and multi-state employer requirements (FMLA, EEO-1, and state-specific leave laws).
Advanced Technical Skills in Excel/Google Sheets with the ability to design/use complex formulas to build financial models, data trackers, etc.
Experience working with data, including collection, management, and visualization, preferably in the education field with an emphasis on qualitative and quantitative interpretation.
Exceptional attention to detail, ability to manage multiple project timelines, and strong written/oral communication skills.
Strong professional presence when communicating with district business offices and internal team members.
Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders and influence colleagues to take specific actions without any direct authority.
A "systems-thinking" mindset—the ability to not just follow a process, but to help improve it as the organization scales.
Ability to adapt quickly and make sound decisions in fast-paced settings while remaining open to multiple rounds of feedback.
Deeply held belief that all students can achieve at high levels, regardless of background.
Education & Experience
Bachelor's and/or advanced degree in business administration, accounting, human resources or a related field, or commensurate experience.
Minimum 4–6 years of experience in operations, finance, HR, and/or related roles, preferably in a growing nonprofit or professional services environment.
Minimum 2 years of bookkeeping/accounting experience.
Minimum 2 years of operations and project management experience.
Minimum 1 year of HR compliance experience.
Other Requirements
Willingness and ability to commute to our Dallas office once per week.
A valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.
Commitment to Core Values
Travel & Working Environment
- This is primarily a remote role with work performed from your home office in Dallas, Texas.
- Regular work hours are 8 am to 5 pm but may vary based on organizational needs and travel.
- This role requires weekly local travel and may require out-of-town travel up to three (3) days in length up to four (4) times per year.
- This role requires sitting for prolonged periods of time and may require standing, walking, or lifting and/or moving items up to 25 pounds.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Salary & Benefits
- The starting salary range for this position is $80,000 - $85,000.
- SustainED Leaders offers a competitive benefits package designed to support our team’s total well-being, including:
- Comprehensive Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with employer-sponsored contributions
- Retirement Savings: Retirement plan with employer matching contributions up to 3% and 100% immediate vesting, subject to plan terms and eligibility
- Bonuses: Eligibility for discretionary, performance-based bonuses up to 4% of base salary, based on individual performance and organizational goal achievement
- Paid Time Off: Generous PTO and paid organization holidays
- Travel Support: Travel reimbursement and/or mileage stipend for field-based work
About SustainED Leaders
- SustainED Leaders is a nonprofit organization focused on transformational leadership in public education so that all children can attend a school where the adults have the courage, commitment, and capacity to maximize learning and growth for all students.
- SustainED Leaders designs and delivers training and personalized coaching to aspiring and existing school leaders that builds their capacity to lead continuous instructional improvement in schools. Our training and coaching focuses on supporting educators to implement evidence and research-based practices and high-quality instructional materials that accelerate the learning and growth of all students.
Equity Statement
- SustainED Leaders is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, religion, ancestry, color, race, ethnicity, or creed; LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.