Director of School Business Operations bei Northwood Academy Charter School

Description

Northwood Academy Charter School is seeking a Director of School Business Operations to manage and/or support all aspects of the School’s finances and operations.

Position Summary: The Director of School Business Operations (DSBO) at Northwood is responsible for strategically planning for the longevity and financial sustainability of the School, along with third party finance vendor(s). This person contributes to the mission of the School by leading and supporting fiscal and operational procedures, and processes. The DSBO possesses a strong understanding of policies and best practices in order to communicate with the appropriate groups and/or constituents. This position is responsible for ensuring the accurate management of business and financial accounting information in accordance with GAAP, GASB, PA Department of Education, and all Charter and Act 22 “laws.” The DSBO directly or indirectly tracks, reports, and analyzes data for the purpose of supporting the CEO and the Board of Trustees in their financial planning. In this position, the DSBO must possess strong math and analytical skills, computer literacy, a broad understanding of accounting principles, and a keen understanding of attention to detail as well as strong organizational skills.

Essential Accountabilities: The primary responsibilities of the position include oversight of: Financial Management; Accounting operational responsibilities including the procurement of systems technology, as well as Board of Trustees meeting responsibilities. Specific duties include, but may not be limited to the following:

• Maintain the accounting records to comply with the chart of accounts required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education ("PDE").
• Prepare audit workpapers for the fiscal year end and work with auditors to complete engagement.
• Prepare the PDE annual financial report, GASB 34.
• Prepare the federal tax form 990.
• Prepare, from school estimates, a budget to the PDE.
• Record account transactions and reconciliation of accounts on a monthly basis.
• Manage the accounts payable process and ensure that all bills are paid in a timely fashion.
• Prepare payroll on a bi-weekly basis.
• Manage accounts receivable to ensure the school is receiving all revenues and entitlements to which it is entitled.
• Prepare the monthly financial reports to the Board which include a Balance sheet, Budget to Actual Income Statement, Cash Forecast, and a monthly listing of the disbursements for Board Review.
• Attend the School Board Meetings on a monthly basis.
• Prepare all state and federally mandated financial reports including the PDE form 418 and 419 (Rental Reimbursement), and federal grants reporting (from school provided information).
• Prepare cash flow projections, when requested.
• Reconcile cash accounts monthly.
• Prepare the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS) monthly and quarterly reporting.
• Prepare financial policies and procedures which will satisfy the requirements of the school's financial operations and obligations to be approved by the Board. 
• Maintain adequate records and books of account for the school in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and shall retain such information for a minimum of five (5) years.
• Report to the school at least three (3) business days prior to the Board's regularly scheduled monthly meetings for the preceding month, in writing with monthly balance sheets, statements of income, and sources and uses of funds with respect to the school for such month and cumulatively for the fiscal year to date, as well as any recommended changes to the then-current Approved Operating Budget that may be considered necessary or appropriate.
• Engage, at the school’s expense, an independent public accounting firm to perform an audit of the books and records maintained for the school as required by applicable Laws. The audit shall be completed, and a report shall be furnished within 90 days after the end of each such fiscal year.
• Provide support and assistance to the school in seeking and/or maintaining the requirements of a line of credit facility from a financial institution to be utilized to fund seasonal or other cash flow deficiencies.
• Prepare and submit a proposed operating budget for the operation of the school during the ensuing school year, as well as any adjustments required to achieve an approved budget.
• Manage all operating accounts as required with one or more financial institutions, which are reasonably satisfactory to the school.

Requirements

Education/Experience: 

• A bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting or finance; MBA or CPA is preferred.
• Three to five years of financial management experience, preferably in a school setting.

Qualifications: 

• A broad knowledge of accounting principles.
• Excellent technical skills and experience with accounting software preferred. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, including problem solving skills and ability to independently work efficiently and effectively.
• State clearances are required by law prior to employment.

Working Conditions: Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Interruptions of work are routine. May be stressful given individual circumstances.

Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, lifting, and carrying (up to 25 pounds), reaching, squatting, climbing stairs, and kneeling may be required.