Director of Finance presso Collegium Charter School

Director of Finance

Job Description

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Supervises: Business Office Staff

Position Type: Full-Time, 12 Month, Salaried, Exempt

Position Summary

The Director of Finance is the senior most financial officer in the organization and oversees all financial operations of the school, ensuring fiscal integrity, compliance, and strategic alignment with the school’s mission and goals. Leading with the utmost integrity and humility, this position is responsible for the strategic and operational management of all financial functions including budgeting, audits, grants management, cash flow, payroll, purchasing, bond compliance, financial reporting, long-term financial planning, and fiscal stability, prudence, and sustainability. The Director of Finance ensures that all financial practices support the mission, sustainability, and growth of the organization while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.The Director of Finance serves as a core, senior member of the school’s leadership team. This role works collaboratively with other department Directors to ensure effective stewardship of resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This list is intended to be illustrative rather than complete and serves to show major duties and responsibilities and does not express or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. The employee will be required to perform other duties requested by their supervisor.

Financial Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual school budget in alignment with strategic goals.
• Advise the CEO and Board of Trustees on financial strategy, performance, and long-term planning. Attend and present as the ultimate subject matter expert at all Board and Finance Committee meetings.
• Provide timely and accurate financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting to inform decision-making.
• Participate in strategic initiatives, capital planning, and long-term financial sustainability efforts.
• Provide guidance to department heads on budget management and financial decision-making.
• Maintain a risk management program including recommending and securing proper levels of liability insurance coverage

Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, reconciliations, and month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Ensure accuracy, transparency, and integrity of all financial statements and reports.
• Prepare and present timely, accurate financial statements and analyses for leadership, the Board, and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain robust internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with accounting standards and policies.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and investment activities.

Audits, Compliance & Grants Management

• Coordinate and manage annual independent audits, ensuring timely completion and resolution of findings.
• Oversee compliance and timely submission of required financial reports for all federal, state, and local grants, including documentation and expenditure tracking.
• Ensure compliance with bond covenants and reporting requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable financial regulations and ensure adherence to charter school, state, and federal requirements.
  

Payroll, Purchasing & Operations

• Supervise payroll operations to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable tax and retirement regulations.
• Oversee accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Review and approve expenditures, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to budget.
• Oversee purchasing and procurement processes in accordance with board policies and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with other department Directors to manage vendor relationships, bids, purchase orders, contracts, and inventory.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and sound business practices.
• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures that promote efficiency and accountability.
• Supervise and develop Business Office team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Core Competencies

• Conducts himself or herself according to professional, ethical principles that reflect favorably upon the individual and the school
• Maintains highest level of confidentiality pertaining to school and students’ information and records
• Strategic and analytical thinking
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Leadership and team management
• Ethical judgment and integrity
• Collaboration and problem-solving

Qualifications

• Preferred Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration (MBA or MPA).
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably in K–12 education, public agencies, or nonprofit organizations.
• Strong knowledge of fund accounting, grants management, and financial reporting standards.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, audits, and grant compliance.
• Experience managing bond compliance and reporting.
• Proficiency in financial management software, QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, and Google Suite; experience with school finance systems preferred.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of federal and state charter school funding regulations and compliance requirements.
• Required Clearances include Criminal Background Clearance (Act 34), Child Abuse Clearance (Act 151), and FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Act 114), all dated within one year of receipt
• Meets criteria for employment in a PA Public School

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The mental and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; occasionally walk between school buildings
• Specific vision abilities include close vision for reviewing financial data and prolonged computer use
• Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, and other office equipment
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach overhead and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Noise level in the work environment is usually mild to moderate depending on the specific site

Equal Employment Opportunity / Non-Discrimination Statement

Collegium Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected category. This policy is in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.