School Finance Manager
Location: Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: President
Pay: 100K - 130K depending on experience.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and client-focused School Finance Manager to lead the financial strategy and operations for a portfolio of school clients across multiple states. This is a senior-level, leadership role responsible for owning the full financial lifecycle—from budgeting and forecasting to audit coordination and board-level reporting.
You will serve as a trusted financial advisor to school leadership, translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights while ensuring compliance, accuracy, and long-term financial sustainability.
What You’ll Do
Own the School Financial Lifecycle
- Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and reforecasting processes
- Oversee year-end close and manage the full audit lifecycle
- Ensure alignment between budgets, actuals, and long-term financial plans
- Partner with school leaders on financial strategy and decision-making
Provide Financial Oversight & Advisory
- Manage financial operations for multiple school clients across various states
- Monitor cash flow, funding timing, and financial risks
- Deliver accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting
- Proactively identify issues and provide strategic recommendations
Lead Client Relationships
- Serve as the primary financial point of contact for school leadership
- Present financials to boards and finance committees
- Build strong relationships and maintain high client satisfaction
- Support financial literacy and informed decision-making
Manage & Develop Team Performance
- Supervise and mentor accounting staff supporting school clients
- Review and approve work across AP/AR, payroll, grants, and general ledger
- Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to internal controls
- Establish best practices, review processes, and quality standards
Ensure Compliance & Audit Readiness
- Oversee compliance with state and federal school finance requirements
- Manage grant accounting (Title I, II, III, IV, IDEA)
- Lead audit preparation, coordination, and resolution of findings
- Support GASB 68 & 75 reporting
Support Broader Accounting Initiatives
- Contribute to corporate-level accounting, reporting, and special projects
- Provide insights from school operations to inform broader financial strategy
What You Bring
Experience
- 6–10+ years of progressive accounting or school finance experience
- Background as a Senior Accountant, Fiscal Officer, or School Finance Lead preferred
- Experience supporting charter schools or public-sector education is a plus
- Proven experience managing staff and reviewing work
Technical Skills
- Strong expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
- Experience with grant accounting and audit coordination
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks)
Professional Strengths
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to simplify complex financial concepts for non-financial audiences
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail
- Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with strong leadership ability
Why This Role Matters
This role plays a critical part in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of schools. You’ll directly impact decision-making at the leadership and board level while helping schools operate efficiently, remain compliant, and achieve their mission.
