School Finance Specialist - Choice Schools

School Finance Specialist

Immediate Opening

Choice Schools Associates, located in Grand Rapids, MI, is seeking a service-minded accounting professional looking to take the next step in their career. Do you want to work with a team that is passionate about living out its mission? If so, we want to hear from you!

The ideal candidate must be a champion to challenge the status quo in pursuit of educating students! As the third-largest and most comprehensive charter school management organization in Michigan, Choice Schools Associates' culture is driven by putting students first, expecting greatness and teamwork. Our vision is rooted in people - the people we employ and the families and students we serve. We believe that every student can learn at high levels no matter their background or abilities. Our student-centric philosophy drives us to our path to greatness, allowing everyone - students, staff, teachers, board members, and stakeholders to thrive individually and organizationally.

Job Responsibilities:

• Direct and support all fiscal activities for the academies we serve.
• Prepares annual cash flow projections, and monthly cash flow reports, and manages budget discipline to stay within board-approved spending.
• Plans, organizes, and directs fiscal and management control functions.
• Prepares and manages operating budgets (original & amended).
• Prepares monthly financial reports, final annual reports, and all interim reports.
• Maintains appropriate records on indebtedness.
• Manages the loan approval process with lenders, authorizers, and other necessary parties.
• Coordinates annual school audits and reporting, including presentations to academy boards and follow-up problem-solving to address auditor or board concerns. Ensures compliance with all relevant submission deadlines.
• Follows legislative updates to state funding and stays informed on school funding changes.
• Understands the importance of accurate company accounting and works to ensure timely payment of funds due from the academy, including the advancement of payroll, management fees, and miscellaneous reimbursements.
• Ensures compliance with appropriate government regulations and school policies.
• Helps set and assess financial goals, objectives, and budgets for each academy and works to communicate progress toward goal attainment.
• Serves on a team of finance professionals aligned with the core values, mission, vision, and strategic plan of Choice Schools.
• When requested by the Superintendent, attends academy board meetings and confidently delivers accurate financial information.
• Ensures board members are equipped with relevant school financial data to provide sound fiscal oversight.
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement by regularly assessing financial processes and policies, identifying opportunities for increased efficiency and accuracy, and, in partnership with the school finance team, proactively implementing solutions that enhance the overall effectiveness of the accounting function.
• Strives to contribute to a culture of innovation and excellence, making meaningful improvements that positively impact the organization.
• Stays informed of current educational trends related to school finance and governmental accounting.

If you join Choice, you will be an essential member of our passionate and driven team. For the role, we are looking for an individual who:

• Understands and applies basic internal controls and company policies as it relates to the financial statements (i.e. account reconciliations, detailed support, proper approvals, etc.)
• Works effectively with others and individually.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Must be able to multitask.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and accounting software.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and professionalism.
• Demonstrates effective judgment and operates with a high level of integrity.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to ensure the safeguarding of the students, equipment, materials, and facilities of our educational partners and of the company.
• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.

Qualifications for this role include:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in non-profit or governmental accounting setting, preferably with supervisory experience.
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to communicate openly & effectively as a leadership team member
• Ability to travel to school-related functions and schools throughout Michigan
• Ability to present and articulate analytical data to various audiences, including oral presentations and written reports.
• Good moral character, sound judgment, and high integrity.

Desired Requirements

• CPA licensure is preferred but not required.
• Masters in Business Administration is preferred but not required.
• Michigan School Business Officials' business office certification(s) is preferred but not required.

Schedule: Salary,Full-time, year-round, 45% travel within the State of Michigan.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Choice Schools offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, a competitive 401(K) plan, professional development, and much more. View our benefits options here - https://choiceschools.com/careers/careers-choice-experience/

Choice Schools Associates LLC is an Education Service Provider for charter schools in Michigan and is an equal opportunity employer. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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