Director, Financial Operations

Position Summary

The Director of Financial Operations is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the school, ensuring the integrity of accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting systems. This role plays a key part in strategic planning and decision-making by providing leadership in financial matters and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, standards, and school policies. The Director of Financial Operations works closely with the Head of School, Board of Directors, and other administrative staff to ensure the financial health and sustainability of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the school's financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting of monthly financial statements, including balance sheet, income statement, budget vs. actual, and cash flow reports
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget in coordination with school leadership and department heads, ensuring alignment with strategic plan of the school
• Monitor budget-to-actual results and provide variance analysis and forecasts
• Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts in alignment with school's financial goals of revenue and expenditures
• Ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and applicable public and non-profit school policies
• Oversee the management of grants, state funding, and other financial resources and the allocations across the school
• Compliance with state accountability requirements, legal/corporate upkeep, books and records maintenance, and management of equipment/furniture/property
• Oversee student billing and collections processes
• Coordinate with Advancement Department to ensure accurate recording of donations and grants

Policy and Procedure Development

• Implement and update financial policies and procedures ensuring accountability and alignment with school strategic plan and goals
• Provide policy and procedures on procurement process, contracts, and management of vendors in support of school operations

Payroll & Benefits Oversight

• Supervise payroll processing and coordinate with HR to ensure accuracy of employee compensation and benefits
• Ensure compliance with COBRA
• Ensure ERISA compliance with 403(b) retirement plan
• Management of open enrollment of health benefits
• Ensure timely remittance of payroll taxes and retirement plan contribution
• Management of annual WISE Staff data report to WI DPI

Audit, Tax, and Regulatory Compliance

• Coordinate the annual financial audit and preparation of Form 990 and other tax filings
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including those governing public and nonprofit educational institutions
• Process annual workers compensation audit
• Ensure compliance of WI Charter Organization and raffle licenses

Cash Management & Banking

• Monitor cash flow and manage banking relationships
• Ensure investment and endowment opportunities in coordination with Principal, Board of Directors, and external advisors

Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Develop and enforce internal control policies and procedures
• Ensure proper documentation of financial transactions
• Support risk management efforts and insurance coverage reviews

Qualifications

• Bachelor''s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; CPA or MBA strongly preferred
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting or financial management, preferably within a school district and/or a nonprofit t school setting
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and fund accounting
• Proficiency in financial management software and systems preferably Skyward
• Knowledge of fundraising software, preferably Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT, or similar systems) and Microsoft Office Excel and Word
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders
• High ethical standards, utmost discretion, and positive, collegial spirit
• Ability to demonstrate, uphold, and promote in daily interactions a commitment to LCCA's mission and vision and the moral character and civic virtue LCCA embodies