Director of Finance

Overview

The USI Director of Finance codifies and facilitates the implementation of policies and procedures that improve the fiscal health of the organization, and collaborates with USI Network Team and reports to the Superintendent to develop long-term financial strategies and identify financial priorities alongside school leaders.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Alignment & Liquidity Oversight

• Ensure all financial, staffing, compensation, and HR/payroll functions - whether performed internally or by external partners - align with the organizations strategic priorities and long-term plan
• Validate the organizations cash flow and liquidity forecasts, ensuring adequate reserves and financial flexibility to support ongoing operations and growth
• Present strategic alignment and liquidity assessments to the Superintendent and Board as part of regular financial reporting

Finance, Accounting & Strategy

Budgeting, Financial Reporting & Reconciliation

• Serve as primary point of contact with the external finance and strategy partner supporting accounting, staffing model, compensation strategy, and financial modeling
• Analyze monthly organizational financials, prepared in coordination with the external partner, to assess financial health and adherence to annual budgets
• Maintain a system of effective financial reporting - incorporating the external partners monthly and annual deliverables - by preparing regular reports to the Superintendent
• Direct the maintenance of an accounting system consistent with State and Federal laws, regulations, and network policies, in partnership with the external finance partner
• Serve as the network budget manager and purchasing point of contact; review and approve weekly AP vouchers
• Oversee credit card allocations, reconciliation, and bank relationship; collaborate to respond to fraud instances

Audit & Internal Controls

• Collaborate with the external finance partner to prepare for and execute the annual audit; support the business operations team throughout the process
• Collaborate to reinforce internal controls, including federal procurement policies and documentation
• Lead compliance and procedures associated with insurance policies (property, liability), including internal incident reporting and carrier notification

Staffing Model & Compensation Strategy

• Partner with the external finance and strategy partner on organizational structure and staffing model design - reviewing staffing allocations and reporting structures, and shaping staffing scenarios grounded in enrollment trends and organizational priorities
• Partner with the external finance and strategy partner on compensation strategy and benchmarking against peer schools and national practice, translating benchmarking into compensation framework recommendations

Financial Modeling, Budget & Growth Strategy

• Partner with the external finance and strategy partner and senior leaders on the annual budget planning process, including FY27 financial model alignment and scenario analysis
• Optimize interest earnings; provide analyses and forecasts of resources and expenditures using the external partners financial modeling
• Oversee bond compliance, issuance, and debt management
• Direct capital purchase strategy, ensuring compliance with procurement procedures and internal controls
• Assist in the development and execution of growth strategy - financial modeling, facility acquisition, and strategic relationships with external partners
• Collaborate with business operations and partnerships teams to maximize organizational revenue; coordinate investments for maximum growth

Contracts & Property

• Review contracts, leases, and sales agreements for financial and operational impact prior to execution
• Participate in evaluating and acquiring network properties and in developing new facilities
• Advise the Superintendent and provide consultant service to staff on all matters related to business service
• Perform other related duties as requested by the Superintendent

People Operations - HR, Benefits & Compliance

• Serve as primary point of contact with the external HR and payroll partner supporting HR, benefits, and HR compliance
• Oversee implementation of the external partners HR compliance monitoring, employee handbook and policy updates, and HR roadmap recommendations
• Coordinate with the external partner on payroll processing, benefits administration (including Open Enrollment), retirement plan coordination, and year-end payroll requirements
• Partner with the external HR partner on onboarding/offboarding, employee relations support, and performance management coordination
• Review the external partners HR, benefits, and payroll deliverables for accuracy and alignment with network budget and policy
• Ensure a clear division of responsibilities across external partners, escalating any gaps or overlaps in scope to the Superintendent