Finance DirectorAt Beacon Education, we are driven by the belief that a child's zip code should not determine their destiny. By ensuring equitable access to high quality education, we empower children and their families to close and even reverse the achievement and opportunity gaps. Learn more about our exciting work in North Carolina:The Finance Director is responsible for overseeing financial operations and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and standards for Beacon Education, GLOW Academy and Spark Academy.
The Finance Director manages financial reporting, budgeting and management while developing compliance strategies in collaboration with various departments to ensure best practices. This role plays a critical part in maintaining the financial integrity and regulatory adherence of each of these organizations.This role is primarily based on-site at Beacon Education's office, which is located at GLOW Academy (4100 Sunglow Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina). The Finance Director also at times will visit and work at Spark Academy.
While occasional remote work may be considered, it is not a regular part of the role.Areas of ResponsibilityOversee day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis and reportingPrepare and present accurate financial statements and reports to senior management in preparation of representing Beacon Education, GLOW Academy, and Spark Academy to the Finance Committee and BoardsMonitor cash flow, accounts receivables, and accounts payables to ensure the timely financial processing and budget managementManage and maintain accounts payable and accounts receivable on a monthly basisReconcile bank and investment accounts monthlyCoordinate requisition of school funds with outside financial management and accounting service for GLOWManage deposits, payment services and bank accounts for all entitiesCoordinate investment of funds with CEO, Finance Committees and Boards to ensure maximum return on cash and investmentsManage internal and external audits and address any audit findingsManage timesheets for non-salaried staff and process payroll on a monthly or semi-monthly basis for all staff across the organization and process benefit deductions and paymentsLiaise with school and foundation leadership and HR Director for PayrollSupport and oversee tuition, vouchers, and management of student information servicesAdhere to accepted bookkeeping and GAAP accounting standardsExplore and pursue school-specific grant funding sources, including but not limited to federal, state and local funding for both general and specific populationsWork with school staff to explore opportunities for student services reimbursement, including but not limited to Medicaid fundingWork with the Development Team to ensure proper tracking and coding of all donations and pledges to include monthly reconciliation of the pledge report.Compliance OversightEnsure each entity complies with all relevant local, state, federal, and Department of Education regulationsInterpret laws and policies to be able to advise administration and employees accordinglyDevelop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures while ensuring alignment with the mission of the OrganizationsServe as the point of contact for regulatory bodies and coordinate responses to compliance inquiriesManage and maintain compliance with state systems and grants in CCIP.Procedural DevelopmentCollaborate with senior management to develop and update financial and compliance policiesEnsure policies are communicated and enforced across the organizationEnsure that the policy and procedure manuals are in alignment with current regulations across the organizationResponsible for policy development, management and storage/maintenanceRisk ManagementIdentify financial risks and develop management strategies to include risk avoidance, risk reduction, risk transfer, and risk retentionMonitor changes in regulatory requirements and adjust policies and procedures accordinglyProvide training to staff on best practices for fiscal responsibilities and policiesReporting and DocumentationPrepare compliance reports for management and external stakeholdersMaintain accurate records of all compliance activities and financial transactionsProvide regular updates to the CEO in preparation of presenting the financial reports to the Finance Committee as well as the Board of Directors on all financial and compliance matters.OtherOther duties as assigned by the CEOQualificationsBachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field requiredMinimum of 5 years of experience in finance, compliance, or related rolesExperience in a non-profit, education, or government sector is an advantageExperience managing budgets, audits, payroll, grants, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reportingSkills and CompetenciesStrong knowledge of financial management principles, regulations, and reporting standardsProficiency in financial software, Microsoft Office suite, and Google suite (particularly Excel and Quickbooks)Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skillsStrong attention to detail with a high level of accuracyStrong knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP)Advanced Excel and financial modeling skillsBudget development and analysis skillsGrant managementAudit preparation and managementInternal controls and risk managementAbility to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholdersStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlinesOutstanding written and verbal communication skillsPassion for education and community impact initiativesEffective communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to work independently and as part of a teamOther RequirementsHigh ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining confidentialityAbility to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlinesStrong leadership and decision-making capabilitiesSalary: $65,000-$70,000Salary is competitive and commensurate with experienceBenefits - Our comprehensive benefits package includes:Health insurance through the State Health Plan of North CarolinaEmployer-paid dental, long-term disability, and life insuranceAdditional voluntary benefits available at the employee's expenseAn industry-leading 401(k) program with employer matchEmployee-accrued paid sick, annual, and personal leaveDiscounted childcare for employee's dependents at Spark AcademyOrganizational OverviewAt Beacon Education, we are driven by the belief that a child's zip code should not determine their destiny. By ensuring equitable access to high quality education, we empower children and their families to close and even reverse the achievement and opportunity gaps. Beacon Education powers the Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW Academy), an all-girls public charter school, which opened its doors in 2016 with its first 6th-grade class of 100 girls.
As of 2023, Beacon Education also powers Spark Academy, a state-of-the-art, Early Childhood Development Program designed to nurture all children Ages 6-weeks to 5 years old.Learn more about our exciting work: Beacon Education Spark Academy GLOW Academy