About Leaders In Our Neighborhood Charter School :
Leaders In Our Neighborhood (LION) Charter School's mission is to develop the character of each student. We unite students, families, and staff in helping each individual achieve their best academically, and in sports, the arts, and service to the community. We believe that passion for learning, self-discovery, leadership, and social conscience are the foundation for success in college and fulfillment in life.
We believe that all children, regardless of their neighborhood, race, or income, are gifted with special talents to offer the world, and that school is a place for students to develop the skills and mindsets needed to become their best selves. Furthermore, we assert that human beings are more complex than annual data points, and that the fulfillment of a person's life correlates not simply to test scores, but even more so to their relationships with others and the content of their character. With our family partnership and character approach model, we focus on helping students develop their character and the skills they need for life through rigorous academics, self-discovery, and family involvement.
Summary
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is an on-site position that reports to the CEO and manages a finance team of two to five. He / she sets the strategic vision for LION's financial activities and maintains responsibility for its financial health. The CFO develops and implements financial strategies, policies, and procedures to meet LION's financial objectives. The CFO engages various school stakeholders, including the Board, Funders, NYC Department of Education, and SUNY's Charter School Office. The CFO ensures LION's finance operations mitigate risk.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and support the finance team, ensuring high performance, accountability, and professional growth.
- Oversee contracted vendors associated with audits, financial accounts, and compliance.
- Work with other department leaders to monitor each department's financial performance and provide financial recommendations.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Develop and maintain the school's annual budget (approximately $24M), ensuring alignment with organizational goals and priorities.Ensure the accurate and timely production of monthly financial reports, variances, budgets, and forecasts;Liaise with the Board's Finance Committee Chair to plan and present at Finance Committee meetings.Prepare and present financial reports to the senior leadership team and Board of Trustees. Field follow-up questions and seek answers when not readily available.Responsible for negotiating benefit plans, insurance, and vendor contracts.Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations, including those specific to charter schools :Direct the preparation of all financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, shareholder reports, tax returns, and governmental agency reports.Manage the annual audit.Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting for all required state, federal, and sponsor (SUNY) compliance and audits.Ensure the school's financial systems, processes, and controls are robust, efficient, and effective.Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, and other senior executives to develop long-term financial strategies and refine priorities for the school's sustainability and growth.Provides comprehensive analysis and recommendations to the CEO regarding various revenue models and funding requirements.Study long-range Charter School trends and project their impact on the school's future growth and financial health.Analyze financial trends and advise leadership on opportunities for financial improvement, risk mitigation, and resource optimization.Provide financial oversight for new school initiatives, including expansion planning, capital projects, and funding diversification strategies.Monitor and optimize cash flow to ensure operational efficiency.Manage bank and investment accounts. Seek and / or provide guidance around investment strategies and best practices.Manage grants, donations, and contracts with the Director of Development & Marketing.Required Skills
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative and team-oriented approach.Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to synthesize complex financial information for diverse audiences.Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial forecasting, reporting, and compliance.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Demonstrated knowledge of GAAPProven experience in fundraising, encompassing equity, debt, and strategic investments.Advanced proficiency in Excel.Knowledge of TeamPay and Sage Intacct or similar systems.Education & Experience
Master's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or Finance preferred.Certified Public Accountant designation preferred.At least 7-10 years of experience in financial management, with a minimum of 3 years in a senior leadership role (experience in education or charter schools preferred).Skills & Personal Characteristics
The successful candidate will possess strong organizational skills, thrive in a multi-tasking, dynamic environment, and demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills. A positive "can do" attitude and "hands-on" approach are musts. This person will work well with all levels of colleagues, from custodians to Board Trustees, and embrace the principles of LION Charter School.
