Associate School Finance Manager

Be the one who makes a difference!

At Vertex Education we are a team of high achievers, courageous leaders, and passionate believers in changing lives through education. As a purpose-led education services provider, our mission is destined to benefit many and yet it starts with just one person inspired to work together with us to make a memorable and meaningful difference for our clients, schools, students, and communities. Be the one who makes a difference-with us.

Responsibilities:

This section describes the essential functions of this role but is not intended to be all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned, as necessary. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

• Support or lead on 4-6 clients (or fewer, more complex clients/multi-state portfolio).

• Lead full monthly close process - pre-close activities, review of financial statements, adjustments and updates.

• Lead development of full board presentation, with review for more complex presentations. Present at all finance committee or board meetings.

• Lead completion of all reports and compliance documents, with occasional support from analysts.

• Serve as primary client management contact for all audit documents and requests.

• Work with a client on a petition budget (based on availability).

• Manage all client requests, seeking support when more complex.

• Present EdTec content at external event (e.g., client training, conference).

Qualifications:

• Previous experience in finance, accounting, or budgeting roles, preferably in an educational setting.

• Understanding of financial regulations and guidelines specific to educational institutions, including federal, state, and local funding sources and compliance requirements.

• Strong analytical skills to interpret financial data, identify trends, and make informed recommendations for budgeting and financial planning.

• Meticulous attention to detail in reviewing financial documents, preparing reports, and conducting audits to ensure accuracy and compliance with financial policies and procedures.

• Proficiency in using financial software and accounting systems, such as Excel, QuickBooks, or specialized school finance software.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills to convey financial information clearly and concisely to stakeholders, including school administrators, board members, and external auditors.

• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with school administrators, department heads, and staff members to gather financial data, provide guidance on budgeting and expenditure management, and address financial concerns or inquiries.

• Capacity to analyze complex financial issues, identify root causes, and develop solutions to address budgetary constraints or financial challenges facing the school.

• Commitment to upholding ethical standards and integrity in all financial activities, including adherence to accounting principles, confidentiality of financial information, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Competencies:

• Ability to assist in developing and managing the school budget, including revenue projections, expense forecasts, and budget allocations for various departments and programs.

• Proficiency in preparing financial statements, budget variance analyses, and other reports to communicate financial performance and outcomes to stakeholders.

• Experience in managing grants and funding programs, including grant proposal development, compliance monitoring, and reporting requirements.

• Knowledge of audit procedures and compliance standards applicable to educational finance, including GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) regulations.

• Understanding of cash flow principles and strategies to manage cash inflows and outflows effectively, ensuring sufficient funds are available to meet operational needs and obligations.

• Ability to conduct financial analysis and forecasting to support strategic planning, resource allocation, and decision-making processes within the school.

• Capacity to work collaboratively with other members of the finance team, school administrators, and department heads to coordinate financial activities, resolve issues, and achieve financial goals.

• Effective time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced educational environment.

• Demonstrated leadership potential and ability to take initiative in driving financial initiatives, implementing process improvements, and supporting the overall mission and goals of the school.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying informed about changes in educational finance regulations, best practices, and emerging trends.

• Adherence to ethical standards and professional integrity in all compliance activities, including maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information, avoiding conflicts of interest, and upholding regulatory compliance obligations.

Education:

• Advanced degree preferred or equivalent public/private sector business or school operations experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Overall, while the physical demands of the role are generally light, maintaining good posture, taking regular breaks, and practicing ergonomic principles can help mitigate the risk of discomfort or strain associated with prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.

• While the role of Associate School Finance Manager is predominantly sedentary and office-based, there are still some physical requirements associated with the job:

• Extended periods of sitting: The Associate School Finance Manager typically spends much of their workday seated at a desk, working on a computer or reviewing documents.

• Screen time: The role involves extensive use of computers and other electronic devices, which may require good eyesight and the ability to focus for extended periods.

• Keyboard and mouse use: Proficiency in typing and using a computer mouse is essential for entering data, generating reports, and navigating payroll and benefits systems.

• Manual dexterity: The ability to handle paperwork, files, and office equipment such as printers, scanners, and copiers may be necessary.

• Communication: While not strictly a physical requirement, clear verbal and written communication skills are important for interacting with colleagues, employees, and external contacts.

• Occasional standing and walking: Although most tasks are performed while seated, there may be occasions when the Associate School Finance Manager needs to attend meetings, walk to other departments, or participate in training sessions.

Be excited to be a part of our team and grow your career with us!

Be the one who enables us to positively impact over 258,000 students across multiple states while driving our growth forward so we can enrich even more lives. Be the one who helps us achieve excellence for over 226 schools that we support with academics, finance, technology, human resources, communications, marketing, facilities, construction, and food services. Be the one who is a diverse thinker, a team player, a smart risk taker, an innovator, and a difference maker by encouraging others to climb higher and reach farther to further education.

• Be yourself surrounded by wonderful people who care about you, value your unique skills, and lift you up.

• Be supported in your work by caring leaders and team members who want you to succeed.

• Be empowered to make a difference and climb higher and reach farther to change lives through education.

• Be well in all aspects of your life from your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing to your finances.

• Enjoy industry-leading pay, rewards, referral bonuses, with unlimited flexible paid time-off for performance.

• Be able to care for your health and your family with comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits and invest in your future with 401(k) plans with a 6% employer match on your contributions.

• Enhance your growth and development with mentoring and money to take training classes.

• Thrive in a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment where we treat others with fairness and respect, celebrate diversity, and elevate equality and inclusion as an equal opportunity employer.

Be the one who makes a difference!

With an innovative mind, a hungry heart, and engaging spirit you can change lives through education. Be a part of Vertex Education and let's make a difference together. Apply Today!