Director or Managing Director of Finance

KIPP•Columbus, OH

11h

About The Position

KIPP Columbus is seeking a Director or Managing Director of Finance to serve as the senior finance leader for the organization. This role is responsible for ensuring the organization's long-term financial health, sustainability, and operational excellence. The Director of Finance will oversee budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, compliance, grants management, and long-range financial planning. This position will partner closely with organizational leaders to provide financial insights for strategic decision-making and will act as a trusted advisor, translating complex financial information into practical recommendations. This is an opportunity for a collaborative, systems-oriented finance leader to build high-performing teams, improve organizational effectiveness, and create financial systems that support schools and students.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
8–10 years of progressively responsible finance leadership experience, including budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, accounting operations, and team leadership.
Experience leading finance functions within a complex, mission-driven organization; experience in K–12 education, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, or public sector organizations strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success developing multi-year financial plans, forecasting models, and organizational budgets.
Experience overseeing annual audits, grants management, financial compliance, and internal controls.
Experience presenting financial information to senior leadership, governing boards, or other executive stakeholders.
Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial systems, and financial reporting best practices.
Demonstrated success building systems, improving processes, and leading organizational change.
Ability to negotiate contracts, manage vendor relationships, and oversee external service providers.
Passion for KIPP Columbus's mission and a deep commitment to educational equity and expanding opportunities for students and families.

Nice To Haves

CPA, MBA, or Master's degree in a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the financial stewardship of KIPP Columbus's approximately $35 million operating budget.
Develop and maintain multi-year financial forecasts, enrollment and staffing models, and long-range financial plans that support organizational sustainability.
Partner with the Chief Strategy Officer and organizational leaders to evaluate strategic initiatives, organizational investments, and financial risks.
Provide financial analysis and recommendations that support organizational planning and informed decision-making.
Partner with the Chief People Officer to develop long-term compensation models that support organizational sustainability and talent strategy.
Oversee all accounting, budgeting, payroll, cash management, financial reporting, and annual audit activities.
Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting for organizational leadership, the Board of Directors, authorizers, and external stakeholders.
Maintain strong internal controls, financial policies, and accounting procedures that support operational excellence and compliance.
Develop financial models, dashboards, and reporting tools that improve forecasting, scenario planning, and organizational decision-making.
Continuously evaluate financial allocation methodologies and resource planning practices to ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, charter, grant, and regulatory requirements.
Oversee grant budgeting, reporting, reimbursement, monitoring, and compliance processes.
Lead organizational risk management efforts, including insurance administration, legal coordination, and financial compliance.
Develop, maintain, and continuously improve organizational financial policies and administrative procedures.
Lead the annual budgeting process in partnership with school leaders and department leaders.
Support the development of KIPP Columbus's multi-year strategic plans by ensuring financial alignment with organizational priorities.
Establish systems to monitor organizational financial performance and progress toward strategic goals.
Provide financial analysis and decision support to leaders across the organization.
Lead, coach, and develop members of the Finance team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Build systems and processes that improve efficiency, service, and organizational effectiveness.
Develop strong cross-functional partnerships with leaders across academics, operations, talent, development, and school leadership.