Finance Analyst

VISTA COLLEGE PREPARATORY INC • Phoenix, AZ

1d • $60,000 - $70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Finance Analyst supports budgeting, forecasting, compliance reporting, and day-to-day financial operations at Vista College Prep. The role works with the Finance Team, school principals and assistant principals, department managers, and internal and external stakeholders to support finance processes aligned with Vista’s goals and compliance requirements. It is designed for a self-starter who can work independently, own recurring duties and deadlines, and communicate proactively. The Finance Analyst reports to the Director of Finance.

Responsibilities include facilitating annual budget planning; monitoring spending and maintaining approved budgets; administering and optimizing the budget system; supporting accounts payable and purchase-order reconciliation; preparing recurring invoices; and assembling financial documentation for audits, board meetings, and stakeholders. The role also updates monthly forecasts and long-term financial models, prepares cost analyses and ad hoc financial analyses, and drafts quarterly and annual compliance reports for bond and financing obligations. The Finance Analyst participates in regular check-ins and meetings and may support special projects or temporary assignments for the Network Team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 2 years of finance experience focused on budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to work independently, manage recurring deadlines, and take ownership of tasks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets for model building and maintenance.
• High attention to detail and excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills.
• Valid Arizona IVP fingerprint clearance card.
• Commitment to Vista’s mission and vision.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in school finance or working in a school environment.
• Experience using Sage Intacct, Edstruments, or other accounting and budgeting systems.
• Knowledge of AI platforms such as Claude and ChatGPT.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate annual budget planning by distributing templates, supporting budget owners, and entering approved allocations into the budget system.
• Monitor expenditures against budget allocations and meet monthly with budget owners to support effective spending management.
• Maintain approved budgets throughout the year and reallocate expenses as needed.
• Configure and optimize the budget system to provide automated, current financial reports and dashboards.
• Administer the budget system, including maintaining user accounts, training staff, and working with the software vendor to resolve issues.
• Review and approve invoices and credit-card expenses, ensuring they are within budget, properly coded, and compliant with procurement policies.
• Reconcile the open purchase-order list monthly, working with budget owners to close purchase orders or match them to invoices.
• Prepare and submit recurring quarterly invoices to external organizations.
• Gather documentation and compile data for audits, board meetings, and external stakeholders.
• Update the financial forecast and long-term financial model monthly and prepare updates for finance leadership.
• Prepare monthly cost analyses for high-spend areas, including health claims, nutrition programs, payroll, and student transportation.
• Prepare ad hoc financial analyses to support operational decisions and financial sustainability.
• Draft quarterly and annual compliance reports concerning bond and financing obligations for bond trustees, state financing authorities, facilities lenders, and rating agencies.
• Participate in weekly check-ins with the Director of Finance and provide updates on budget status, regular duties, and current projects.
• Attend Finance Team, Finance Committee, and vendor meetings; share information and raise questions or concerns as needed.
• Assist with special projects or temporary assignments supporting the Network Team.

Benefits

• Competitive base salaries reflective of the local market, candidate experience, and education level.
• Healthcare plans for full-time staff, including health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance at very low monthly premiums and $0 copays.
• Confidential, 24/7, no-cost mental health resources and a healthcare concierge service.
• 401(k) retirement plan through John Hancock with up to a 3% employer match.
• 12 days of PTO, parental leave, and a school calendar with paid holidays and Wellness Fridays.
• Tools to support success, including curricular materials, professional development, classroom supplies, staff laptop computers, and 1:1 student devices.
• Opportunities for leadership, growth, and advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level