Finance Director

Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington•Wilmington, NC

15h•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required
Minimum of 5 years of experience in finance, compliance, or related roles
Experience in a non-profit, education, or government sector is an advantage
Experience managing budgets, audits, payroll, grants, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting
Strong knowledge of financial management principles, regulations, and reporting standards
Proficiency in financial software, Microsoft Office suite, and Google suite (particularly Excel and Quickbooks)
Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
Strong knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP)
Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
Budget development and analysis skills
Grant management
Audit preparation and management
Internal controls and risk management
Ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
Passion for education and community impact initiatives
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
High ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis and reporting
Prepare 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 Boards
Monitor cash flow, accounts receivables, and accounts payables to ensure the timely financial processing and budget management
Manage and maintain accounts payable and accounts receivable on a monthly basis
Reconcile bank and investment accounts monthly
Coordinate requisition of school funds with outside financial management and accounting service for GLOW
Manage deposits, payment services and bank accounts for all entities
Coordinate investment of funds with CEO, Finance Committees and Boards to ensure maximum return on cash and investments
Manage internal and external audits and address any audit findings
Manage 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 payments
Liaise with school and foundation leadership and HR Director for Payroll Support and oversee tuition, vouchers, and management of student information services
Adhere to accepted bookkeeping and GAAP accounting standards
Explore and pursue school-specific grant funding sources, including but not limited to federal, state and local funding for both general and specific populations
Work with school staff to explore opportunities for student services reimbursement, including but not limited to Medicaid funding
Work with the Development Team to ensure proper tracking and coding of all donations and pledges to include monthly reconciliation of the pledge report.
Ensure each entity complies with all relevant local, state, federal, and Department of Education regulations
Interpret laws and policies to be able to advise administration and employees accordingly
Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures while ensuring alignment with the mission of the Organizations
Serve as the point of contact for regulatory bodies and coordinate responses to compliance inquiries
Manage and maintain compliance with state systems and grants in CCIP.
Collaborate with senior management to develop and update financial and compliance policies
Ensure policies are communicated and enforced across the organization
Ensure that the policy and procedure manuals are in alignment with current regulations across the organization
Responsible for policy development, management and storage/maintenance
Identify financial risks and develop management strategies to include risk avoidance, risk reduction, risk transfer, and risk retention
Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and adjust policies and procedures accordingly
Provide training to staff on best practices for fiscal responsibilities and policies
Prepare compliance reports for management and external stakeholders
Maintain accurate records of all compliance activities and financial transactions
Provide 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.
Other duties as assigned by the CEO