Finance Manager

Montclair Cooperative School•Montclair, NJ

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Finance Manager is a direct report to the Head of School, with a dotted line reporting to the Vice Chair of Finance. The finance manager is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the school in the areas of budgeting, accounting, reporting and internal controls as well as key HR functions and benefits administration in a small collaborative school environment that requires flexibility and active participation in many areas of school function.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (CPA or HR certification desirable)
3–7+ years of financial management experience, preferably in a nonprofit or school setting
Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting and financial reporting
Demonstrated experience with QuickBooks and Paylocity
Experience managing HR functions, including hiring, contracts, and benefits administration
High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail

Nice To Haves

Experience in a school setting
Familiarity with tuition management systems
Experience working with faculty committees or collective discussions
Experience managing financial challenges such as deficit budgets or enrollment fluctuations

Responsibilities

Manage and oversight of day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and general ledger maintenance.
Utilize QuickBooks for accounting and monthly financial reporting
Prepare monthly budget to actual which includes annual forecasting
Monitor cash flow and maintain appropriate reserves
Present financial reports to the Head of School and Board of Trustees as requested
Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with the Head of School and the Vice Chair of Finance.
Work with the Vice Chair of Finance to develop multi-year financial projections
Monitor actuals vs. budget and provide variance analysis
Support strategic financial planning and sustainability efforts
Oversee enrollment contract preparation, tuition billing and collections via TADS
Track enrollment-related revenue and financial aid impact
Work closely with admissions on enrollment projections
Oversee the financial aid process, including management of applications submitted through TADS, direct communication with applicants and notification to the entire community when the platform is open for submission.
Lead and support the Financial Aid Committee in reviewing applications and determining awards and ensure financial aid awards align with approved budget levels and track variances throughout the year
Oversee all aspects of nonpublic school funding programs, including state allocations for security, technology, nursing, and mental health services and serve as the primary liaison with the Montclair Board of Education on all aspects of non-public funding.
Work with front desk office manager to submit textbook ordering
Monitor funding usage to ensure alignment with program guidelines and timely submission
Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with all applicable state regulations and reporting requirement
Coordinate annual audit and serve as primary liaison with external auditors and third-party accounting firm
Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
Provide all information necessary for the preparation of the audited financial statements and the 990 preparation.
Maintain strong internal controls and financial policies
Oversee and approve payroll processing by the third party accounting firm using Paylocity and review the recording of semi- monthly payroll.
Administer employee benefits, retirement plans, and annual renewals
Serve as primary liaison with benefits brokers and providers
Ensure accuracy of employee data and payroll reporting
Work in conjunction with the Head of School on recruitment efforts including posting positions, screening candidates, and participating in interviews and hiring committees
Prepare and issue annual employment contracts for faculty and staff
Participate in faculty negotiation meetings with the Head of School and designated faculty representatives.
Create an annual salary scale and revised Memorandum of Agreement based upon finalized negotiations
Support employee relations, onboarding, and policy implementation
Maintain personnel records and ensure compliance with employment laws and school policies
Oversee operations of the before- and after-school program, employee-run enrichment programs, and Summer Camp Co-Op, including staffing, budgeting, enrollment coordination, and program management.
Manage vendor contracts and payments using Bill.com
Ensure proper documentation and approval processes
Maintain relationships with banks, auditors, and financial partners
Support Finance Committee and Board meetings with reports and analysis
Assist in preparing financial dashboards and presentations
Attend monthly board meetings and regularly scheduled Finance committee meetings