Smart Start of Mecklenburg County- Finance Manager

Ascend Nonprofit Solutions • Charlotte, NC

34d • Onsite

About The Position

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (Smart Start or SSMC) is a Charlotte-based non-profit that funds local programs for children ages birth to five and their families. The organization is a catalyst for improving the lives of the 85,000+ young children in our community, with a focus on health, family, early education, and literacy. We mobilize resources and forge partnerships to support evidence-based policies, practices, and programs to ensure all children enter kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed. Smart Start has a budget of over $41 million comprised of funding from the state of North Carolina, Mecklenburg County, and private donations and grants. SSMC funds approximately 26 programs annually serving over 40,000 young children, their families, and educators. SSMC administers Mecklenburg County's MECK Pre-K program, which provides free Pre-K to children in the community. SSMC's internal programs and campaigns include Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Guiding Parents to Services, The Basics Mecklenburg, Parent Powered, Family Engagement and Navigation, and Early Childhood Workforce Development. The organization is also the leader in advocacy, convening, and collaborating on issues related to children prenatal-to-five in the Greater Charlotte area.
The Finance Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for all financial functions of the MECK Pre-K program. This role oversees financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, compliance, contract management, audits, and internal controls while supervising finance staff. The position serves as a key advisor to executive leadership, ensuring fiscal accountability, regulatory compliance, and the longterm financial sustainability of the organization. This is a senior finance leadership role responsible for the overall fiscal management, compliance oversight, contract administration, and strategic financial planning of the MECK Pre-K program. The Finance Manager acts as a trusted partner to leadership, supervising finance staff, ensuring strong fiscal stewardship, managing audits and provider contracts, and driving financial processes that support organizational sustainability and program success. The Finance Manager reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA a plus.
• 10+ years' experience in financial management and analysis (non-profit experience preferred).
• SAGE MIP fund balance accounting software preferred.
• Cognito and Microix knowledge a plus.
• Ability to synthesize large quantities of complex data into actionable information.
• Ability to work and effectively communicate with team members.
• Excellent business judgment, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong demonstrated use and knowledge utilizing PC based tools (MS Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point), and a willingness and aptitude to learn other technology.
• Ability to consistently meet all deadlines.
• Excellent judgment, communication (verbal and written) and listening skills.
• Conscientious, organized and very detail-oriented.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently while managing multiple tasks and projects as well as to assess and change priorities based upon evolving agency needs.
• Knowledge of generally accepting accounting principles and budgeting practices.
• Motivated and results oriented.

Nice To Haves

• CPA a plus.
• SAGE MIP fund balance accounting software preferred.
• Cognito and Microix knowledge a plus.
• non-profit experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, accounts payable, ACH processing, financial reporting, and data integration across multiple business systems.
• Analyze financial performance, monitor budget variances, and provide recommendations for leadership.
• Maintain strong internal controls, financial systems, and accounting processes.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities and fund accounting records.
• Support strategic planning through financial modeling and long-term forecasting.
• Serve as a financial advisor to program leadership by providing guidance on financial policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Serve as backup to the Finance Director and provide support to the Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director on special projects, strategic initiatives, and organizational priorities.
• Oversee financial administration and compliance for all MECK Pre-K related contracts.
• Review and approve provider payment requests and ensure expenditures comply with budgets and cost principles.
• Conduct financial monitoring and compliance reviews of contracted providers.
• Manage finance-related reporting and presentations for MECK Pre-K Directors' Meetings.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, NCPC Cost Principles, grant requirements, and organizational policies.
• Prepare financial reports for regulatory and contractual stakeholders.
• Coordinate internal and external audits, including audit schedules, support documentation, and Form 990 preparation.
• Conduct benchmarking, forecasting, and financial analysis to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Directly supervise and develop finance team members.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Lead recruitment, coaching, performance management, and succession planning efforts.

Benefits

• The organization's policy is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability or veteran status.

What This Job Offers

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