Lead Financial Analyst

Aspire Public Schools • Oakland, CA

1d • $91,232 - $117,116

About The Position

The Lead Financial Analyst works closely with the Senior Director, Finance and/or Director of Finance to provide leadership, training, and support to the Finance team and the broader organization. The role provides financial analysis, tracking, and projections for assigned Aspire school sites; works with restricted and unrestricted budgets; monitors program and project spending fluctuations; guides school sites on fiscal management; and prepares financial and compliance reports. It also leads and oversees budgeting and reporting systems, including their administration, training, and ongoing development.

Aspire NorCal brings together the Bay Area and Central Valley regions and operates 22 schools serving approximately 10,000 scholars across Northern California. The organization is building a unified regional model while working to maintain responsiveness to the different communities and contexts of its schools. The role supports the organization's mission, vision, values, and commitment to educational equity and antiracism. It will also support a service agreement under which Aspire NorCal is expected to provide finance, accounting, and payroll services to Aspire LA. Part of the department’s budget is expected to depend on that agreement, and positions may be affected if the agreement is not finalized, renewed, or continues through its term. Employment is at-will.

This is a full-time, exempt position. The annual salary range is $91,232 to $117,116, commensurate with experience. The work location and in-person expectations are being finalized. The application deadline is November 20, 2026.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of accounting and/or financial analysis experience.
• Experience in K-12 public education, the nonprofit sector, or government.
• Proficiency with budgeting and reporting systems; ability to learn such systems.
• Ability to provide timely, meaningful financial analysis in a dynamic, high-growth environment and clearly communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial leaders.
• Ability to problem-solve independently, lead a team of peers, and coordinate routine projects.
• Deep knowledge of accounting, especially K-12 and/or nonprofit accounting, and of restricted and unrestricted charter school revenue sources.
• Strong Excel skills and financial modeling skills; familiarity with accounting software.
• Excellent organization, time management, and follow-up skills, with the ability to meet deadlines under pressure while maintaining a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong client communication and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is strongly preferred.
• Experience with Adaptive Planning.

Responsibilities

• Prepare annual budgets and forecast updates for assigned Aspire school sites, and facilitate regular budget and forecast update meetings with school and regional sites.
• Lead other financial analysts, contribute expertise in education finance and the California charter school landscape, and promote collaboration, professionalism, and process improvement.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for other analysts, particularly on tactical and procedural matters, and provide training as needed.
• Perform accurate and efficient financial support work, including attendance reporting, interim reporting, year-end preparation, and reclasses.
• Improve Finance team workflow and efficiency by designing financial models and improving existing models and reporting processes.
• Work with School Leaders, Instructional Leaders, and Finance and Accounting team members on monthly and quarterly close, interim and year-end reports, and monthly forecasts for profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow; provide variance analysis and recommendations that support financial sustainability.
• Prepare budget projections and scenario analyses for new sites and help maximize the use of restricted funding for each school.
• Provide guidance and oversight for budgeting and forecasting systems.
• Analyze spending trends across schools, identify best practices and efficiencies, and share findings with the Finance team.
• Prepare school sites for year-end audits and meet local, state, and federal reporting deadlines with charter authorizers and the California Department of Education.
• Perform ad hoc financial analyses requested by the CFO, Director of Finance, Instructional Leaders, and School Leaders.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and support Aspire Public Schools' mission, vision, and values, including antiracism, and uphold confidentiality standards and the code of ethical behavior.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.
• Support the new Service Level Agreement under which Aspire NorCal will provide finance, accounting, and payroll services to Aspire LA.

Benefits

• Eligible for Aspire health benefits.
• Retirement through CalSTRS or CalPERS, depending on the role's credential requirements, with a 403(b) option.
• Paid time off.
• Additional teammate benefits to be determined in accordance with an updated employee value proposition, to be shared before an offer.

What This Job Offers

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