Manager, Strategic Initiatives - Accounting and Finance

LA Alliance

4d•$72,000 - $120,000•Remote

About The Position

The Manager, Strategic Initiatives (MSI) provides direct support to the Chief Financial Officer in ensuring that Alliance’s Accounting and Finance Team provides high-value services and supports to our schools and meets the requirements of authorizers, funders, lenders, and other external parties. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the MSI is responsible for leading and implementing key initiatives across the Accounting and Finance Team. The MSI works closely with the Accounting and Finance Leadership Team, and acts as a point of contact between organization leadership, department team members, and other stakeholders. The ideal candidate for this position will be a strong project manager with a proven track record in navigating complex, multi-level challenges, an ability to manage myriad stakeholder relationships, and an aptitude for identifying and addressing diverse needs. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced professional to take a leadership role in helping Alliance achieve our mission of ensuring equity and excellence for scholars in Los Angeles.

Requirements

At least 3 years of relevant, progressive professional work experience and a Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university; OR At least 5 years of relevant, progressive professional work experience and a high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED).
Demonstrated project management experience and ability to navigate complex issues and support strong performance results.
Strong project management and data analysis skills with the ability to efficiently manage multiple projects and deadlines, work across departments and functions, and translate strategies from plans to action.

Nice To Haves

An advanced degree in business, public policy, finance, or a related discipline is preferred.
Commitment to Alliance’s core beliefs and mission.
Ability to manage myriad relationships, facilitate collaboration across functional departments, and provide support to senior leaders.
Strong analytical skills necessary to interpret data, identify trends, and support departmental goals and initiatives.
Ability to think critically about process improvement.
Proven ability to navigate complex issues and support strong performance results.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Proficient use of Microsoft Office and Google-based applications.
Entrepreneurial spirit to thrive in a fast-paced, fluctuating, and achievement-oriented environment.
Willingness to go above and beyond to contribute to the success of a dynamic team committed to a new future for urban education.
Champion Alliance’s Anti-Racist, Pro-Black Mission: The strongest candidates will bring a commitment to Alliance’s mission of building an anti-racist, pro-Black community that prioritizes the success and well-being of Black and Brown scholars. Candidates should have a passion for promoting equity through anti-racist, student-centered teaching practices that celebrate racial and cultural identities. This role is rooted in service to systemically underserved communities in Los Angeles, helping scholars graduate “college-ready” with pride in who they are.

Responsibilities

Manage and lead key strategic projects in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer, and work closely with the Chief Financial Officer and other team leaders to support Alliance’s organizational priority initiatives.
Project manage cross-functional work, including managing annual audits and the school budgeting process, especially those requiring rapid-response or other issue resolution; develop project plans, track milestones, and conduct data analyses to support departmental decision-making.
Perform analysis and strategic consultation on Accounting and Finance-related issues impacting the organization.
Prepare briefings, memos, or presentations to communicate findings to the Chief Financial Officer and Accounting and Finance Leadership Team.
Coordinate to support departmental initiatives, including tracking deliverables and managing team fiscal responsibilities, including managing department credit card, facilitating Coupa requirements, etc.
Support the Accounting and Finance Team with cross-functional projects, process improvement initiatives, and strategic problem-solving as needed.
Support the Accounting and Finance Leadership Team through facilitation of regular meetings, tracking progress against department goals and network-wide priorities, and manage follow-ups to key actions and decisions.
Manage monthly Accounting and Finance Team meetings, annual outings/retreats, and other critical meetings. This includes creating the content; developing agendas, memos, presentation decks, facilitation notes, and communications to participants, facilitating select activities, and managing follow-up to key actions and decisions.
Work with the Chief Financial Officer to implement initiatives to enhance and strengthen team culture.
Attend the Accounting and Finance Leadership Team meetings as needed to support with departmental coordination.
Support the Accounting and Finance Leadership Team in documenting critical processes and developing training materials for department team members.
Coordinate logistics for recruitment activities, including scheduling interviews, preparing materials, and supporting onboarding of new team members.
Develop and distribute clear and timely communications related to team projects and initiatives, ensuring internal/external deadlines are included in appropriate communications tools, including the weekly Operations, Principal, and Home Office Newsletters.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive salaries commensurate with experience
Generous retirement and health benefits
$400 work-from-home set-up allowance
Monthly stipend of $100
Relocation bonus of $5,000 for individuals and $7,500 for new staff with families/partners
Medical, dental, and vision plan options that are covered at 100% of monthly premiums for individual employees and at least $1,000 per month towards medical family plan premiums.
Retirement allowance equal to 7.5% of their regular yearly earnings.
8.5 weeks of vacation and paid time off.
3 weeks of flexible paid time off per year
27 other paid holidays
$500 per year for professional development expenses.