Senior Director of Finance

KIPP Kansas City•Kansas City, MO

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope. Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world. Position Overview: Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP KC plays a critical role in ensuring our students are on the path toward college, career, and beyond. Our employees are passionate advocates for our students and families, working tirelessly to connect them with access to opportunity for lives of power and choice. The Senior Director of Finance is responsible for leading day-to-day payroll and core accounting operations for KIPP Kansas City. This role ensures employees are paid accurately and on time, financial records are maintained with integrity, and all accounting processes support the organization’s mission, compliance requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required; CPA or master’s degree preferred.
5–8 years of progressive experience in accounting, payroll, budgeting, or finance leadership.
Experience in nonprofit, education, or multi-site organizational finance preferred.
Strong understanding of accounting principles, payroll compliance, budget development, and internal controls.
Demonstrated experience leading annual budgets and financial planning processes.
Proficiency with accounting and payroll systems, financial reporting tools, and advanced Excel skills.
Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission, students, families, and values.
Relentless focus on results and a commitment to teamwork
Deep commitment to educational equity and underserved communities
Satisfactory outcome of a background check

Responsibilities

Lead payroll operations for all KIPP KC employees, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing.
Maintain accurate employee payroll records, deductions, benefits entries, and tax-related information.
Oversee accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and month-end and year-end close.
Direct the development of the annual operating budget in partnership with EdOps, school leaders, and department leaders.
Build budget models, collect inputs, and consolidate school and department budgets into a comprehensive organizational plan.
Monitor actual spending against budget and provide monthly variance analysis, forecasts, and recommendations.
Prepare financial reports and dashboards for executive leadership, school leaders, and board review as needed.
Strengthen internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Oversee audit preparation, external auditor coordination, and required documentation requests.
Partner with HR, operations, and leadership teams on compensation changes, staffing models, and financial planning.
Lead continuous improvement efforts related to payroll, accounting, financial reporting, and budget processes.
Supervise and support finance staff as assigned.
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee and financial data with discretion.