Vice President of Finance & Accounting

KIPP DC • Washington, DC

3d • $183,340 - $212,289 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President of Finance & Accounting is an essential member of the Finance and Accounting team, and is responsible for overseeing and leading the accounting, grants, payroll, procurement, and budgeting teams in alignment with KIPP DC's mission and financial objectives. The Vice President of Finance & Accounting serves as an indispensable strategic partner to the leadership team at KIPP DC, upholding the highest standards of financial integrity and responsible resource management. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the organization's financial operations align seamlessly with its mission of providing high-quality education to underserved communities. The Vice President of Finance & Accounting will oversee all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, payroll, procurement and reporting, while also implementing robust internal controls and risk management strategies. Furthermore, this individual will play a key role in fostering a culture of financial transparency and accountability throughout the organization, ensuring that KIPP DC remains a trusted steward of public and private funds. As a Vice President, this position must also ensure adherence to established internal control policies and procedures and maintain compliance within the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 10+ years of professional work experience required; at least 5 years experience in K-12 systems
• 5+ years of experience managing people and/or vendors, leading and coaching cross-functional teams
• Significant experience in senior budget and finance positions at complex organizations, ideally at education nonprofits or charter management organizations
• Experience and/or exposure to multiple lines of business with a demonstrated mix in both the public and private sector
• Strong analytical capabilities including financial planning, forecasting, modeling, and data analysis
• Proven project management skills as it relates to the creation of different systems and structures
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams across the organization, and with the Board of Directors
• Ability to convey complex technical concepts and solutions to broad audiences

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in business administration or finance strongly preferred
• CPA preferred
• Recent experience with non-profit >$150M in annual revenue preferred

Responsibilities

• Directly manage the Controller, Managing Director of Finance (head of FP&A and strategic procurement), and the contracted Grants Coordinator (leads grants lifecycle management and compliance), providing coaching, mentorship, and access to necessary tools and resources.
• Oversee professional development and growth opportunities for finance staff, supporting individual development plans to increase their capacity, technical knowledge, and soft skills.
• Lead change management initiatives to optimize finance operations and ensure alignment with organizational goals
• Work alongside all teams to support finance, accounting, and budget decision-making through clear communication systems and timelines.
• Oversee the organization's day-to-day finance function to ensure the accurate execution of operational finance (accounting, reporting, banking, budgeting, procurement, compliance and financial information systems management in conjunction with Info team) and the delivery of all mandated financial reports to stakeholders.
• Support the CFO in managing all aspects of the organization's finances, including providing support to HDQ colleagues and school-based staff through financial modeling, compliance, and data-driven analysis.
• Support the development and implementation of the organization's long-term financial strategy, including strengthening the balance sheet and setting financial targets to ensure short and long-term financial health and sustainability.
• Oversee a portfolio of federal/ state grants and related compliance for the network, ensuring that financial reporting is accurate, compliant, and submitted in a timely manner.
• Oversee and optimize the organization's financial systems, ensuring they are efficient, effective, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Develop and implement organization-wide financial strategies, systems, processes, and key performance indicators in support of the CFO.
• Leads the design, revision, and rollout for the creation of new financial systems, structures, and policies and manages communication and project plans to ensure thorough understanding and follow-through
• Oversee the creation of long-range and short-range financial models for new initiatives and provide recommendations to the CFO, President, and Finance Committee based on financial analysis, projections, cost identification, allocation, and revenue/expense analysis.
• Partner with HDQ colleagues and school-based staff on operational and strategic issues.
• Contribute to the development of the organization's long-term financial strategy, providing insights and recommendations to the CFO.
• Support the development and monitoring of KIPP DC's internal control environment to safeguard its assets, ensuring compliance with best practices and relevant regulations.
• Communicate clear expectations for adherence to finance and accounting policies.
• Develop and enhance resources, tools, and support structures, with built-in oversight and accountability, to provide exceptional customer service
• Ensure no material weaknesses are reported as part of the annual external audit.
• Monitor budget processes and year-end projections to ensure alignment with strategy and targets.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and accounting standards.
• Support the Board's Finance Committee, serving as a trusted advisor and thought partner.
• Oversee management of external finance and accounting vendors, including the Grants Coordinator, external accounting support, banking/investment management, debt management, and ERP support services, to ensure effective collaboration, adherence to performance standards, and cost-efficiency.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision insurances
• various voluntary benefits
• employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical
• 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years

What This Job Offers

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