Director of Finance

Are you a financial leader who enjoys collaborating with others and making a meaningful difference in education? The J127 Education Foundation is seeking a Director of Finance to lead financial operations for the Foundation and its schools: Merritt Academy, First Steps Academy, and The Appletree School.

Overseeing an organization with approximately $13 million in annual revenue, the Director of Finance will combine strategic planning with hands-on financial management to support our schools’ continued success. The Director will bridge financial strategy with what is happening throughout the schools, partnering closely with school leadership to connect financial resources with school operations and programming. You will oversee the development of the annual operating budget, help budget managers assess tradeoffs between program goals and spending, develop multi-year financial models for overall operations, including enrollment, capital investments, and strategic initiatives, and prepare reports and recommendations for the Executive Director to evaluate and share with the Board. This position leads a three-person Finance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily financial operations, including general accounting, student billing, internal controls and financial policies and prepare accurate, timely reports, providing clear analysis and recommendations to Foundation and school leadership.
• Oversee the annual budgeting process, partnering with the Finance team, Executive Director, and budget managers to evaluate requests, establish priorities, and align resources with institutional goals.
• Partner with academic and administrative leaders to understand program objectives, operational plans, and resource needs, providing financial guidance that supports informed decision-making.
• Manage cash flow and financial resources to support daily operations and long-term stability.
• Ensure accurate accrual accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and general ledger management.
• Provide oversight and review of the annual audit and Form 990 preparation, supporting the Finance team’s work and coordinating with external partners.
• Maintain strong internal controls, ensure adherence to financial policies, and recommend improvements.
• Oversee corporate insurance coverage, renewals, and related coordination.
• Supervise, coach, and support the Finance team, encouraging collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Serve as a trusted resource to school directors on financial questions, operational planning, and resource allocation.
• Evaluate financial best practices, proposed programs, and opportunities to improve efficiency and support sustainable growth.