Commitment to GOLCS's mission of student success in Newark.
Proven financial leadership in nonprofit or educational sectors preferred.
Experience in steady improvement of finance functions, focusing on controls and trust-building.
Strong people-management and coaching skills in finance team development.
Ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for leadership.
Hands-on approach to financial details in a lean team environment.
Bachelor's degree required; CPA and/or MBA preferred, NJ SBA licensure a plus.
Responsibilities
Serve as chief financial strategist and partner to the CEO and Board on financial matters.
Own budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and financial reporting for the network.
Translate strategic plans into multi-year financial models with a focus on sustainability.
Lead the Board Finance Committee and provide accurate financial reporting for meetings.
Improve the annual budgeting process and enhance financial acumen among budget owners.
Ensure compliance with GAAP/GASB and oversee clean annual audits.
Identify and implement systems and technology improvements for efficiency across the network.
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Tax-exempt student loan and tuition reimbursement.
Professional development reimbursement aligned to role.
Wellness reimbursements for gym and spa services.
Confidential counseling services for staff and dependents.
Pre-tax state pension plan with optional retirement plans.
Flexible spending accounts for dependent care, health, and transit.
Health screening and telemedicine access via VitalCheck Wellness.
Full Job Description
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Great Oaks Legacy Charter School | Newark, NJ REQUISITION ID: 330 THE OPPORTUNITY
Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (GOLCS) is seeking a seasoned Chief Financial Officer to strengthen the financial foundation of an established, high-performing ~$55M PK-12 charter network serving approximately 2,200 students across six campuses in Newark (approaching ~$60M by FY2028). Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a core member of the senior leadership team (G2), the CFO will own financial strategy, systems, and controls for the network as GOLCS's strategic planning process defines its next chapter - one focused on operational discipline, financial rigor, and durable institutional strength rather than rapid expansion.
This is not a build-from-scratch or high-growth mandate. GOLCS's enrollment and campus footprint are largely stable, and near-term growth is likely to be modest and deliberate rather than aggressive. The right leader is one who brings the experience and judgment to make steady, compounding improvements to an existing finance function - tightening systems, deepening controls, and building trust with the Board and school leaders one solid quarter at a time.
Who Thrives in This Role
A steady, methodical operator who is energized by incremental, compounding improvement - not someone who needs a blank slate or high ambiguity to stay engaged.
Someone with the seniority and judgment to set strategy, but who is also willing to be close to the details in a lean finance function while systems and team capacity are built out.
A leader who reads as calm and trustworthy to a Board and CEO managing a mature organization, not a builder looking for their next high-growth platform.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizational Leadership
Serve as chief financial strategist and thought partner to the CEO, senior leadership team (G2), Board, and school leaders on all financial matters.
Own budgeting, forecasting, long-term financial planning, risk management, capital planning, financial reporting and analysis, accounting, cash flow planning, and grants management.
In partnership with the CEO, G2, and Board, translate GOLCS's strategic plan into a multi-year financial model and set targets that ensure sustained financial health - with a focus on strengthening what exists rather than scaling headcount or campus count.
Serve as the primary interface to the Board of Directors; lead the Board Finance Committee and deliver timely, accurate financial reporting for monthly Board meetings.
Financial Management
Lead and continuously improve the annual budgeting process across schools and the network office; build the financial acumen of budget owners and hold them accountable to it.
Produce clear, decision-useful financial reporting for the Board and G2.
Establish and maintain sound financial policies, procedures, and internal controls across the network.
Oversee risk management and proactively identify and address risks that may impact the network.
Manage and ensure compliance with lenders for all debt obligations, including with related entities; develop a long-term strategy for managing debt and optimizing overall cost of capital to maximize funds available for instruction.
Operational Strategy
Identify and implement systems, policy, and technology improvements that increase efficiency and control across the network - in procurement, campus-level financial planning, and cost management.
Build a network-wide culture of financial rigor, transparency, and accountability.
Oversee real estate strategy, facility financing, and major construction and renovation projects; manage consultants, attorneys, lenders, and other partners to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
Support compliance and reporting on enrollment with a focus on accurate revenue projections.
Team & Vendor Leadership
Directly manage and develop the finance team (currently the Managing Director of Finance, Controller, and Accounts Payable), while also owning a broader web of external relationships that carry real financial and compliance weight: the network's School Business Administrator (SBO) function, auditors, banking and lending partners, insurance broker, and real estate/legal counsel.
Because the internal team is lean relative to a $55M budget, this role requires a leader comfortable operating close to the details - reviewing reconciliations, vetting vendor contracts, and personally owning execution - while systems and capacity are strengthened over time, not just directing from above.
Build a finance function known internally for rigor and a strong service orientation toward schools and staff.
Ensure the team's work reflects GOLCS's mission, vision, and values, including The Griffin Way.
QUALIFICATIONS
A genuine commitment to GOLCS's mission of preparing Newark's students for success in college and beyond.
A demonstrated track record of financial leadership at a nonprofit or educational organization is strongly preferred; we will also consider exceptional finance leaders from other sectors who show clear, credible mission alignment. Years of tenure matter less than a proven record of judgment, rigor, and follow-through at this level.
A track record of steady, methodical improvement in a finance function - tightening controls, closing gaps, and building trust over time - rather than building something new from a blank slate.
A track record of leading and developing finance teams, with strong people-management and coaching skills.
Demonstrated success as a strategic partner to a CEO/ED and Board - translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insight.
Comfortable being hands-on with detail (reviewing reconciliations, vendor contracts, and reporting directly) in a lean team, not solely a high-level strategist.
Bachelor's degree required; CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred. NJ School Business Administrator (SBA) licensure a plus.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Tax-exempt student loan and tuition reimbursement.
Professional development reimbursement aligned to role.
Wellness reimbursements (gym, spa, and more).
Confidential counseling services for staff and dependents via a top-rated therapy app.
Pre-tax state pension plan, plus optional voluntary retirement plans.
Pre-tax dependent care, health, and transit flexible spending accounts.
Health screening and telemedicine access via VitalCheck Wellness.
