Job DescriptionThe OpportunityReporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Director of Finance serves as KIPP Columbus's senior finance leader and is responsible for ensuring the organization's long-term financial health, sustainability, and operational excellence.
The Director of Finance oversees budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, compliance, grants management, and long-range financial planning while partnering closely with organizational leaders to provide the financial insight necessary to support strategic decision-making. This role serves as a trusted advisor to school and departmental leaders, helping translate complex financial information into practical recommendations that strengthen organizational performance.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a collaborative, systems-oriented finance leader who enjoys building high-performing teams, improving organizational effectiveness, and creating financial systems that enable schools and students to thrive.
Responsibilities of KIPP Columbus Director of Finance include, but are not limited to, the following:
Strategic Financial Leadership- Lead the financial stewardship of KIPP Columbus's approximately $35 million operating budget.
- Develop and maintain multi-year financial forecasts, enrollment and staffing models, and long-range financial plans that support organizational sustainability.
- Partner with the Chief Strategy Officer and organizational leaders to evaluate strategic initiatives, organizational investments, and financial risks.
- Provide financial analysis and recommendations that support organizational planning and informed decision-making.
- Partner with the Chief People Officer to develop long-term compensation models that support organizational sustainability and talent strategy.
Financial Operations & Reporting- Oversee all accounting, budgeting, payroll, cash management, financial reporting, and annual audit activities.
- Ensure timely, accurate financial reporting for organizational leadership, the Board of Directors, authorizers, and external stakeholders.
- Maintain strong internal controls, financial policies, and accounting procedures that support operational excellence and compliance.
- Develop financial models, dashboards, and reporting tools that improve forecasting, scenario planning, and organizational decision-making.
- Continuously evaluate financial allocation methodologies and resource planning practices to ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
Compliance, Grants & Risk Management- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, charter, grant, and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee grant budgeting, reporting, reimbursement, monitoring, and compliance processes.
- Lead organizational risk management efforts, including insurance administration, legal coordination, and financial compliance.
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve organizational financial policies and administrative procedures.
Strategic & Annual Planning- Lead the annual budgeting process in partnership with school leaders and department leaders.
- Support the development of KIPP Columbus's multi-year strategic plans by ensuring financial alignment with organizational priorities.
- Establish systems to monitor organizational financial performance and progress toward strategic goals.
- Provide financial analysis and decision support to leaders across the organization.
Team Leadership- Lead, coach, and develop members of the Finance team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Build systems and processes that improve efficiency, service, and organizational effectiveness.
- Develop strong cross-functional partnerships with leaders across academics, operations, talent, development, and school leadership.
QualificationsSuccessful candidates will demonstrate:- Strategic thinking and sound financial judgment.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to build trust and influence across diverse stakeholders.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- A systems mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
- A commitment to equity and educational opportunity.
- The ability to translate complex financial information into actionable recommendations for non-financial leaders.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
- CPA, MBA, or Master's degree in a related field preferred.
- 8-10 years of progressively responsible finance leadership experience, including budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, accounting operations, and team leadership.
- Experience leading finance functions within a complex, mission-driven organization; experience in K-12 education, charter schools, nonprofit organizations, or public sector organizations strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success developing multi-year financial plans, forecasting models, and organizational budgets.
- Experience overseeing annual audits, grants management, financial compliance, and internal controls.
- Experience presenting financial information to senior leadership, governing boards, or other executive stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial systems, and financial reporting best practices.
- Demonstrated success building systems, improving processes, and leading organizational change.
- Ability to negotiate contracts, manage vendor relationships, and oversee external service providers.
- Passion for KIPP Columbus's mission and a deep commitment to educational equity and expanding opportunities for students and families.
Additional InformationCompensation and Benefits
KIPP Columbus offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit plan including medical and dental insurance, as well as group term life insurance, retirement plan and paid time off.
