Managing Director of Finance

Join the team at The Equity Project (TEP) Charter School, featured in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and 60 Minutes for its unique vision and outstanding results. TEP aims to achieve educational equity for students from traditionally underserved communities by utilizing world-class teachers who are pedagogical experts, intellectual seekers, and community leaders.

The Equity Project Charter School seeks a highly motivated and experienced Managing Director of Finance (MDF) to lead our financial operations and ensure long-term financial health and sustainability. As the highest-ranking financial role in the organization, you will provide strategic financial guidance to senior leadership and collaborate cross-departmentally to achieve our financial goals. The MDF will lead finance, accounting, payroll, and purchasing and manage a team of two. The direct reports include an Assistant Director of Finance and a Finance Associate. TEP’s FY24-25 operating budget is $27M. The MDF will report to the Head of School. This role is based out of our elementary school campus in Manhattan.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

Under the direction of the CEO and Head of School:

• Lead all aspects of finance, including budgeting, forecasting, long-term planning, risk management, capital planning, financial reporting and analysis, accounting, cash flow planning, and grants management.
• Ensure maximum resources are available to students.
• Participate in strategic planning and long-term financial forecasting to ensure the school’s long-term financial health and viability.
• Interface with the Board of Directors and communicate timely, accurate financial information for monthly meetings.
• Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including external auditors, banking institutions, vendors, authorizers, and lenders.

Accounting, Controls & Compliance

• Oversee timely delivery of annual audits, free of findings, and ongoing external reporting (e.g., authorizer reporting, lenders, NYC DOE).
• Oversee accounting activities and ensure accuracy and compliance with GAAP standards and regulatory requirements. (i.e., bookkeeping, banking, payroll, public grant compliance, compliance with all fiscal policies and procedures).
• Implement and maintain effective internal controls to safeguard assets and manage risk.
• Oversee and manage tax compliance; direct the timely submission of tax reporting and filings.

Financial Management

• Establish, maintain, and document sound and efficient financial policies, procedures, systems, and controls.
• Manage and track all revenue streams to ensure timely receipt of revenues.
• Identify new grant opportunities.
• Manage TEP’s procurement by ensuring adherence to established fiscal procedures; approve all purchasing and record-keeping for all financial transactions.
• Support the Head of School with annual teacher bonuses.
• Oversee vendor management and agreements (contracts, loans, leases, benefits).
• Manage and administer the school’s 403b Retirement Plan; support with annual renewal of insurance and workers’ compensation policies.
• Manage the school’s assets from acquisition to disposal.

Team Management and Development

• Manage, train, and develop the finance team to ensure the accurate execution of financial operations (i.e., accounting, reporting, banking, budgeting, and payroll).
• Ensure a strong team culture that incorporates a student-first customer service orientation, innovation, and continuous improvement in all aspects of the finance and accounting team’s work.

Qualifications:

• A passion and commitment to TEP’s mission
• Bachelor's degree (CPA or MBA preferred)
• Minimum five years of experience in a progressive financial leadership role; school experience preferred
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and non-profit accounting practices
• Demonstrated ability to manage financial resources prudently by minimizing waste to ensure maximum resources are allocated to the classroom.
• Experience in conducting and preparing for audits
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Proficiency in financial software and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, QuickBooks, etc.)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to ethical and transparent financial practices

Why TEP? (Benefits)

At TEP, growth isn't just for our students—continued growth is also a central priority for our staff members. That's why we're redefining the employee experience, offering a rewarding career that includes an annual salary that matches TEP's high expectations.

• Compensation: Competitive annual salary in the range of $130K to $150K, based on the individual's experience level
• Unmatched Talent: Be surrounded by a collaborative community of experienced, passionate professionals who care about educational equity
• Time Off: 5 weeks of vacation plus federal holidays and additional non-federal holidays according to each school calendar; 5 sick days and 3 personal days
• Employee Wellness: We value your well-being through our Staff Food Program, Staff Retreats, and Wellness Programming
• Healthcare: World-class medical, dental, vision, Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), and Life Insurance policies
• Family Focus: Parental leave and dependent care account so you can care for your loved ones
• 403b Retirement Plan: We care about your ability to save for your future
• Learning & Development: A culture that provides and encourages professional growth and development, including professional development and tuition/continuous learning reimbursements

To Apply:

TEP has engaged DGW Group to lead the search for our Managing Director of Finance. Application materials should be submitted by July 15, 2024.