Director of Finance and Operations

BASIC INFORMATION

Place of Performance: Seattle, Washington

Supervisor: Co-President, Finance & Operations

Direct Reports: Contract or in-house bookkeeper

Status: Full Time, Exempt

Travel Requirements: Minimal, in-state

Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000

WHO WE ARE

WA Charters knows that Global Majority communities, immigrant and refugee communities, low-income communities, and individuals living with disabilities disproportionately shoulder the burden of the impacts of inequitable access to high- quality public schools. Working for and in partnership with impacted communities is a critical priority of our school services, legal, advocacy, communications, and engagement work to support charter public schools at every stage of their development. By doing so, we believe charter public schools will be a lever to improve educational outcomes across charter and traditional schools for all students.

Washington is the 42nd state to open its public education system to charter public schools and the charter public school law puts a strong emphasis on ensuring that its charters are high-quality options for students that don’t have access to them currently. The Washington State Charter Schools Association (WA Charters) is a non-profit organization that advocates for and develops high-quality charter public schools that meet the needs of systemically underserved students.

POSITION OVERVIEW

WA Charters is a small, but mighty team of leaders (~14 full time team members) and we expect all positions to contribute to our broader goal of advancing equity in Washington State’s public schools.

Specifically, the Director of Finance & Operations leads and oversees the effective execution of finance, accounting, and reporting functions, while supporting all program and leadership team members with financial analysis, budgeting, and strategy. The Director manages day to day finances, develops the accounting policies and procedures, and ensures accurate recording and documentation of all financial transactions in support of WA Charters’ long terms financial objectives and organizational strategic plan. The Director works in collaboration with other department leaders and staff across the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management and Leadership: 45%

• Lead WA Charters’ financial accounting and reporting function including:
  • Tracking/monitoring organizational progress
  • Provide an analysis of organizational financial status
  • Help develop a plan of action for improvements towards organizational financial sustainability objectives
• Lead the finance and accounting function by ensuring accuracy of all accounts, ledgers, and reporting in compliance with appropriate US GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze and present financial reports to leadership team in an accurate and timely manner.
• Implement contracts management and financial management/ reporting system; ensure the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to, and that financial data and cash flow are steady to support operational needs.
• Work across departments to ensure all internal and external financial information is accurate and the financial information in all systems is accurate and timely.
• Oversee annual budgeting and planning process in collaboration with the Co-President, Finance & Operations, Co-President External Affairs, and Co-President Innovative Schools while supporting/training budget holders regarding annual budgets.
• Support Co-President, Finance & Operations in managing banking and other financial institution relationships.
• In Co-President, Finance & Operations absence act as liaison to Finance Committee and Board of Directors.
• Prepares Finance committee meeting minutes.

Systems Management: 45%

• Develops new finance or accounting policies and procedures; identifies ways to improve current systems.
• Maintain internal controls and safeguards for receipt of revenue and actual expenditures.
• Develop and maintain grant allocation schedules and cost sharing for timely internal and external reporting.
• Manage and ensure proper and timely filing of tax returns, sales tax, and state registrations.
• Manage organizational cash flow forecasting.
• Manage and tracks the performance of invested assets in keeping with policies and investment guidelines in conjunction with the Co-Presidents, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors
• Responsible for management and coordination of audit process and preparation of all information for the annual audit.

Contribute to and Execute Against WA Charters Strategy: 10%

• Work with the entire team to uphold equity throughout every aspect of work including internal and external engagement, strategy, advocacy, communication, school services, operations, and development. Including:
  • Internal Racial Equity Identity Groups (REIGS), monthly staff engagements (or more), and potential to participate in the Organizational Culture Team (OCT)
• Participate at two school or community events in support of our broader community each year.
• Provide additional support across the organization by leading and participating in additional projects as needed.

WHO YOU ARE

WA Charters is seeking a team member that has the following essential skills and experiences:

• A resolute personal and professional commitment to equity and anti-racism
• Willingness to be an active leading voice for equity and to share own ideas amongst staff and stakeholders
• BA, preferably in Accounting or Finance, career experience in lieu of formal training will be considered
• CPA preferred but not required
• 8 to 10 years of related experience, preference for non-profit finance experience
• Experience with payroll processing and benefits administration
• Demonstrated experience with complex grant and personnel allocations, and cost sharing among entities
• Mastery of excel - pivot tables, nested formulas, etc.; Proficient in Microsoft Word, Power Point, and Outlook
• Excited by the prospect of creating a continuously improving department; working independently and in a team
• This position requires flexibility to travel to work site, a valid Washington Driver’s License and proof of minimum state required insurance

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• WA Charters has a hybrid work model and maintains an office in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle; there is currently no in office requirement and WA Charters has quarterly in person staff meetings and other ad-hoc in-person staff and sector gatherings. This role may require more in office time than others.
• Open office workspace, with frequent sitting, occasional standing and/or walking and urban noise
• Frequent computer use
• Occasional local travel outside of the office, driving own vehicle or public transit
• Occasional need based irregular hours outside of the standard workweek (e.g. nights and weekends)
• Occasionally lift/carry up to 25 pounds
• Occasionally push/pull up to 25 pounds
• WA Charters will make accommodations where necessary

WHAT WE OFFER

• A chance to transform Washington State’s public education to create broader equitable outcomes and policies for all students in Washington State
• A passionate, fun, fast-moving, and collaborative team
• Salary range $120,000 to $150,000 depending on experience. Salary range represents the minimum to mid-point of the WA Charters’ Director of Finance and Operations Salary band. We typically set initial salaries between the minimum and .95 of the mid-point, to allow for growth over time. Exceptions can be made for more-experienced hires.
• Medical, dental, vision, and Rx benefits; and life insurance (details provided upon request)
• 401(k) Plan with an employer match
• PTO days, paid federal holidays, and unlimited sick time

HIRING PROCESS

• To apply, please upload a resume and complete the companion application through BambooHR portal.
• The position will remain open until filled; however, anyone interested in the position is encouraged to apply early in the process, as the preferred start date is June 12, 2023 or earlier.
• If your skills are a match, we will contact you to schedule a phone interview, followed by an interview with members of our team

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WA Charters is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.