Finance Manager
4 days ago
Montclair
Job DescriptionDescription: Finance Manager Position Summary The Finance Manager is a direct report to the Head of School, with a dotted line reporting to the Vice Chair of Finance. The finance manager is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the school in the areas of budgeting, accounting, reporting and internal controls as well as key HR functions and benefits administration in a small collaborative school environment that requires flexibility and active participation in many areas of school function. Key Responsibilities:Financial Management & Reporting • Manage and oversight of day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and general ledger maintenance. The school currently engages a third party accounting firm to perform some of these tasks., • Utilize QuickBooks for accounting and monthly financial reporting, • Prepare monthly budget to actual which includes annual forecasting, • Monitor cash flow and maintain appropriate reserves, • Present financial reports to the Head of School and Board of Trustees as requestedBudgeting & Forecasting, • Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with the Head of School and the Vice Chair of Finance., • Work with the Vice Chair of Finance to develop multi-year financial projections, • Monitor actuals vs. budget and provide variance analysis, • Support strategic financial planning and sustainability effortsTuition & Enrollment Oversee enrollment contract preparation, tuition billing and collections via TADS, • Track enrollment-related revenue and financial aid impact, • Oversee the financial aid process, including management of applications submitted through TADS, direct communication with applicants and notification to the entire community when the platform is open for submission. Oversee all aspects of nonpublic school funding programs, including state allocations for security, technology, nursing, and mental health services and serve as the primary liaison with the Montclair Board of Education on all aspects of non-public funding. Work with front desk office manager to submit textbook ordering Monitor funding usage to ensure alignment with program guidelines and timely submission Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with all applicable state regulations and reporting requirement Audit & Compliance • Coordinate annual audit and serve as primary liaison with external auditors and third-party accounting firm, • Ensure compliance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards, • Provide all information necessary for the preparation of the audited financial statements and the 990 preparation., • Maintain strong internal controls and financial policiesPayroll & Benefits Administration, • Oversee and approve payroll processing by the third party accounting firm using Paylocity and review the recording of semi- monthly payroll., • Administer employee benefits, retirement plans, and annual renewals, • Serve as primary liaison with benefits brokers and providers, • Ensure accuracy of employee data and payroll reportingHuman Resources Management, • Work in conjunction with the Head of School on recruitment efforts including posting positions, screening candidates, and participating in interviews and hiring committees, • Prepare and issue annual employment contracts for faculty and staff, • Participate in faculty negotiation meetings with the Head of School and designated faculty representatives., • Create an annual salary scale and revised Memorandum of Agreement based upon finalized negotiations, • Support employee relations, onboarding, and policy implementation, • Oversee operations of the before- and after-school program, employee-run enrichment programs, and Summer Camp Co-Op, including staffing, budgeting, enrollment coordination, and program management.Accounts & Vendor Management, • Manage vendor contracts and payments using Bill.com, • Ensure proper documentation and approval processes, • Maintain relationships with banks, auditors, and financial partnersBoard & Committee Support, • Support Finance Committee and Board meetings with reports and analysis, • Assist in preparing financial dashboards and presentations, • Strategic thinking with hands-on execution, • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, • Discretion and confidentiality with financial and personnel matters, • Ability to work independently in a small office environment, • Collaborative approach with school leadership and facultyPreferred Experience, • Experience in a school setting, • Familiarity with tuition management systems, • Experience working with faculty committees or collective discussions, • Experience managing financial challenges such as deficit budgets or enrollment fluctuationsRequirements: Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or related field (CPA or HR certification desirable), • 3–7+ years of financial management experience, preferably in a nonprofit or school setting, • Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting and financial reporting, • Demonstrated experience with QuickBooks and Paylocity, • Experience managing HR functions, including hiring, contracts, and benefits administration, • High level of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail Key Competencies • Strategic thinking with hands-on execution, • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, • Discretion and confidentiality with financial and personnel matters, • Ability to work independently in a small office environment, • Collaborative approach with school leadership and facultyPreferred Experience, • Experience in a school setting, • Familiarity with tuition management systems, • Experience working with faculty committees or collective discussions, • Experience managing financial challenges such as deficit budgets or enrollment fluctuations