Finance Director

Finance Director

At Beacon Education, we are driven by the belief that a child’s zip code should not determine their destiny. By ensuring equitable access to high quality education, we empower children and their families to close and even reverse the achievement and opportunity gaps. Learn more about our exciting work here in North Carolina:

The Finance Director is responsible for overseeing financial operations and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and standards for Beacon Education, GLOW Academy and Spark Academy. The Finance Director manages financial reporting, budgeting and management while developing compliance strategies in collaboration with various departments to ensure best practices. This role plays a critical part in maintaining the financial integrity and regulatory adherence of each of these organizations. 

This role is primarily based on-site at Beacon Education’s office, which is located at GLOW Academy (4100 Sunglow Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina). The Finance Director also at times will visit and work at Spark Academy. While occasional remote work may be considered, it is not a regular part of the role. 

Areas of Responsibility

Financial Management

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis and reporting
• Prepare and present accurate financial statements and reports to senior management in preparation of representing Beacon Education, GLOW Academy, and Spark Academy to the Finance Committee and Boards
• Monitor cash flow, accounts receivables, and accounts payables to ensure the timely financial processing and budget management 
• Manage and maintain accounts payable and accounts receivable on a monthly basis
• Reconcile bank and investment accounts monthly
• Coordinate requisition of school funds with outside financial management and accounting service for GLOW
• Manage deposits, payment services and bank accounts for all entities
• Coordinate investment of funds with CEO, Finance Committees and Boards to ensure maximum return on cash and investments
• Manage internal and external audits and address any audit findings
• Manage timesheets for non-salaried staff and process payroll on a monthly or semi-monthly basis for all staff across the organization and process benefit deductions and payments
• Liaise with school and foundation leadership and HR Director for Payroll 
• Support and oversee tuition, vouchers, and management of student information services
• Adhere to accepted bookkeeping and GAAP accounting standards
• Explore and pursue school-specific grant funding sources, including but not limited to federal, state and local funding for both general and specific populations
• Work with school staff to explore opportunities for student services reimbursement, including but not limited to Medicaid funding
• Work with the Development Team to ensure proper tracking and coding of all donations and pledges to include monthly reconciliation of the pledge report.

Compliance Oversight

• Ensure each entity complies with all relevant local, state, federal, and Department of Education regulations
• Interpret laws and policies to be able to advise administration and employees accordingly
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and procedures while ensuring alignment with the mission of the Organizations
• Serve as the point of contact for regulatory bodies and coordinate responses to compliance inquiries
• Manage and maintain compliance with state systems and grants in CCIP. 

Procedural Development

• Collaborate with senior management to develop and update financial and compliance policies
• Ensure policies are communicated and enforced across the organization
• Ensure that the policy and procedure manuals are in alignment with current regulations across the organization
• Responsible for policy development, management and storage/maintenance

Risk Management

• Identify financial risks and develop management strategies to include risk avoidance, risk reduction, risk transfer, and risk retention
• Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and adjust policies and procedures accordingly
• Provide training to staff on best practices for fiscal responsibilities and policies

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare compliance reports for management and external stakeholders
• Maintain accurate records of all compliance activities and financial transactions
• Provide regular updates to the CEO in preparation of presenting the financial reports to the Finance Committee as well as the Board of Directors on all financial and compliance matters. 

Other

• Other duties as assigned by the CEO

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field required
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in finance, compliance, or related roles
• Experience in a non-profit, education, or government sector is an advantage
• Experience managing budgets, audits, payroll, grants, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of financial management principles, regulations, and reporting standards
• Proficiency in financial software, Microsoft Office suite, and Google suite (particularly Excel and Quickbooks)
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles (GAAP)
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
• Budget development and analysis skills
• Grant management
• Audit preparation and management
• Internal controls and risk management
• Ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Passion for education and community impact initiatives
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Other Requirements

• High ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong leadership and decision-making capabilities

Salary: $65,000-$70,000

• Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience

Benefits - Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health insurance through the State Health Plan of North Carolina
• Employer-paid dental, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Additional voluntary benefits available at the employee’s expense
• An industry-leading 401(k) program with employer match
• Employee-accrued paid sick, annual, and personal leave
• Discounted childcare for employee's dependents at Spark Academy

Organizational Overview

At Beacon Education, we are driven by the belief that a child’s zip code should not determine their destiny. By ensuring equitable access to high quality education, we empower children and their families to close and even reverse the achievement and opportunity gaps. Beacon Education powers the Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW Academy), an all-girls public charter school, which opened its doors in 2016 with its first 6th-grade class of 100 girls. As of 2023, Beacon Education also powers Spark Academy, a state-of-the-art, Early Childhood Development Program designed to nurture all children Ages 6-weeks to 5 years old.

Learn more about our exciting work:
Beacon Education
Spark Academy

GLOW Academy