Vice President of Finance & Accounting

Job Summary
The Vice President of Finance & Accounting is an essential member of the Finance and Accounting team, and is responsible for overseeing and leading the accounting, grants, payroll, procurement, and budgeting teams in alignment with KIPP DC's mission and financial objectives. The starting salary range for this role is $183,340-$212,289. This is a full-time, hybrid role based at HDQ with an anticipated start date of August 1, 2026. 

For 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital. Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff.

Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike.

As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C. Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community.

The Vice President of Finance & Accounting serves as an indispensable strategic partner to the leadership team at KIPP DC, upholding the highest standards of financial integrity and responsible resource management. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the organization's financial operations align seamlessly with its mission of providing high-quality education to underserved communities. The Vice President of Finance & Accounting will oversee all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, payroll, procurement and reporting, while also implementing robust internal controls and risk management strategies. Furthermore, this individual will play a key role in fostering a culture of financial transparency and accountability throughout the organization, ensuring that KIPP DC remains a trusted steward of public and private funds.

As a Vice President, this position must also ensure adherence to established internal control policies and procedures and maintain compliance within the organization.

Hybrid flexibility (3 days per week onsite)

Finance & Accounting Team Leadership & Management (35% of time)

• Directly manage the Controller, Managing Director of Finance (head of FP&A and strategic procurement), and the contracted Grants Coordinator (leads grants lifecycle management and compliance), providing coaching, mentorship, and access to necessary tools and resources.
• Oversee professional development and growth opportunities for finance staff, supporting individual development plans to increase their capacity, technical knowledge, and soft skills.
• Lead change management initiatives to optimize finance operations and ensure alignment with organizational goals
• Work alongside all teams to support finance, accounting, and budget decision-making through clear communication systems and timelines.

Provides executive level leadership for Finance and accounting workstreams (35% of time)

• Oversee the organization's day-to-day finance function to ensure the accurate execution of operational finance (accounting, reporting, banking, budgeting, procurement, compliance and financial information systems management in conjunction with Info team) and the delivery of all mandated financial reports to stakeholders.
• Support the CFO in managing all aspects of the organization's finances, including providing support to HDQ colleagues and school-based staff through financial modeling, compliance, and data-driven analysis.
• Support the development and implementation of the organization's long-term financial strategy, including strengthening the balance sheet and setting financial targets to ensure short and long-term financial health and sustainability.
• Oversee a portfolio of federal/ state grants and related compliance for the network, ensuring that financial reporting is accurate, compliant, and submitted in a timely manner. 
• Oversee and optimize the organization's financial systems, ensuring they are efficient, effective, and support data-driven decision-making.

Strategic Leadership  (15% of time)

• Develop and implement organization-wide financial strategies, systems, processes, and key performance indicators in support of the CFO.
• Leads the design, revision, and rollout for the creation of new financial systems, structures, and policies and  manages communication and project plans to ensure thorough understanding and follow-through
• Oversee the creation of long-range and short-range financial models for new initiatives and provide recommendations to the CFO, President, and Finance Committee based on financial analysis, projections, cost identification, allocation, and revenue/expense analysis.
• Partner with HDQ colleagues and school-based staff on operational and strategic issues.
• Contribute to the development of the organization's long-term financial strategy, providing insights and recommendations to the CFO.

Compliance and Financial Stewardship (10% of time)

• Support the development and monitoring of KIPP DC's internal control environment to safeguard its assets, ensuring compliance with best practices and relevant regulations.
• Communicate clear expectations for adherence to finance and accounting policies.
• Develop and enhance resources, tools, and support structures, with built-in oversight and accountability, to provide exceptional customer service
• Ensure no material weaknesses are reported as part of the annual external audit.
• Monitor budget processes and year-end projections to ensure alignment with strategy and targets.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and accounting standards.

Board & Stakeholder Engagement (5% of time)

• Support the Board's Finance Committee, serving as a trusted advisor and thought partner. 
• Oversee management of external finance and accounting vendors, including the Grants Coordinator, external accounting support, banking/investment management, debt management, and ERP support services, to ensure effective collaboration, adherence to performance standards, and cost-efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 
• 10+ years of professional work experience required; at least 5 years experience in K-12 systems
• 5+ years of experience managing people and/or vendors, leading and coaching cross-functional teams
• Significant experience in senior budget and finance positions at complex organizations, ideally at education nonprofits or charter management organizations
• Experience and/or exposure to multiple lines of business with a demonstrated mix in both the public and private sector
• Strong analytical capabilities including financial planning, forecasting, modeling, and data analysis
• Proven project management skills as it relates to the creation of different systems and structures
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams across the organization, and with the Board of Directors 
• Ability to convey complex technical concepts and solutions to broad audiences

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration or finance strongly preferred
• CPA preferred
• Recent experience with non-profit >$150M in annual revenue preferred

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel across KIPP DC schools occasionally 
• Ability to work outside normal business hours as finance and accounting emergencies and projects arise

Demonstrated Excellence in the Following Areas: 

• Commitment to Students and Schools: Demonstrates commitment to education reform, believing in every child's potential for success and prioritizing students, schools, and the essential role of families.
• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: Finds creative solutions to challenges that achieve broader goals of team and organization.
• Project Management: Sets a high bar for own work and supports others to achieve desired team outcomes.
• Communications and Influence:  Demonstrates adept communication skills and influence to advance work by adjusting content and style. 
• Teamwork: Contributes to  a supportive team culture, fostering diverse work styles and maintaining a high performance standard. 
• Trust and Collaboration: Establishes and nurtures effective relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders to support the best outcomes for our work.
• Cultural Humility: Advances KIPP DC’s commitment to anti-racism by creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.
• Continuous Learning: Commits to continuous learning through feedback, self reflection, humility, and action.

KIPP DC offers an extremely competitive compensation and benefits package:

• The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $183,340-$212,289. At KIPP DC we strive for clarity, equity, and to be highly competitive. When determining salaries we look at benchmarks in the education and non-profit sector.  
• KIPP DC offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurances; various voluntary benefits; and employer paid benefits such as short term disability, long term disability, life insurance, and a membership to One Medical.
• KIPP DC also offers a 403(b) retirement account with a 3% employer contribution and a 3% match with vesting after three years.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.

Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.

Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application or fail to receive a confirmation email after applying, kindly reach out to Danica Cunningham at danica.cunningham@kippdc.org. Please include your name, resume, and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.