Director of Finance

  • Full-time
  • Hiring Start Time: Immediate Start (Home Office)
  • HO Team: Finance

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a non-profit network of 53 outstanding public charter schools in grades K-12 across New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Our mission is to start and manage outstanding urban public charter schools that close the achievement gap and prepare students from low-income backgrounds for success in college and beyond. We are accomplishing that mission every day, with a college graduation rate that is well above the national average and thousands of stories of our students and alumni achieving their dreams.

Job Description

Reporting to the Senior Director of Finance, the Director of Finance will be responsible for developing short-range and long-range financial plans, leading cash operations and supporting debt financings. The Director is committed to Uncommon’s mission, has financial planning and analysis expertise, and is an excellent communicator capable of distilling complex concepts into clear narratives for diverse internal and external audiences.

In carrying out his/her responsibilities, the Director must be able to master charter school financial modeling and integrate those concepts into annual budgets and long-range projections supported by data.

Essential duties & responsibilities

  • Financial Modeling and Analysis
  • Utilize financial models to support organization-wide strategic decision-making.
  • Coach others to build and maintain financial models based on rigorous analysis
  • Critically assess model assumptions and scenarios, highlighting risks and mitigating factors
  • Define metrics to monitor and predict the financial performance of entities across the organization. Develop systems to track performance measurements and make decisions around resource allocation
  • Identify areas for cost efficiencies
  • Cash Management and Debt Financing
  • Build systems, tools and processes to track, analyze and report on cash flow and liquidity
  • Lead the cash forecasting process and improve the accuracy and reliability
  • Prepare working capital analysis based on forecasts and budget submissions
  • Provide analytical support for debt financings and bank facilities
  • Management and Relationships
  • Lead and inspire the Financial Management team of 8+ members, supporting individual growth and setting a positive team culture along with the Senior Director
  • Develop strong working relationships with regional leadership, Home Office staff, and school leaders
  • Develop credibility with boards and serve as finance liaison on finance presentations
  • Establish a network of external partners to support Uncommon’s mission
  • Participate with other stakeholders to help design and implement integrated accounting, financial planning, and human resources business and technology systems to support all aspects of Uncommon’s management operations

Qualifications

  • MBA or other advanced degree, or comparable experience of a minimum of 8 years, at least 4 years’ experience in Treasury/cash management
  • Financial modeling expertise and excellent quantitative skills
  • Budget development and implementation experience in a complex organization
  • Facility with complex financial systems
  • Highly effective communicator
  • Excited to develop systems and processes that allow our schools to focus more directly on student achievement
  • Ability to lead and develop a productive and positive team
  • Ability to delegate effectively
  • A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced and hard-working environment
  • Personal qualities of honesty, integrity, credibility, commitment to quality, and dedication to the mission of Uncommon

Additional Information

Uncommon Schools offers salaries commensurate with experience and a very generous benefits and vacation package. All staff members receive extensive professional development, and are equipped with a laptop computer and all necessary supplies.

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. At the same time, we work to ensure an inclusive community through creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students.  As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or disability.