Program Finance Manager Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

• Lead on 6-8 clients, with support (or fewer, more complex clients/multi-state portfolio).

• Initiate strategic support for clients, proactively identifying ways to increase success of school business/operations.

• Build tools for client management team to use in supporting strategic efforts at school level.

• Manage or mentor 1-3 junior staff.

• Lead full monthly close process independently or via review of junior staff initial work (coaching for accuracy, quality, and efficiency).

• Lead development of all presentations to client or review and guide development by junior staff. Present at all meetings or coach junior staff to present.

• Manage complex client requests with the support of junior staff.

• Lead completion of all reports and compliance documents or review reporting by Compliance Analyst/School Finance Analyst/Associate School Finance Analyst.

• Serve as primary client management contact for all audit documents and requests or provide oversight for CA/BA/ASFA on audit work.

• Present EdTec content at external event (e.g., client training, conference).

• Support Sales Team with new client prospects.

• Work with a client on a petition budget.

• Lead work with a prelaunch client.

• Initiate and lead local, regional, and/or national team programs.

Qualifications:

Experience/Skills:

• Extensive experience in financial management, accounting, or auditing roles, with a focus on educational finance or serving clients in the education sector.

• In-depth understanding of educational finance regulations, funding mechanisms, compliance requirements, and industry best practices applicable to charter schools at the federal, state, and local levels.

• Strong financial leadership skills to develop and implement strategic financial plans, policies, and procedures aligned with the mission, goals, and objectives of charter schools.

• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, including charter school administrators, board members, funding agencies, and other stakeholders.

• Demonstrated leadership experience in managing teams of finance professionals, including hiring, training, coaching, mentoring, and performance management.

• Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements governing educational finance, including accounting standards, tax regulations, grant compliance, and auditing standards.

• Advanced degree preferred or equivalent public/private sector business or school operations experience.

• 2-3 years' experience as a School Finance Manager.

Competencies:

• Advanced financial analysis skills to interpret complex financial data, conduct variance analysis, assess financial performance, and provide strategic insights and recommendations to clients and stakeholders.

• Oversight of budget development, monitoring, and analysis processes, including reviewing budget proposals, tracking budget vs. actual performance, and providing strategic guidance for budget adjustments.

• Leadership in managing grant programs, optimizing funding sources, and maximizing grant revenue for charter schools through effective grant proposal development, budgeting, compliance monitoring, and reporting.

• Ability to make strategic financial decisions, assess risk-reward trade-offs, and prioritize investments, initiatives, and resource allocations to achieve organizational goals and objectives.

• Leadership in driving organizational change initiatives, process improvements, and technology implementations to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and scalability of financial operations.

• Commitment to delivering exceptional client service, exceeding client expectations, and building long-term partnerships based on trust, integrity, and mutual respect.

• Upholding ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism in all financial activities, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and compliance within the client management group and charter school clients.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate complex financial concepts, strategies, and recommendations to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.

• Commitment to ongoing learning, staying informed about changes in educational finance regulations, accounting standards, industry trends, and best practices, and pursuing continuous professional development opportunities.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required

• Master's degree preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Overall, while the physical demands of the role are generally light, maintaining good posture, taking regular breaks, and practicing ergonomic principles can help mitigate the risk of discomfort or strain associated with prolonged periods of sitting and computer use.

• While the role of the Senior School Finance Manager is predominantly sedentary and office-based, there are still some physical requirements associated with the job:

• Extended periods of sitting: The Senior School Finance Manager typically spends much of their workday seated at a desk, working on a computer or reviewing documents.

• Screen time: The role involves extensive use of computers and other electronic devices, which may require good eyesight and the ability to focus for extended periods.

• Keyboard and mouse use: Proficiency in typing and using a computer mouse is essential for entering data, generating reports, and navigating payroll and benefits systems.

• Manual dexterity: The ability to handle paperwork, files, and office equipment such as printers, scanners, and copiers may be necessary.

• Communication: While not strictly a physical requirement, clear verbal and written communication skills are important for interacting with colleagues, employees, and external contacts.

• Occasional standing and walking: Although most tasks are performed while seated, there may be occasions when the Senior School Finance Manager needs to attend meetings, walk to other departments, or participate in training sessions.