Great Oaks Legacy Charter School’s Managing Director of Finance oversees the financial operations of the organization and ensures the integrity of financial controls across the network. The Managing Director of Finance collaborates with central office departments and school leaders, provides fiscal oversight, and drives comprehensive financial planning and management. This role is key in aligning financial practices with GOLCS’ mission of delivering high-quality education while maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations. The Managing Director of Finance plays a critical role in driving financial sustainability and efficiency across the organization alongside the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Leaders. This role reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and extends dotted-line management to other finance staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Financial Planning and Oversight:
Purchasing Compliance:
- Serve as a support to the School’s Purchasing Agent, ensuring all procurement activities comply with New Jersey regulations (18A-18A) and align with the annual budget.
- Oversee and approve the purchase of goods and services, implementing bidding procedures when applicable.
Board Engagement:
- Assist the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Leadership Team in long-term financial planning.
- Prepare monthly financial reports, including but not limited to the Board Secretary’s and Bank Reconciliation Reports, for Board review and approval.
- Monitor and verify that no budgetary line items are over-expended, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
Audit and Compliance:
- Lead the preparation and support of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in collaboration with external auditors and support staff.
- Present the ACFR to the Board of Trustees and assist in developing Corrective Action Plans as needed.
- Oversee the preparation and submission of the 990 tax return in coordination with external auditors.
- Oversee the preparation and submission of the 1099/NEC forms in coordination with accounts payable staff.
Reporting and Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure timely and accurate filing of all financial reports required by federal, state, county, and local entities, including:
- AudSum, Budget, CAFR Repository, CDS Information System, EWEG, FICA, PERKINS, SEC, Early Childhood Grant, NJ School Board Association, ESSER I, II & III.
- Conduct quarterly audits of the State Retirement and Pension System, ensuring compliance with enrollment and reporting requirements.
- Prepare monthly budget-to-actual reports and financial projections and develop other key financial reports to assist in financial decision-making and oversight.
- Maintain and update long-term financial models to support internal and external reporting requirements.
Financial Controllership:
- Maintain the accuracy of accounting operations, including bank reconciliations, general ledger management, and the integrity of financial records.
- Manage the development and maintenance of a financial management system that complies with GAAP and the New Jersey State chart of accounts.
- Support payroll staff in implementing systems and processes that ensure the accuracy and timeliness of payroll processing, including W-2 filings and pension system reporting.
- Design and implement strategies for effective cash and budget.
Collaboration and Support:
With CFO and Finance Team:
- Collaborate closely with the CFO to ensure alignment between strategic financial oversight and day-to-day financial operations.
- Support the CFO in budget development, accounting tasks, payroll processing, and the administration of the school food program.
- Maintain clear communication with the CFO to ensure seamless execution of the school's financial strategy and compliance.
With Other Functional Areas:
- Serve as a key financial advisor to department heads and school leaders, offering oversight, insights and recommendations to make informed financial decisions, adhere to budgetary constraints, and ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
- Partner with the Managing Director of Operations to design and implement tailored financial procedures that ensure effective and consistent financial management across all schools.
With External Auditors and Legal Advisors:
- Engage with external auditors to ensure compliance with audit requirements and facilitate smooth audit processes.
- Work with legal advisors as needed to ensure all financial activities are compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree or CPA preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in financial management, with a strong background in financial controls, accounting, and fiscal oversight.
- Prior experience in the education sector, particularly within charter schools or non-profit organizations, is highly desirable.
- Proven experience in leading financial planning, budgeting, and reporting functions in a complex, multi-site organization.
Technical Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in financial software and systems (e.g., QuickBooks, ERP systems, or other accounting software).
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and financial reporting standards.
- Experience with state and federal financial regulations and compliance, particularly in the context of New Jersey’s education system.
- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
Leadership and Collaboration:
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments and with senior leadership.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
Personal Attributes:
- High level of integrity and ethical standards in financial management.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically and proactively.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
Certifications:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified New Jersey School Business Administrator (SBA) preferred.
- Additional certifications in financial management or educational leadership are a plus.
GREAT OAKS LEGACY CHARTER SCHOOL
The Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is a high-performing, innovative charter public school in Newark NJ, serving students from Pre-K to 12th grade on campuses across the city of Newark. Our mission is to prepare Newark’s students for success in college and beyond.
Our model is based on the following guiding principles that guide our work daily:
- Creating a community that is built upon genuine and meaningful relationships. GOLCS staff rate our commitment to students as the #1 reason they teach/work at our schools.
- Being surgical in our approach to differentiation of instruction and support for all students and team members. Our students receive daily tutoring embedded into their school schedule - facilitated by our AmeriCorps team members. Staff members receive individualized coaching and support in their roles.
- Setting and exceeding high expectations for academic growth and character development for all students, in preparation for success in college and beyond. Currently, the historical college matriculation rate for GOLCS is 79% - nearly twice the national average for economically underrepresented students.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Great Oaks Legacy Charter School offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans w/ comprehensive network coverage.
- Up to $5,250 per year in tax exempt student loan and tuition reimbursement.
- Reimbursements for external professional development aligned to your role.
- Wellness reimbursements including gym memberships, spa services, and more.
- Online counseling services - for staff and their dependents - via top-rated therapy app.
- Pre-tax state pension plan benefit w/ additional. options available via voluntary retirement plans.
- Pre-tax dependent care, health, and transit flexible spending plans available.
- Convenient health screening and telemedicine support via VitalCheck Wellness platform.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY
GOLCS is committed to building a talented team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. Furthermore, we believe that racial justice and equity is critical to our mission of preparing students for success in college and beyond. We strive to be an organization that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and elevates our student voices in preparing them for life and college.
GOLCS VACCINATION POLICY & COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is committed to ensuring healthy and safe working and learning environments, and maintaining our educational commitment to GOLCS students and families - with minimal disruption to instruction. With this in mind, as of October 2021, Great Oaks Legacy requires vaccination against COVID-19 for all employees. Candidates who would like to apply for a reasonable accommodation from this policy based on a qualifying disability or sincerely held religious belief should reach out to HR@greatoakslegacy.org for more information.