Director of Finance

Description

About Communities In Schools of South Central Texas

Communities In Schools of South Central Texas (CISSCT) is a nationally affiliated nonprofit organization dedicated to surrounding students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Since 1992, CISSCT has partnered with schools, families, and community organizations to remove barriers to student success and provide critical academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports throughout South Central Texas. Today, CISSCT is a growing organization with approximately $5.5 million in annual revenue, reflecting the strength and sustainability of its mission-driven operations. The organization relies on a diverse funding portfolio that includes government grants, private contributions, foundation support, and community partnerships to serve thousands of students and families each year.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Finance provides strategic financial oversight to support the organization's mission and long-term growth. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this position is responsible for the financial management of the agency, including accounting, budgeting, cash flow management, financial reporting, audit coordination, grant compliance, payroll oversight, and stewardship of organizational resources. The Director of Finance partners with agency leadership and the Board of Directors to ensure sound financial practices that sustain and advance CISSCT's impact throughout the communities it serves.

Position Summary

The Director of Finance serves as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall financial management, compliance, and fiscal integrity of the organization. This role ensures sound financial stewardship of organizational resources, supports strategic decision-making, and maintains strong internal controls in alignment with nonprofit best practices and regulatory requirements. The Director of Finance promotes financial transparency, sustainability, and accountability while advancing the organization’s mission.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities, & Competencies

1. Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Board on financial planning and long-term sustainability.
• Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes in collaboration with leadership and department managers.
• Develop financial models and projections to support strategic initiatives.
• Provide forward-looking financial analysis and recommendations.

2. Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee daily financial operations, including general ledger, cash management, receivables, and payables.
• Prepare and present timely, accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Interpret financial data and communicate insights clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Ensure reconciliation of all accounts and monthly statements.
• Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.

3. Compliance, Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including nonprofit reporting requirements.
• Strengthen and monitor internal controls to safeguard organizational assets.
• Oversee risk management activities, including analysis of liabilities and investments.
• Serve as primary liaison for external audits and coordinate audit preparation.
• Ensure proper financial management of grants, contracts, and restricted funds.

4. Payroll Oversight and Approval

• Responsible for the review and oversight of payroll, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies, appropriate internal controls, and coordination with Human Resources regarding employee compensation and payroll-related matters.

5. Board & Governance Support

• Partner closely with the Board Treasurer.
• Attend and present at Finance Committee, Investment Committee and Board meetings.
• Support Board oversight responsibilities by providing accurate, transparent financial reporting.
• Assist in developing and updating financial policies and procedures.

6. Grants & Fund Management

• Develop project budgets for grant proposals.
• Monitor grant expenditures and ensure compliance with funder requirements.
• Prepare financial reports for funders and regulatory agencies.
• Serve as fiscal point of contact for federal or foundation funding as needed.

7. Team Leadership & Culture

• Supervise the Accounting Manager.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Support professional development within the finance and accounting function.
• Promote collaboration across departments.
• Participate in administrative leadership team meetings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Financial Stewardship: Demonstrates strong fiscal responsibility and ethical financial management.
• Strategic Thinking: Uses financial data to inform long-term planning and decision-making.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Strong understanding of GAAP and nonprofit accounting practices.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex financial data and identify trends and risks.
• Communication: Explains financial concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
• Integrity & Accountability: Maintains high ethical standards and credibility.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with leadership, Board members, and staff.
• Problem Solving: Identifies issues proactively and implements practical solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Director of Finance supervises the Accounting Manager.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Employee may be required to sit for an extended period of time, up to 8 hours per day or longer.

Travel Requirements

~ 5% annually. Most travel is done locally to staff meetings

Requirements

Required education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of nonprofit financial experience.
• Minimum 3 years of financial management experience.
• Experience with QuickBooks or comparable accounting software.
• Demonstrated 3 years’ experience with financial strategy, budgeting, audits, and financial reporting.

Preferred education and experience

• Master’s degree in finance, accounting, or relevant field.
• 5+ years of nonprofit financial management experience.
• 5+ years of being in Finance manager position.
• Experience managing federal or foundation grants.

Annual Salary: $80,000 - $90,000

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the employee(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves and others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will relationship.