Chief Financial Officer

Position Summary:

Central Queens Academy Charter Schools (CQA) is seeking a strategic hands-on financial leader to manage the financial operations of our expanding Charter Management Organization (CMO). The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will lead the day-to-day activities of a finance team of four, overseeing financial reporting, payroll, grants management, purchasing, accounts receivable and accounts payable. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the CFO will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the board, serving as the primary interface with the Board Finance Committee.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning, Budget Development and Financial Reporting

• Serve as a thought partner and strategic advisor to the Executive Director for expansion, capital financing, facility planning, and network growth.
• Lead the annual budget process from conception to board approval. Collaborate with principals and program directors to develop and optimize school operating budgets. Design budget models to align school budgets with CMO expansion goals.
• Conduct monthly variance analyses to monitor school spending against established budget targets.
• Manage accurate and timely filing of all required financial reports (monthly, quarterly, annual) in accordance with GAAP and in compliance with the IRS and other regulatory standards and requirements.

Cash Flow and Investment Management

• Maximize complex revenue streams, including NYS per-pupil funding, National School Lunch Program, federal Title and CSP grants, and private philanthropic contributions.
• Monitor cash flow and maintain cash flow models to ensure maximum liquidity for both operating reserves, expansion and long-term sustainability.
• Together with the finance committee, liquidate stock donations and manage the organization’s investment vehicles in accordance with the Investment policy.

Federal Grants Management & Compliance

• Manage compliance and reporting for all federal grant allocations (e.g., Titles, NSLP, and CSP funding).
• Manage grant drawdowns, expenditure tracking, and time-and-effort reporting guidelines.

Contract Negotiation and Annual Renewals

• Lead annual negotiations to optimize high-value network contracts (PEO, medical benefits, liability insurance).
• Direct the annual review and fiduciary compliance of the network’s 401(k) retirement plan.
• Review MOU’s, contracts and employment offer letters to ensure budget and financial compliance.

Audit & Compliance

• Oversee and actively participate in the annual audit and the OMB single audit
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting procedures and standards to ensure clean audits.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required, CPA or MBA highly preferred.
• 10+ years demonstrated financial leadership, with 5+ years as a CFO or Finance Director in a multi-million-dollar, multi-site non-profit organization.
• Previous charter school finance experience preferred.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Superior understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as well as Uniform Guidance for Federal grants
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills coupled with financial modeling expertise.
• Superior project management skills with the ability to lead change in a dynamic environment.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate and influence effectively at all levels.
• Experience with CSP grants, Title 1 applications, and School Meals reimbursement preferred.

Salary: $145,000-$175,000 plus benefits

Central Queens Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer