Senior Director of Finance

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Position Overview:

Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP KC plays a critical role in ensuring our students are on the path toward college, career, and beyond. Our employees  are passionate advocates for our students and families, working tirelessly to connect them with access to opportunity for lives of power and choice. The Senior Director of Finance is responsible for leading day-to-day payroll and core accounting operations for KIPP Kansas City. This role ensures employees are paid accurately and on time, financial records are maintained with integrity, and all accounting processes support the organization’s mission, compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead payroll operations for all KIPP KC employees, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing.

• Maintain accurate employee payroll records, deductions, benefits entries, and tax-related information.

• Oversee accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and month-end and year-end close.

• Direct the development of the annual operating budget in partnership with EdOps, school leaders, and department leaders.

• Build budget models, collect inputs, and consolidate school and department budgets into a comprehensive organizational plan.

• Monitor actual spending against budget and provide monthly variance analysis, forecasts, and recommendations.

• Prepare financial reports and dashboards for executive leadership, school leaders, and board review as needed.

• Strengthen internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.

• Oversee audit preparation, external auditor coordination, and required documentation requests.

• Partner with HR, operations, and leadership teams on compensation changes, staffing models, and financial planning.

• Lead continuous improvement efforts related to payroll, accounting, financial reporting, and budget processes.

• Supervise and support finance staff as assigned.

• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee and financial data with discretion.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required; CPA or master’s degree preferred.

• 5–8 years of progressive experience in accounting, payroll, budgeting, or finance leadership.

• Experience in nonprofit, education, or multi-site organizational finance preferred.

• Strong understanding of accounting principles, payroll compliance, budget development, and internal controls.

• Demonstrated experience leading annual budgets and financial planning processes.

• Proficiency with accounting and payroll systems, financial reporting tools, and advanced Excel skills.

• Strong leadership, organizational, communication, and analytical skills.

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission, students, families, and values.

• Relentless focus on results and a commitment to teamwork

• Deep commitment to educational equity and underserved communities

• Satisfactory outcome of a background check

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 

• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.

• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday.

• Typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary for this positoin is $90k - $96K based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Selection Process:

Our application process is grounded in equity and fairness, ensuring a just and unbiased selection process. Below is our standard selection process for regional roles:

Selection Process 

Application Submission + Resume Review 

Phone or Video Interview 

If Applicable (Sample work or Performance Task) 

Committee Interview(s) 

1:1 Chat w/Hiring Manager 

Reference Check 

Offer Terms