Chief Financial Officer

Company Description

Founded in 1995, KIPP NYC Public Schools is a non‑profit network of 18 free, public charter schools located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. We partner with families and communities to create joyful, academically excellent schools where every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

From our first middle school, KIPP Academy in the Bronx, to today’s network of eight elementary schools, nine middle schools, and one high school, KIPP NYC provides students with engaging academics, arts, athletics, and social‑emotional learning that prepare them for college, career, and beyond.

Our commitment doesn’t end at graduation. Through KIPP Forward, we continue to support our alumni as they navigate college, career, and life, helping them define success on their own terms and pursue the paths that align with their goals and sense of purpose.

Together, we serve more than 9,400 students, support 4,700 alumni, and employ over 1,100 dedicated team members who bring passion, expertise, and commitment to our mission every day.

Job Description

KIPP NYC is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to help lead the organization into its next chapter—one defined by growth, increased impact, and a continued commitment to operational excellence in service of students and communities.

This is an opportunity for a strategic and transformational finance leader who is energized by both building and leading. The CFO will join at a pivotal moment, stepping into a finance function that has made meaningful progress under interim leadership and is ready for its next stage of evolution.

The CFO will play a central role in building a more integrated, systems‑driven, and scalable finance function. This role requires a leader who is equally comfortable driving near‑term execution and building the infrastructure needed for long‑term success.

As a key member of the executive team, the CFO will serve as a trusted thought partner to the CEO and senior leadership, translating financial data into clear insights and guiding decision‑making across a complex, multi‑entity organization.

For a leader motivated by impact, scale, and the opportunity to build, this role offers the chance to shape the future of a high‑performing organization—and expand opportunities for thousands of students across New York City.

Position Overview

The Chief Financial Officer is a key member of KIPP NYC’s executive leadership team, overseeing a ~$250M annual operating budget, with projected growth to approximately $300M over the next several years. The CFO leads all aspects of the finance function, including accounting and financial planning & analysis (FP&A), and is responsible for ensuring financial health, operational rigor, and long‑term sustainability.

The CFO reports directly to the CEO and leads a finance team of approximately 15 professionals, with responsibility for team structure, performance, and continued development.

This is a full‑time position with a hybrid schedule, requiring a minimum of three in‑person days per week based out of our KIPP NYC Midtown Manhattan office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO, shaping financial and organizational strategy through forward‑looking insight, scenario planning, and constructive challenge
• Partner with the CEO and executive team to translate strategic priorities into actionable financial plans, operational targets, and measurable outcomes
• Partner with the CEO, Board, and Finance Committee to align on long‑term financial strategy, including making strategic investments to strengthen infrastructure and support long‑term scale
• Deliver clear, actionable financial insights to stakeholders, translating complex data into recommendations that drive decision‑making
• Lead the continued evolution of the finance function, building systems, structures, and capabilities that enable long‑term sustainability and organizational effectiveness
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis processes, strengthening rigor, transparency, and alignment to organizational priorities; advance budgeting toward more strategic, driver‑based and school‑level practices
• Lead long‑term financial planning, scenario modeling, and resource allocation across a complex, multi‑entity organization
• Oversee financial strategy related to real estate and facilities, including long‑term planning, financing, and partnership with external providers across a ~$500M asset portfolio

Accounting, Systems, and Infrastructure

• Strengthen core accounting operations and financial infrastructure, improving structure, alignment, and consistency across a complex, multi‑entity environment
• Strengthen and standardize internal controls, financial reporting, and cross‑functional processes to improve accuracy, reliability, and operational rigor
• Lead the integration and optimization of financial systems and tools to support a more scalable, efficient, and data‑driven finance function
• Strengthen and streamline cash management infrastructure, including rationalizing bank accounts and supporting a transition to a more effective banking structure
• Lead the transition of payroll from HR into finance, including implementation and stabilization of improved payroll systems, and build a more reliable, controlled, and sustainable payroll function
• Lead the annual audit and external reporting processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong financial governance

Systems, Tools, and Enablement

• Partner with the CEO to define and drive execution of a multi‑year finance and operations roadmap focused on strengthening systems, enabling scalability, and supporting long‑term sustainability
• Lead the optimization and effective use of core financial systems (Intacct, FloQast, Ramp, Vena), ensuring consistency, accuracy, and usability across the organization
• Strengthen underlying processes and data flows to improve system effectiveness, data integrity, and cross‑functional alignment
• Design and deliver training for school leaders and Shared Services staff to build financial acumen and ensure consistent application of fiscal policies
• Identify and implement opportunities to leverage technology, including AI, to improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and enhance decision‑making

Stakeholder and Team Management

• Lead and develop a high‑performing finance team, including onboarding recent hires and strengthening team structure, clarity, and accountability
• Build a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and high standards across the finance function during a period of ongoing transformation
• Provide coaching, feedback, and development to team members, ensuring strong performance and long‑term growth
• Steward Board members in supporting the organization’s long‑term fiscal health, in partnership with the CEO and Chief Development Officer
• Build strong, trust‑based relationships across the organization and ensure the delivery of high‑quality financial support to schools and central teams

Qualifications

• BA/BS required; master’s degree in business administration, finance, or accounting preferred
• 15+ years of relevant experience, including 10+ years in senior finance and/or accounting leadership roles
• Experience operating in complex organizations ($100M+), preferably with multi‑entity structures; education or nonprofit experience is helpful but not required
• Strong technical foundation in accounting and financial management; experience with nonprofit and lease accounting standards preferred
• Proven track record of strengthening or transforming finance functions, including modernizing systems, improving processes, and building high‑performing teams
• Deep experience leading financial strategy, including long‑term planning, budgeting, and resource allocation in dynamic environments

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Demonstrated commitment to KIPP NYC’s mission of providing high‑quality public education and advancing social justice and racial equity, with a deep belief in the power of education to create opportunity
• Bring independent judgment and confidence to serve as a true thought partner to the CEO, constructively challenging assumptions and guiding decision‑making at the executive and board level
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams, set a clear vision, and drive accountability for results
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and partner effectively across a diverse set of stakeholders, including senior leadership and boards
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling highly sensitive and confidential information
• High attention to detail with the ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, evolving environment
• Intellectually curious and growth‑oriented, with a strong desire to learn, lean into complexity, and lead through ambiguity while continuously improving the function and organization

Compensation and Benefits

KIPP NYC offers a competitive salary ranging from $300,000 - $325,000 (flexible for exceptional candidates with directly relevant experience). Salary ranges at KIPP NYC are standardized based on role level and role function. Individual salaries are determined through a lens of equity, accounting for years of experience relevant to the role and scope of responsibilities, and are benchmarked against others within the same salary band.

• Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 50% match after six months
• Generous time‑off aligned with the school calendar
• Up to 12 weeks of 100% parental leave
• Bright Horizon Back‑up child and elder care
• Employer‑paid life insurance and short‑term / long‑term disability
• Employee incentives include 8‑week paid sabbatical after ten years, annual professional development funds, and tuition reimbursement

Additional Information

This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee.

This is a full‑time, in‑person role based in New York City and will require travel to our schools. If you are not in a school‑based position, the cadence and frequency of travel to schools is determined by your leadership team. If you relocate outside of a commutable distance or out of the state of NY, your employment will be subject to review, which may include separation from KIPP NYC. It is important that you notify HR if you move or have plans to relocate.

KIPP NYC LLC does not offer visa sponsorship or work authorization.

KIPP NYC LLC is committed to creating a welcoming environment that includes employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving students and families throughout New York City.

KIPP NYC LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP NYC LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.