Head of Finance (Full-Time)

Position Type:
Administration/Finance Director
Date Posted:
9/10/2026
Location:
District
Finance Director
Reports To: Executive Director
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt - 260 days/year / Compensation: $125,000 - $140,000
Supervises: Finance Department Staff (Business Office, Payroll, Accounts Payable, etc.)
Position Summary
The Finance Director serves as the chief financial administrator for the school and is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, integrity, and compliance of all financial operations. The Finance Director ensures sound fiscal stewardship of public funds while supporting the school's mission through accurate financial reporting, long-range financial planning, budgeting, internal controls, and compliance with all federal, state, and local laws governing Minnesota public charter schools.
This position requires extensive knowledge of Minnesota charter school finance, Uniform Financial Accounting and Reporting Standards (UFARS), Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) reporting requirements, Skyward financial systems, governmental accounting principles, and best practices in nonprofit and public school financial management.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Leadership

Provide strategic financial leadership to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
Develop long-term financial forecasts and sustainability plans.
Advise leadership regarding financial implications of strategic initiatives.
Monitor financial health and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
Present financial information clearly to administrators, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors.
Budget Development and Management
Lead the annual operating and capital budget development process.
Prepare multi-year financial projections.
Monitor revenues and expenditures throughout the fiscal year.
Analyze budget variances and recommend adjustments.
Coordinate budget revisions as necessary.
Ensure alignment between financial resources and strategic priorities.
Financial Reporting
Prepare and oversee:
Monthly financial statements
Budget-to-actual reports
Cash flow analyses
Revenue projections
Fund balance analysis
Board financial reports
Annual financial reports
Ensure reports are timely, accurate, and understandable for leadership and the Board.
Charter School Financial Compliance
Maintain compliance with:
Minnesota charter school statutes
MDE financial reporting requirements
UFARS accounting standards
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)
Federal grant requirements
Uniform Guidance requirements
State and federal audit requirements
Monitor legislative changes affecting charter school finance and implement necessary operational changes.
MDE Reporting
Oversee timely and accurate submission of required financial reports including, but not limited to:
MARSS financial components
UFARS submissions
Annual financial reporting
Special education financial reporting
Federal grant reimbursement requests
State aid reporting
Levy and debt reporting (if applicable)
Other required MDE submissions
Maintain strong working relationships with MDE finance staff and charter authorizer personnel.
Accounting Operations
Direct and oversee:
General ledger
Accounts payable
Accounts receivable
Payroll accounting
Cash management
Bank reconciliations
Fixed assets
Investments
Purchasing
Internal financial controls
Ensure all financial transactions are properly recorded and reconciled.
Skyward Financial Management
Serve as the school's primary financial system expert by:
Maintaining the Skyward financial system
Overseeing chart of accounts
Managing budget setup
Monitoring purchasing workflows
Supporting payroll financial processing
Developing financial reports
Ensuring system integrity and accuracy
Training staff on financial procedures within Skyward
Collaborate with Human Resources and Payroll to ensure accurate personnel and payroll reporting.
Audit Coordination
Lead the annual independent financial audit by:
Preparing audit schedules
Coordinating auditor requests
Managing audit timelines
Implementing audit recommendations
Maintaining supporting documentation
Assisting with annual Form 990 preparation (if applicable)
Ensure timely completion of all audit requirements.
Grants Management
Oversee financial administration of federal, state, and private grants by:
Establishing grant budgets
Monitoring expenditures
Ensuring allowability of costs
Preparing reimbursement requests
Maintaining required documentation
Supporting grant compliance reviews
Internal Controls and Risk Management
Develop, implement, and monitor:
Financial policies
Internal accounting controls
Cash handling procedures
Purchasing procedures
Segregation of duties
Fraud prevention measures
Financial risk mitigation strategies
Recommend policy improvements to strengthen fiscal accountability.
Board Support
Provide professional support to the Board by:
Preparing financial reports
Attending Finance Committee meetings
Presenting financial information
Supporting annual budget approval
Assisting with financial policy development
Responding to Board financial inquiries
Leadership and Collaboration
Supervise finance department staff.
Foster a culture of customer service, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with Human Resources, Operations, Special Education, Academic Leadership, and Administration.
Provide financial guidance to department leaders.
Support strategic planning initiatives.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible governmental or public school finance experience.
Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.
Extensive knowledge of Minnesota public school finance.
Extensive knowledge of Minnesota charter school funding formulas.
Demonstrated experience with UFARS accounting.
Strong knowledge of MDE financial reporting requirements.
Advanced proficiency with Skyward Financial Management.
Strong understanding of GAAP and GASB standards.
Experience preparing and managing annual budgets exceeding several million dollars.
Experience coordinating independent financial audits.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
CPA, CMA, or MBA.
Experience as a Finance Director or Business Manager in a Minnesota public or charter school.
Experience with federal education grants.
Knowledge of special education finance.
Experience with bond financing and facility funding.
Experience presenting financial information to governing boards.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Expert knowledge of Minnesota charter school finance laws and regulations.
Expert understanding of school accounting best practices.
Strong financial forecasting and modeling skills.
Advanced spreadsheet and financial analysis skills.
Ability to interpret complex financial data.
Ability to communicate financial information to non-financial audiences.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Excellent judgment and problem-solving abilities.
Commitment to ethical financial stewardship.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to attend meetings on and off campus.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with occasional attendance at Board meetings, professional development activities, and off-site trainings.
Core Competencies
Financial Stewardship
Strategic Planning
Fiscal Accountability
Regulatory Compliance
Leadership
Collaboration
Customer Service
Integrity
Continuous Improvement
Communication
Data Analysis
Attention to Detail
Key Areas of Expertise
The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in:
Minnesota charter school finance and governance
Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) reporting requirements
Uniform Financial Accounting and Reporting Standards (UFARS)
Skyward School Business Suite (Finance, Payroll, Budget, Purchasing, and Reporting)
Governmental accounting (GAAP/GASB)
Annual budgeting and long-range financial planning
Audit preparation and coordination
Federal and state grant financial management
Internal controls and risk management
School board financial reporting and public transparency

Attachment(s):
~ Benefits Guide