Director of Finance

Director of Finance (Assistant Controller), Brooklyn, New York  

In-Person Work Preferred 

This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime. 

WHO WE ARE

Explore Schools is a network of public charter schools providing 2,000 students in Brooklyn with the outstanding education they deserve. Our goal is to provide students with curriculum and instruction that is both standards-aligned and culturally responsive. Our approach is designed to provide the conditions that nurture students as critical thinkers and natural problem-solvers. As an organization we are committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate white supremacy. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

We believe that all children can learn when immersed in a rich environment full of high expectations, rigorous academics, and caring, committed adults. We believe equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive—we can meet the needs of all students in our schools, while actively engaging parents and driving toward excellent academic results. We envision a pathway to equity that features outstanding curriculum and instruction as well as ample opportunities for students to achieve success in and out of the classroom. We believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community.

WHO YOU ARE

Explore Schools is seeking a seasoned finance leader with at least 5 years of experience in nonprofit finance, preferably within a charter school environment. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with exceptional organizational and prioritization skills. You excel at managing complex processes and meeting deadlines, with a keen eye for detail. Problem-solving and applying strong analytical skills in time-sensitive situations come naturally to you.

Additionally, you possess the following qualities:

• Passionate about working in historically underserved and under-resourced communities.
• Committed to equity, engaging in identity work to lead your team thoughtfully.
• Adaptable, providing strategic solutions when faced with challenges or changes.
• An exceptional communicator who shares information clearly and sensitively.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Preferably have 5-8 years of experience in Finance or Accounting, with prior work as an Assistant Controller in a non-profit organization.
• Master’s degree (required), preferably in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration. This can be substituted with additional years of experience along with certifications in the finance/account field.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As the Director of Finance (DF), you will lead and manage day-to-day financial operations for the Explore Network in partnership with the Managing Director of Finance (MDF). Your role involves supervising the finance and centralized purchasing functions while ensuring compliance with financial regulations, including public grant management, audits, and reporting to government agencies and the Board of Trustees. You'll collaborate closely with the MDF and Senior Finance Manager (SFM) to manage annual audits, IRS/OMB reporting, and the budgeting process. You’ll also ensure compliance with internal policies and external requirements, such as those of the NYC Department of Education, the State, and federal agencies.

You will be responsible for:

Budget Planning & Financial Management

• Assist the Managing Director of Finance and Senior Leadership Team in developing the annual budgets for schools and network office.
• Monitor budgets with school leadership and MDF, ensuring targets are met, overages are anticipated, and resources are used efficiently.
• Oversee the processing and management of semi-monthly payroll operations for schools and ESI, ensuring timely and accurate payroll disbursements & funding of 403(b) accounts.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant payroll tax laws, regulations, and reporting requirements with local and state authorities.
• Review and approve vendors and payment batches, ensuring compliance with internal controls and accounting standards.
• Manage cash flow by monitoring disbursements and identifying opportunities for improving liquidity.

Financial Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure that the books are closed and reconciled monthly.
• Collaborate with the Managing Director of Finance to prepare financial reports for the Board, government agencies, funders, and charter authorizers.
• Manage grant compliance, including applications, revenue claims, reporting, and ensuring funds are properly used and accounted for.
• Lead the annual financial audit & 990 process with the Sr. Finance Manager, acting as the primary liaison with the audit firm, and ensuring timely submission to regulatory agencies.
• Ensure financial data integrity, enabling comparative analyses across schools, and maintain up-to-date written fiscal policies and procedures.

Team Management, Planning & Trainings

• Manage and develop the finance team and centralized purchasing staff in partnership with the Managing Director of Finance, ensuring proper support for schools and ESI.
• Collaborate with MDF to evaluate and optimize financial systems and processes, including exploring automation and system integrations for improved efficiency.
• Manage the automated accounting system, ensuring it operates smoothly, users are trained, and data is secure. Serve as the liaison with software vendors for system updates.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Explore Schools staff members receive a competitive salary, paid time off including network shutdown days, considerable matching of retirement contributions, and more.

• The salary range for the incoming Director of Finance is $100,000 to $120,000. This is our good faith range at the time of posting.
• Incoming salaries are determined based on experience and internal equity.
• Because we value staff members staying in their roles over time, we do not currently cap salary ranges and this is the range for incoming staff members only.
• This is base salary and does not include additional compensation opportunities, such as signing bonuses, additional time worked pay, stipends, leadership opportunities, and additional pay for specialized certifications and advanced degrees.

Additionally, you can expect:

• A competitive and comprehensive benefits plan, covering up to 95% of the cost for employees and their families. Other benefits include dental and vision plans, employer paid disability and life insurance, parental leave benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time and paid holidays, professional development, continuing education scholarships, referral bonuses, employee assistance program (EAP), childcare assistance, a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, and more!
• Flexible and reflective leadership: dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision-making, development, and team-wide priorities
• Driven and passionate colleagues who contribute to a professional and collaborative work environment
• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Explore Schools is a network of 6 charter schools located in Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Flatbush communities of Brooklyn, NY. Our schools are currently operating fully in-person. For this position:

• In-person work is required.
• This is an exempt position and is not eligible for overtime.
• The standard work week is 45 hours, though at times you may work more.
• This role requires that you be able to stand for at least 5 hours a day, take multiple trips up and down the stairs in a day, and move quickly in an emergency.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

As discussed in our Who We Are section, Explore Schools is an equal opportunity employer. It is important to us that all staff members have a place of employment that is free of discrimination of all kinds and where staff can bring their authentic selves to work. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran, or military status. If any employee or applicant believes they have been discriminated against, they should let Tiffany Williams know immediately.