Director of Finance

Job description

Overview

The USI Director of Finance codifies and facilitates the implementation of policies and procedures that improve the fiscal health of the organization, and collaborates with USI Network Team and reports to the Superintendent to develop long-term financial strategies and identify financial priorities alongside school leaders.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Alignment & Liquidity Oversight

Ensure all financial, staffing, compensation, and HR/payroll functions — whether performed internally or by external partners — align with the organization's strategic priorities and long-term plan

Validate the organization's cash flow and liquidity forecasts, ensuring adequate reserves and financial flexibility to support ongoing operations and growth

Present strategic alignment and liquidity assessments to the Superintendent and Board as part of regular financial reporting

Finance, Accounting & Strategy

Budgeting, Financial Reporting & Reconciliation

Serve as primary point of contact with the external finance and strategy partner supporting accounting, staffing model, compensation strategy, and financial modeling

Analyze monthly organizational financials, prepared in coordination with the external partner, to assess financial health and adherence to annual budgets

Maintain a system of effective financial reporting — incorporating the external partner's monthly and annual deliverables — by preparing regular reports to the Superintendent

Direct the maintenance of an accounting system consistent with State and Federal laws, regulations, and network policies, in partnership with the external finance partner

Serve as the network budget manager and purchasing point of contact; review and approve weekly AP vouchers

Oversee credit card allocations, reconciliation, and bank relationship; collaborate to respond to fraud instances

Audit & Internal Controls

Collaborate with the external finance partner to prepare for and execute the annual audit; support the business operations team throughout the process

Collaborate to reinforce internal controls, including federal procurement policies and documentation

Lead compliance and procedures associated with insurance policies (property, liability), including internal incident reporting and carrier notification

Staffing Model & Compensation Strategy

Partner with the external finance and strategy partner on organizational structure and staffing model design — reviewing staffing allocations and reporting structures, and shaping staffing scenarios grounded in enrollment trends and organizational priorities

Partner with the external finance and strategy partner on compensation strategy and benchmarking against peer schools and national practice, translating benchmarking into compensation framework recommendations

Financial Modeling, Budget & Growth Strategy

Partner with the external finance and strategy partner and senior leaders on the annual budget planning process, including FY27 financial model alignment and scenario analysis

Optimize interest earnings; provide analyses and forecasts of resources and expenditures using the external partner's financial modeling

Oversee bond compliance, issuance, and debt management

Direct capital purchase strategy, ensuring compliance with procurement procedures and internal controls

Assist in the development and execution of growth strategy — financial modeling, facility acquisition, and strategic relationships with external partners

Collaborate with business operations and partnerships teams to maximize organizational revenue; coordinate investments for maximum growth

Contracts & Property

Review contracts, leases, and sales agreements for financial and operational impact prior to execution

Participate in evaluating and acquiring network properties and in developing new facilities

Advise the Superintendent and provide consultant service to staff on all matters related to business service

Perform other related duties as requested by the Superintendent

People Operations — HR, Benefits & Compliance

Serve as primary point of contact with the external HR and payroll partner supporting HR, benefits, and HR compliance

Oversee implementation of the external partner's HR compliance monitoring, employee handbook and policy updates, and HR roadmap recommendations

Coordinate with the external partner on payroll processing, benefits administration (including Open Enrollment), retirement plan coordination, and year-end payroll requirements

Partner with the external HR partner on onboarding/offboarding, employee relations support, and performance management coordination

Review the external partner's HR, benefits, and payroll deliverables for accuracy and alignment with network budget and policy

Ensure a clear division of responsibilities across external partners, escalating any gaps or overlaps in scope to the Superintendent

Supervises the Business Manager for the network

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.

Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, or fiscal management.

At least 3 years of experience in a management / supervisory role

Experience in the public sector, nonprofit, charter school, or K–12 education finance strongly preferred.

Demonstrated experience managing the financial operations of a multi-site organization, preferably a network of schools or school district.

Strong knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Uniform Guidance, fund accounting, budget development, cash flow management, and financial reporting.

Working knowledge of Indiana school funding formulas, state and federal education funding streams, grants management, and compliance requirements preferred.

Experience developing long-term financial forecasts, multi-year financial models, and organizational budget planning.

Proficiency with financial management systems, Microsoft Excel, and ERP/accounting software.

Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to present financial information to executive leadership and governing boards.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or related field preferred.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation strongly preferred.

Experience working with charter schools, education management organizations (EMOs), or public school districts in Indiana.

Experience collaborating with external auditors, financial consultants, authorizers, and government agencies.

Demonstrated ability to lead organizational financial strategy while maintaining strong internal controls and compliance.

Work Environment

Hybrid work schedule may be available based on organizational needs and performance.

Regular onsite presence is strongly preferred to support collaboration with school and network leadership across multiple campuses.

Occasional evening meetings (e.g., Board meetings) and travel between school locations may be required.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Worksite address

indianapolis, IN, 46262, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.