Managing Director of Finance (Controller)

Managing Director of Finance (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 believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community.

WHO YOU ARE
Explore Schools is currently seeking a seasoned finance leader with at least 10 years of experience in finance or operations management to fill the position of Managing Director of Finance, specifically as a Controller. The ideal candidate for this role should be a collaborative and strategic leader with exceptional organization and prioritization skills, capable of meeting deadlines and overseeing detailed processes and workstreams with precision. Success in this role requires proficiency in problem-solving and applying a strong analytical perspective to generate solutions in time-sensitive situations.  

Additionally, you are or possess the following:

• You are a systems-based thinker; one who is skilled at creating and implementing financial systems and processes that enable work to be accomplished effectively across network.
• You have experience managing a finance team and overseeing annual audit processes; you are able to quickly identify and/or shift priorities to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our schools.
• You are proficient in financial analysis and forecasting and have experience presenting financial analysis and reports to a board of trustees.
• You have experience with financial software and systems, such as QuickBooks, SAP, and Intacct
• You are a strong problem solver and strategic thinker.
• You are willing to engage in identity work necessary to heighten your own awareness and improve your capacity to view your workstreams through an anti-white supremacy lens.
• You operate with professional integrity.
• You are self-aware, a constant learner; a reflective practitioner who is aware of their strengths and weaknesses, open to feedback, and seeks help to improve.
• You are a team player with a desire to work in a team-oriented and collaborative environment.
• At least 10 years of professional experience within accounting required.
• MBA or Accounting, Finance, or Business areas of study; required. CPA license; preferred.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The network-based Managing Director of Finance (Controller) is responsible for the financial leadership and management of Explore Schools.  Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Managing Director of Finance will advise and ensure strong financial stewardship of Explore School’s $50M budget. Supervising a team of 5-6 staff, the Managing Director of Finance will oversee all areas of financial compliance and financial operation for the organization, including public grants claiming and reporting, oversight of all annual audits and 990s, and reporting to government agencies and the Explore Board of Trustees.   The Managing Director of Finance will also facilitate the annual budget planning process for Explore Schools, helping to ensure public dollars are spent efficiently and in support of our mission.   

Specifically, the Managing Director of Finance will be expected to manage the following:

Financial Management & Budget Planning

• Support the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Leadership Team in developing annual school and ESI budgets.
• In collaboration with school leadership and the Chief Executive Officer, monitor the budget to ensure that budget targets are met, any overages are anticipated and planned for, and that school resources are used effectively.
• Manage public and private grants and funds and ensure that our documentation of grant-related expenses is complete and in compliance with grant requirements; this includes management all sources of public revenue including Title grants, State, and federal grants and overseeing our per pupil invoicing. 
• Working in partnership with the Human Resources team, manage the payroll process for schools and ESI, ensuring that information is accurate, staff are paid in a timely manner, and any issues with payroll are resolved immediately.
• Perform all treasury management functions, ensuring that bank records are kept up-to-date, reconciled accurately, and that all assets are safeguarded. 
• Serve as a key point of contact for external stakeholders, such as auditors, regulators, and financial institutions, to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
• Conduct regular contract reviews and audits to identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiency improvements, and risk mitigation.

Financial Compliance & Reporting

• In partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, prepare and help present to the Board of Trustees all financial reports as needed for schools and ESI and lead all aspects of financial reports to government agencies, funders, and charter authorizers.
• Monitor compliance with internal policies and procedures, external regulations and standards, and take corrective actions as needed.
• Conduct regular financial analysis to provide insights into the financial health of the organization and support strategic decision-making. This includes developing financial dashboards or reports for senior leadership.
• Prepare and submit finance information for initial grant applications, claiming revenue, recording and reconciling, ensuring compliance with all grant regulations, and preparing final grant reports to funders. Clearly communicate grant guidelines to school personnel, Boards of Trustees and charter authorizers and ensure that funds are appropriately used and accounted for.
• Spearhead the annual financial audit process and annual completion of 990s for all schools and the central office by serving as primary liaison to audit firm, preparing all records as requested, performing end-of-year entries, and ensuring that audits are completed and submitted to regulatory agencies on time. 

Team Management, Planning & Trainings

• Manage and develop the finance staff supporting ESI and the schools, who are responsible for recording financial transactions in the accounting system. This includes implementing or identifying training for finance staff to keep them updated on best practices, regulatory changes and new technologies in finance. 
• Continuously evaluate and optimize financial systems and processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. This includes exploring opportunities for automation and integration of financial systems.
• Ensure the integrity of all financial data, as well as implement best practices and continuity of data entry at all schools so that comparative analyses may be conducted.
• Enhance, develop, and implement fiscal policies and procedures for the organization to ensure compliance with all regulatory agencies; train staff as needed and ensure documentation is kept current. 
• Manage automated accounting software; ensure system is operational, users are kept updated, data is secure.  Train new users on system; liaison to software vendors when updates needed.

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 incoming salary range for a Managing Director of Finance (Controller) is $145,000 to $190,000. 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 the 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 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 
• Our ESI Staff also have the opportunity to seek out and attend professional development, have a supervisor committed to their growth and development, and are eligible to apply to our staff scholarship program.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Explore Schools is a network of charter schools located in Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Flatbush communities of Brooklyn, NY. Our network office is in DUMBO, Brooklyn. 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.
• Depending on the time of year, this role will require traveling to different school sites or our central office for training, observations, and in-service days.

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 Yasmin Mohsin or Tiffany Williams know immediately.