Business Manager

Ambition Prep; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ambition Preparatory Charter School in Jackson, MS is seeking a Chief Operations Officer to lead finances, grants, and back-office functions for a growing K-8 campus. You will partner with the Executive Director and leadership team to ensure compliant budgeting, timely reporting, and sound financial planning.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s (Master’s preferred), 5+ years in school accounting and grants, strong project management, and excellent communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience with school accounting, grant compliance, and budget management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent project management, attention to detail, and initiative.

Responsibilities

• Prepare annual budget with leadership team and submit reports.
• Submit state/federal applications and reporting (Title, CSP, IDEA Part B, Child Nutrition).
• Oversee grants management and compliance.
• Monitor expenses and ensure adherence to budget."
• Prepare financial reports for ED, COO, MDE, authorizer, lenders, and agencies.
• Assist HR payroll processing and benefits administration.
• Coordinate purchasing, bidding, and contracts.
• Ensure accounting compliance with federal requirements and tax reporting."

Skills

Budget oversight

Budget reporting

Grants management

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Project management

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Tools

Google Admin

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Ambition Preparatory Charter School is deeply committed to ensuring that every student in grades K-8 receives the high-quality education they deserve. Our mission is to provide students with the academic skills and self-discipline needed for college and life success through high-quality instruction, intensive academic supports, and hard work. We are a new college preparatory elementary and middle school serving the students of Jackson, MS.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Work with the schools leadership team and back office to prepare the annual budget, and when approved, submit all required budget reports
• Submits State and Federal applications and reporting (i.e. Title, CSP, IDEA Part B, Child Nutrition Program, etc.)
• Oversees all grants management and compliance
• Monitor expenses and ensure adherence to the approved budget
• Prepare financial information and reports as requested by ED, COO, MDE, authorizer, lenders, and various state agencies
• Work with the COO and ED, keeping them apprised of unforeseen expenditures or budget overages, and working together to study program feasibility or requested resources
• Assist and cooperate with outside auditors and the Charter School Authorizer in the conduct of approved audits or review of the School’s fiscal records
• Supports the HR Department with the process of monthly payroll on schedule
• File all required state and federal payroll tax reports
• Assist HR in the management of benefit programs, including retirement, health, and life insurance programs
• Oversee the cash management process
• Coordinate purchasing, bidding, and contracts
• Review invoices and credit card statements, ensuring proper documentation, pay bills in a timely manner, and record expenditures
• Submit grant reimbursement requests to MDE
• Work with the back office to prepare monthly bank reconciliations
• Ensure accounting is consistent with Federal requirements
• Track and file sales tax reports
• Work with the HR office as needed regarding finances, state and federal reporting, and student/staff data systems and records
• Assist with the preparation and planning of financial operations for middle and high school growth
• Assist the COO and Child Nutrition Manager with Child Nutrition Programs and oversight of the National School Lunch Program (including meal applications, required reporting, etc.)
• Assist with policy development and compliance related to financial management
• Any other duties assigned by the Chief Operations Officer or Executive Director

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree, required
• Master’s Degree, preferred
• At least 5 years of experience working with school accounting, grant compliance, and budget management
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop productive working relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines
• Understanding of general accounting principles and federal grant compliance
• Exceptional project management skills with an ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high-quality work in a dynamic environment
• Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative
• Team player capable of working both collaboratively and independently
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated passion for Ambition Prep’s mission and high standards of excellence
• Strong computer skills, including Google Admin, Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Innovative, creative, organized, and willing to take risks
• Ability to take constructive feedback and quickly incorporate feedback

To be a part of the Ambition Prep team, it is required that all candidates possess an unwavering commitment to Ambition Prep’s mission, students, families, and community through the implementation of policies and procedures. You must share the belief that every student can learn at an advanced level regardless of race, culture, or socioeconomic status. It is required that you have the ability to efficiently adapt in an ambiguous, fast-paced, start-up environment. Candidates must be team-oriented and can display a professional level of a growth mindset, maturity, flexibility, promptness, commitment, and organization. Each candidate must also be receptive to constructive feedback with the ability to remodel positive behavior precisely and effectively keeping the common goal of every student in mind.

Compensation

Ambition Preparatory Charter School offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience. Ambition Preparatory Charter School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, pregnancy, or veteran status.

Disclaimer: This job description describes the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals hired into this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Ambition Prep reserves the right to change any or all content of this job description based on business needs.