Director of Finance

United Christian Academy; Rancho Cucamonga (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

United Christian Academy in Rancho Cucamonga seeks a Director of Finance to oversee financial operations and support the long-term financial health of the K-12 school. The Director will manage all accounting functions, develop financial policies, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of 5 years of leadership experience, proficiency in accounting principles, and a commitment to Christian values. This role is vital in guiding the school community towards strategic financial decision-making.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in financial areas.
• Strong understanding of financial management in K-12 settings.
• Excellent judgment and reasoning skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial and accounting functions for the K–12 school.
• Develop financial policies and internal controls.
• Lead annual independent audits.

Skills

Leadership experience

Financial management

Communication skills

Accounting principles knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting

Master’s Degree or CPA preferred

Tools

QuickBooks

Microsoft Office

BambooHR/Trax

Job description

Company Overview

United Christian Academy is a dynamic nonprofit organization committed to educating students by integrating academic excellence with a Christian worldview, equipping them to impact their world for Christ. We are dedicated to making a positive impact in education through our innovative programs and initiatives.

General Description

The Director of Finance will lead UCA into its next phase of growth and support its long‑term financial health. The Director will oversee all financial and accounting functions for the K–12 school, including planning, organizing, reporting, auditing, controlling, budgeting, and partnering with key stakeholders to promote strategic decision‑making. The Director is responsible for integrating accounting/auditing systems and controls and provides leadership to the Administrative Team as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. They play a leading role in the governance of the school, attending regular Board meetings and working closely with the Finance Committee. UCA recognizes administration as an integral part of the 5‑fold ministry given to the church in Ephesians 4:11‑13, and therefore UCA administrators serve as ministers to advance the mission and vision of United Christian Academy.

Reports To

Superintendent

Responsibilities

• Personal/Spiritual Leadership—maintain a professional lifestyle, model Christian values, foster relationships with students, parents, and staff, demonstrate spiritual growth, and uphold organizational values with integrity and positivity.
• Financial Management—plan, organize, control, and direct accounting, budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, purchasing, categorical funds, and special programs; develop financial policies and internal controls; manage vendor contracts; file state and federal tax returns; oversee fixed assets, inventory, and depreciation; prepare monthly GAAP financial statements; monitor department financial activity; advise administrators and directors on budgeting and expenditures; prepare financial projections and reporting for Board meetings.
• Advising & Forecasting—provide financial advice to administrators and directors; advise on unusual trends or problems, recommend corrective actions; perform analysis and strategic consultation; forecast short‑range cash requirements; prepare program and special fund cost analyses; develop multi‑year budget model.
• Budgeting & Analysis—partner with Superintendent on short‑term and long‑range financial plans; develop budget summaries, financial controls; oversee cash flow and funds; create financial dashboards and reports; ensure accurate funding allocations and disbursements; analyze financial data from multiple sources.
• Compliance—ensure compliance with regulatory tax filing and audit requirements; partner with Finance Committee to oversee financial aid process.
• Audit—direct annual independent audit and coordinate with external auditors; lead internal audits to verify fiscal practices.
• Payroll—perform payroll functions for employees, coaches, substitutes, and enrichment teachers; issue annual W2s and 1099s; process benefit invoices and ensure accurate payroll deductions.
• Risk Management—oversee risk management program, insurance plans, workers’ compensation; liaise with vendors; manage insurance contracts; monitor and review contractual obligations for outsourced services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• Master’s Degree in a related field or CPA certification preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in financial and operational areas of an organization; prior financial experience in a school setting preferred.
• Strong understanding of general accounting practices and financial management in K‑12 or nonprofit settings.
• Proficiency with GAAP accounting principles, state and federal budget/record‑keeping regulations, financial analysis, budgeting, auditing, and risk management.
• Experience with accounting software (QuickBooks), tuition management software (FACTS Premier), payroll system (BambooHR/Trax), database, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of insurance and insurability, risk‑and‑return analysis, and risk management policies.
• Excellent oral and written communication, advanced math skills, collaborative decision‑making, strong judgment and reasoning, and the ability to work independently with strong organization and time‑management skills.
• First Aid/CPR certification; TB clearance for the last four years; criminal justice fingerprint clearance; I‑9 documentation.
• Born‑again Christian and member of an evangelical, Bible‑believing church; credible Christian role model; demonstration of a Christian lifestyle consistent with biblical values; support and comply with UCA’s Statement of Faith and Christian Conduct.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises 2–4 employees and is responsible for the financial management of the school, including budgeting, cash management, and overall financial operations.

Physical Demands

Constantly sitting, hearing, listening.

Frequently bending (neck), speaking, close vision, thinking, calculating, repetitive hand use, keyboards.

Occasionally walking, standing, bending (waist), squatting, kneeling, twisting (neck and waist), depth perception, color vision, vision (distance), memory/recall, power grasping, fine manipulation, pushing & pulling with both hands, reaching above & below shoulder level.

Lift/carry 10–25 lbs. Car driving typically to/from meetings, between campus and district office. Use of copy machine/shredder and other office equipment only.

Work Environment

Indoor and outdoor environments, office and classroom settings, shared office space may be required; moderate noise levels similar to a classroom environment.

Equal Opportunity Employment Notice

All employees of United Christian Academy must be professing, born‑again Christian in accordance with UC Academy International, Inc.'s religious 501(c)3 bylaws.