Director of Finance And Accounting

LEARN Charter School Network; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in Chicago seeks a dedicated Director of Finance and Accounting to oversee financial operations and ensure compliance. This role involves preparing financial reports, managing budgets, and collaborating with various teams. The ideal candidate has a strong background in accounting, leadership experience, and a commitment to educational success. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including medical and matching 403B contributions.

Benefits

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Paid life insurance

Pet Insurance

403B Contribution + 4.5% matching

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in management of accounting/finance teams.
• Experience with non-profit accounting preferred.
• Strong mathematical, analytical and technical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of financial statements and reconciliations.
• Provide financial reporting to senior leadership and regulatory agencies.
• Manage payroll, accounts payable, and monthly financial close.

Skills

Analytical skills

Budgeting

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA

MBA/Masters

Tools

Blackbaud Financial Edge

Sage Intacct

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Director of Finance And Accounting role at LEARN Charter School Network.

Founded in 2001, LEARN is a network of high-performing college preparatory, tuition-free public elementary and middle schools with the mission of providing children with the academic foundation and ambition to earn a college degree. There are 12 LEARN Schools serving 4,100 students in grades PK-8 across Chicago, Waukegan, North Chicago, and Washington, D.C. LEARN aims to create an environment on every campus where staff feel supported, respected, and appreciated, and to move schools and students beyond the expected through collaboration and problem solving. LEARN has received recognitions for making an impact in public education, including 2018 Chicago Magazine's Top Elementary Charter Schools and the 2018 Illinois Network of Charter Schools Principal of the Year Award.

LEARN is currently looking for hard-working and passionate professionals dedicated to transforming public education.

What You’ll Do

What You’ll Do: LEARN is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented, hands-on self-starter with problem solving skills and a team attitude to join our organization as Director of Finance and Accounting. This position reports to the Chief Financial Officer and will direct all accounting procedures and activities in accordance with GAAP. You will implement process improvements, operational efficiencies, and cost savings. As part of a rapidly expanding organization, the role offers opportunities to implement new initiatives.

Key focus areas include verification of funding sources, compliance support, financial reporting, budgets, forecasts, monitoring funding sources, and negotiating purchases and contracts. The Director of Finance & Accounting oversees day-to-day financial operations, ensures compliance and transparency, and provides strategic insights to support strong academic outcomes for students.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead the preparation of accurate, timely financial statements, reconciliations, and variance analyses.
• Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting to senior leadership, the board, lenders, and regulatory agencies.
• Develop forecasts, projections, and cash flow analyses to guide strategic decision-making.
• Oversee the annual budget process, ensuring accuracy and alignment with organizational priorities.

Accounting Operations & Compliance

• Oversee payroll, accounts payable, month-end close, federal/state funding, and general ledger maintenance.
• Ensure accurate bank reconciliations, donor contributions, accruals, and fixed asset management.
• Coordinate annual audit and tax filings (including IRS Form 990).
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while monitoring emerging nonprofit accounting/tax issues.
• Safeguard assets by implementing strong internal controls and record-keeping systems.

Strategic Planning & Process Improvement

• Partner with the CFO to strengthen LEARN’s long-term financial sustainability.
• Identify and implement process improvements, including new systems and technologies.
• Collaborate with school leaders to monitor budgets, resolve variances, and provide financial guidance.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate finance and accounting staff.
• Build team capacity through professional development and high standards of accountability.

Cross-Functional & External Partnerships

• Collaborate with Development, Operations, and Program teams to align financial practices with organizational needs.
• Serve as primary liaison with auditors, banks, lenders, and regulatory agencies.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance; CPA and MBA/Masters are preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in management of accounting/finance teams, general accounting, financial analysis, and financial audits. Nonprofit experience preferred.
• Strong analytical skills in budgeting and forecasting to create multi-year operational and strategic plans.
• Experience with real estate expansion is a plus.
• Treasury management and familiarity with monetary bank covenants.
• Strong business acumen and ability to critically review vendor contracts and negotiate effectively.
• Familiarity with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards; knowledge of accounting for charter schools preferred.
• Strong mathematical, analytical and technical skills; excellent oral and written communication.
• High proficiency with spreadsheets and accounting systems; experience with Blackbaud Financial Edge and/or Sage Intacct preferred but not required.
• Strong organizational abilities with attention to detail and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to keep information confidential and interact professionally with a diverse network of employees, customers, and vendors.

Mission & Culture Fit

• Believes that all students can achieve college success and demonstrates dedication to helping LEARN students succeed.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with independent ownership of departmental work streams.
• Collaborates effectively with internal and external partners.
• Problem solver who analyzes data, draws conclusions, and proposes compliant resolutions.
• Strong organization and project management skills; capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Data analysis and analytical thinking to identify trends and inform decisions.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package for all full-time employees, including:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short and long-term disability
• Paid life insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 403B Contribution + 4.5% matching as eligible

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, family medical history, disability, or veteran status).

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required for the job and is subject to change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of LEARN Charter School Network.