Director of Finance Operations

Austin Achieve Public Schools; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Achieve Public Schools is seeking a Director of Finance Operations to lead payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, and financial systems for about 460 staff across campuses.

The role partners with the CFO and finance team to strengthen controls, drive process improvements, and ensure scalable operations as the district grows. Strong leadership and public school experience are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; Master's preferred.
• 5–7+ years of progressive finance experience with payroll and accounts payable responsibilities.
• Prior leadership or people-management experience.
• Experience in Texas public charter schools or independent school districts preferred.
• TASBO certification or ability to obtain preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, and financial systems.
• Build and develop a high-performing finance operations team.
• Partner with CFO and budget owners to enhance operations, controls, and scalability.
• Lead system enhancements and process automation across payroll and AP.
• Support audits and ensure GAAP-compliant financial records.

Skills

Payroll

Accounts payable

Leadership

Internal controls

Financial analysis

Vendor management

Systems thinking

Excel/Sheets

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Master's degree a plus

Tools

Skyward Qmlativ Business Suite

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets

Job description

Austin Achieve Public Schools is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school preparing Austin youth to attend and excel at top universities.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Finance Operations is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational oversight of all payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, and financial systems functions for approximately 460 employees and all vendor payments for Austin Achieve. This role ensures the integrity, efficiency, and scalability of financial operations as the organization continues to grow across multiple campuses.

This is an exciting time to join Austin Achieve as we build our finance team and continue to grow to serve more scholars across multiple campuses. The ideal candidate is passionate about our mission and committed to excellence in financial stewardship, while proactively supporting all team members and community partners with humility, a customer service mindset, and a collaborative spirit.

This individual will lead critical financial operations, strengthen internal controls, and drive system and process improvements while supporting stakeholders across the organization.

The Director of Finance Operations will provide both strategic direction and hands-on leadership, overseeing end-to-end payroll and accounts payable functions, procurement operations, and financial systems. This role will also manage and develop finance team members and partner closely with the Chief Financial Officer, Comptroller, Finance Managers, Human Resources, and budget owners. As Austin Achieve grows to serve more scholars, the opportunity to manage team members may be available if desired.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, and financial systems
• Build, manage, and develop a high-performing finance operations team, including accounts payable and payroll staff
• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer, Comptroller, and other Finance Directors to enhance financial operations, scalability, and internal controls
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across financial processes, workflows, and systems

Payroll Management

• Responsible for timely and accurate payroll processing including salaries, hourly wages, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions
• Responsible for maintaining accurate personnel records in partnership with Human Resources to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing through a defined process for initiation, adjustments, cancellation, and final preparation prior to payment approval
• Ensure compliance with all payroll-related regulations and reporting requirements
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with reporting new employee updates to the OAG and supporting TWC hearings in partnership with the Human Resources Manager

Accounts Payable & Purchasing

• Provide full oversight of the accounts payable function, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing of all vendor invoices and payments
• Oversee vendor onboarding and maintain strong vendor relationships
• Lead and monitor the purchasing process, including approval workflows and budget alignment
• Ensure accurate three-way matching of purchase requests, invoices, and receipts
• Establish and enforce accounts payable and procurement policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Monitor accounts payable aging, resolve discrepancies, and ensure proper expense coding and documentation

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure compliance with all local, Texas, and federal financial reporting requirements, including but not limited to ESSER, ARP, ESSA/Title, IDEA, e-Rate, 940/941, TRS, TWC, and PEIMS
• Oversee payroll tax filings, retirement and benefit contributions, and year-end reporting (W-2s, W-9s, 1095s, 1099s)
• Support audits and ensure financial records meet generally accepted accounting principles and auditing standards
• Assist with maintaining, developing, documenting, and communicating an up-to-date Finance Office Procedures Manual

Systems & Process Management

• Oversee financial systems, including Skyward Qmlativ Business Suite, ensuring data integrity and optimal functionality
• Lead system enhancements and process automation efforts across payroll and accounts payable
• Ensure strong internal control safeguards across all financial operations

Financial Analysis & Stakeholder Support

• Provide financial reporting, analysis, and insights to the Chief Financial Officer and budget owners
• Support budgeting processes and strategic initiatives across departments
• Deliver training and guidance to staff on payroll, purchasing, and accounts payable processes and systems

Other

• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required (Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred); Master's degree a plus
• 5-7+ years of progressive experience in finance, with significant responsibility for payroll and accounts payable functions
• Prior leadership or team management experience required
• Experience in Texas public charter schools or independent school school districts preferred
• TASBO certification (or ability to obtain) preferred
• Experience with Skyward Qmlativ Business Suite or similar ERP systems preferred
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets and financial systems
• TASBO certification as Payroll Specialist preferred
• Experience using Skyward Qmlativ Business Suite preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets, Microsoft Word/Google Docs, and Microsoft PowerPoint/Google Slides
• Strong expertise in accounts payable, payroll, purchasing, financial systems, and internal controls
• Deep understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements across payroll and vendor payments
• Ability to analyze financial data and provide actionable insights to leadership
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Customer-service mindset with a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision
• Access to Life, Disability & Supplemental plans
• Eligible for Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Member of the Texas Retirement System
• Voluntary access to 403(b) retirement vehicle

Statement of Non-Discrimination:

In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.