Director of Financial Planning + Analysis

KIPP Atlanta Schools; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health & dental insurance

Life insurance & disability

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

KIPP Atlanta Schools seeks a Director of Financial Planning + Analysis to design, manage, and lead all daily financial planning and analysis. Reporting to the CFO, you will supervise the Finance team and collaborate with school leaders to ensure accurate budgeting, maximize revenue, and strengthen financial controls across its Atlanta campuses.

The role requires strategic thinking, nonprofit finance experience, and the ability to navigate complex funding streams while driving cross‑functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting required; MBA/CPA preferred.
• 7+ years in finance or accounting; 3+ years supervisory of senior‑level role; nonprofit experience preferred.
• Strong data management and reporting capabilities; technology savvy.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgeting strategy across the organization and establish performance benchmarks.
• Oversee team development, meetings, and effective communication within the finance function.
• Manage monthly budget‑to‑actual analyses for the $125MM budget and inform strategic decisions.
• Lead forecast process and present reports to the Finance Committee.
• Design internal controls and oversee annual policy audits and compliance.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

Data management

Nonprofit finance

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting

MBA and/or CPA

Tools

Vena

Job description

Organizational Overview

KIPP Atlanta Schools is part of the KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory schools dedicated to ensuring that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. There are 280 KIPP schools in 21 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 175,000 scholars and alumni. KIPP Atlanta currently operates 11 schools including five primary schools, six middle schools and one high school, as well as KIPP Forward which supports scholars on their journey to a choice-filled life. We are a social justice organization and our vision and mission require the work of dedicated, bold and skilled leaders, educators, and support staff who are committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, academically excellent schools and the foundation for building a more just and equitable world for our scholars.

Job Overview

The Director of Financial Planning + Analysis is charged with designing, managing and leading all daily financial planning and analysis for KIPP Atlanta Schools. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Finance manages the regional Finance Manager, Finance Analyst, the Finance Grant Manager, and works closely with the Finance Team, school-based Directors of Operations, and regional leadership team members to ensure accurate and effective budget management across multiple entities and funds, maximize revenue, and develop regional procurement processes, while creating standard operating procedures that ensure financial accuracy and provide maximum benefit to the organization. The Director of Finance will also contribute to planning for strategic growth in evaluating the financial implications of facilities financing and growth.

Job Responsibilities

Strategy Planning & Execution

20%

• Design, set, direct, and execute the annual budgeting strategy at KIPP Atlanta Schools
• Develop benchmarks for success and track and maintain comprehensive data as a source for developing and improving upon existing systems and structures supporting leadership development
• Partner with CFO and Controller in leadership of finance function for the organization, informing the the department’s annual plans and executing the finance function’s annual plan, regularly reviewing key performance indicators and course-correcting when needed
• Designs and executes treasury management strategy
• Designs and supports the execution of strategic, financial analysis as an internal control for the accounting team

Team Leadership & Management

50%

• Build capacity in direct reports through comprehensive development including the establishment of performance goals, regular check-ins, observations, timely feedback and professional development opportunities
• Regularly lead team meetings to ensure the effective cascade of communication, identifying areas of challenge and coordinating necessary changes in response to organizational challenges
• Manage major federal grant reimbursement process, monitoring data to identify potential errors, and elevate to district partners when necessary

Budget Process Execution

30%

• Performs monthly budget-to-actuals analysis for entire organization ($125MM budget), sharing findings with CFO and designing strategies for going forward
• Leads the organization-wide forecast process
• Creates reports and presents them to the Finance Committee
• Analyzes possible revenue maximization opportunities and other expenses (examples include: analyzing the financial impact of out-sourcing various support functions or health insurance funding model) to produce recommendations for leadership and the Finance Committee
• Designs internal audit process and oversees the audit of at least 1 major policy per year
• Builds and maintains relationships with district team to ensure compliance with various finance-related requests and requirements
• Execute monthly meetings with school and regional budget owners; prioritizing and planning for meetings with teammates or schools that are off track from goals

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Accounting required, MBA and/or CPA strongly preferred
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in finance or accounting or closely related experience, with at least 3 years supervisory of senior‑level finance or accounting role with a successful track record; prior nonprofit experience is preferred
• Technology savvy with high capacity to efficiently and effectively manage data for financial reporting; knowledge of Vena desired
• Exceptional strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to solve complex problems and implement solutions; ability to manage both the big picture and the details; a strong sense of judgment; ability to navigate complex legal, political, and community issues
• Track record of leading successful change management across multiple entities
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to solve complex problems and implement solutions, an ability to manage both the big picture and the details, a strong sense of judgment, and the ability to navigate complex legal, political, and community issues
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities, multi-task, work in a fast-paced demanding environment, operate effectively with ambiguity, and willing to learn and take on new responsibilities
• Highly detail‑oriented with excellent follow‑up and follow‑through

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation for this role is between $110,000 - $120,000. The starting pay will depend on various factors that may include but are not limited to professional experience, education, training, and certifications.

• 19 days of Paid Time Off, in addition to identified holidays and regular school breaks including Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Mid-Winter Break and Spring Break.
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical and dental), life insurance and optional short and long term disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Participation in Georgia retirement plan and an optional 403(b) retirement plan

Location & Work Conditions

This position requires candidates to be based in Atlanta and regularly be in schools and able to attend in person meetings and events. Additional in person time may be necessary based upon organizational needs.