Region Finance Support

Company: IMAGINE SCHOOLS
Location: Sarasota
Posted on: May 25, 2023

Job Description:

Region Finance Director is responsible for leading and supporting the school-based teams that provide all finance and accounting services for Imagine' s schools in the West Florida region. Includes budget development, closing the books, financial reporting, auditing and internal controls, directing and educating business managers on financial and HR operations, and supporting and advising principals and other leaders on fiscal matters.



Financial Planning and Budgeting

Creates and monitors budgeting procedures and processes to ensure complete and accurate budgeting for each school in region. Leads development of school budget template.
Establishes schedule for timely completion of pre-final, final and post YE budgets to meet requirements of internal and external stakeholders.
Works closely with Principals, Business Managers and Regional Director on the preparation and monitoring of school budgets and financial statements.
Monitors revenue and cash flow forecasting. Oversees the processing of operating advance requests, per corporate policy.
Improves school processes for capital expenditure budgeting and maintenance of Schedules of Capital Assets and Inventory records.
Helps monitor efficient use of dollars by preparing cost analysis reports concerning the operation of the schools. Develops financial dashboard. Seeks ways to reduce costs through bidding, cooperative and bulk purchase opportunities for goods and contracted services.
Updates projection for theoretical "new school" to determine current enrollment requirements for economic sustainability without millage.



Accounting Services and Reporting

Creates and maintains calendar for month-end closings and related procedures to ensure the accurate and timely preparation of financial statements/reports.
Monitors and prepares monthly reconciliations for all school and region bank accounts (currently eight).
Performs monthly general ledger reconciliation for schools. Pulls and reviews each school's preliminary reports for accuracy and completeness. Closes the schools' books in MASSOO by the 10th of each month.
Prepares internal monthly BVA report for region, including 1) pulling the reports from the FRX system, 2) updating the projections based on current budgets and input from the principals, and 3) adding lines at the bottom needed to monitor fund balances based on modified accrual accounting basis.
Oversees preparation of external monthly financial reports as required by districts and Florida Statutes. Provides updated procedures and training for business managers as district requirements change.



Auditing and Internal Controls

Coordinates annual external audit process and manages business manager preparation for fieldwork.
Completes year-end financial statements. Ensures audits are finalized within three months of year's end.
Responsible for ensuring the schools and the region establish and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, with the goal of receiving unqualified audit opinions and no findings of significant deficiencies or material weaknesses.
Performs internal audit function for region. Monitors development/application of fiscal policies. Identifies and ensures compliance with applicable procedures, laws and regulations. Designs and implements programs and controls to prevent and detect fraud and misappropriation of assets. Ensures all financial records and related information are available to the auditor. Adjusts financial records to correct material misstatements.
Works with principals, business managers and other staff to resolve any issues identified during audits as needing attention. Examples include interpretation of leases and affiliate/operating agreements.



Accounting Operations Management

Works closely with the principals and school business managers in the financial operations of the schools to ensure the accurate and timely recording of all school financial transactions. Oversees and monitors A/P, A/R and other bookkeeping processes for the schools and the region.
Provides routine, daily support to business managers, both remotely and onsite. Chief problem solver as needed on all accounting and financial tasks and issues that arise.
Monitors and supports business manager human resource activities, including application of personnel policies, benefits management and open enrollment, and related documentation and reporting.
Monitors application of other policies and procedures as needed, which includes payroll processing and accruals, purchase card usage, 1099 creation, qualified public depository requirements, expense reports and other finance-related activities.
Coordinates information flow between schools and corporate staff to ensure appropriate insurance policies are in place and necessary certificates are available on a timely basis.
Assists in the hiring of new business managers and principals.
Provides professional development programs for business managers, principals, other staff and board members to increase the skills and financial literacy within the organization. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, MASSOO, BB&T Cash Manager Online, ADP reports and payroll templates, accounting basics, and budgeting.
Fills in when business managers are on maternity or other disability leaves.



General Administration/Other

Provides ongoing support and advice to principals, region director and EVP. Serves as financial advisor to principals on fiscal operating decisions.
Attends school governance board meetings. Assists regional director in interacting with finance/accounting officials of the state government/local school boards. Provides financial assistance for Charter applications and renewals.
Participates in ongoing service calls with the school staff, regional director and other corporate staff. Supports corporate finance team as required for various initiatives/activities, including auditing and YE close activities. Bills schools from region for Indirect, Start Up, EUF, and Notes Payable to Imagine.
Participates in ad hoc and special projects as necessary.
Represents Imagine as presenter at Florida Charter School conference.
Maintains and improves professional knowledge and skills in general and governmental accounting, Florida charter school statutes and other relevant business activities.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting
2-3 years' experience in the the field


Preferred Qualifications:
Education: Master's Degree in Accounting and /or CPA
Licenses & Certifications: State certification and endorsement in assigned area.
Experience: 2 to 3 years' experience in related fields - Knowledge, Ability & Skills: Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills. The ability to perform independently and in groups. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and multitask when necessary. Knowledge of theory and practice of generally accepted accounting practices. Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations and statutes. Ability to remain pleasant and calm under sometimes-stressful circumstances. Ability to communicate cooperatively and constructively with Corporate Finance Personnel, Executive Vice President, Region Director, Principals and Business Managers in a multi-cultural environment. Skills required include word processing, database, spreadsheet and graphics.

Note: To perform this job successfully, an individual must meet the standard required for each essential function. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all assigned duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with this job.

Imagine Schools is an equal opportunity employer.

Keywords: IMAGINE SCHOOLS, Sarasota , Region Finance Support, Accounting, Auditing , Sarasota, Florida