Role Mission: The IPS Vice President of Finance supports our schools, regional executive directors, and IPS leadership to exceed the organization’s ambitious financial goals. This role is responsible for partnering with IPS leadership to ensure financial health, sustainability, and prudent fiscal management through the development and execution of financial strategies, effectively manage internal and external stakeholders, and provide strategic insight that enables empowered and prudent decision-making.
The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and entrepreneurial financial leader who thrives in a scrappy, fast-paced environment. This unique role demands a professional with deep experience in financial management and strategy who is also eager to engage in diverse responsibilities across the organization. The ability to build strong relationships and external influence on a range of stakeholders (e.g., board members, lenders, school leaders, government officials, etc.) is crucial. In this role you will work with national, regional, and school teams to increase efficiency and provide a high level of support in meeting financial goals.
Candidates must exhibit a combination of strategic vision, operational, and financial expertise, and a passion for educational equity, making them a pivotal member of the IPS’ executive team.
Location: This is a remote position with preference given to candidates who live in Florida, or who are willing to relocate.
Travel Expectations: While this is a remote position, there will be in-person meetings across various regions. Candidates must be willing to travel up to 40% during the busiest times of the year.
Compensation: Salaries for people entering this role typically start between $147,900 and $195,000, commensurate with relevant qualifications and experience. This role is also eligible for a performance bonus based on individual and organization goal attainment.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning: Lead the development and execution of long-term financial strategies for IPS’s regions and IPS national, generating insights and analyses that enable clarity on IPS’s path to financial health and sustainabilityEffectively communicate and translate financial results and projections to stakeholdersCritically assess model assumptions and scenarios, highlighting risks and mitigating factors.Define metrics to monitor and predict the financial performance entities across the organization; develop systems to track performance metrics and make decisions around resource allocation.Budgeting and Forecasting:Partner with Interim CFO to drive annual budget process to ensure that IPS meets its financial targets while optimizing resource allocation to maximize impact on students and families Lead the creation and implementation of rolling forecasts in partnership with school and regional leaders to ensure insight into financial health and management considerationsProvide insightful analyses to guide executive decision-making and to ensure financial strategies are aligned with organizational goalsFinancial Reporting and Compliance:Ensure external reporting (authorizer, funder, lender, compliance) requirements for IPS and IPS FL are completed on time, with high satisfaction among internal stakeholders and with minimal external concerns Support IPS team to ensure the timely completion of annual audit and 990 process for IPS and FL with no findings Ensure IPS financial projections are accurate and available for senior management and IPSs’ boards within 6 weeks of quarter close Financial Management: Manage the FL and IPS budget and projections to ensure that we meet our annual budgeting targets and maintain strong financial healthEnsure cash flow forecasting that enables visibility of financial health and provides insight into strategic decisionEffectively engage with internal stakeholders, including IPS and regional leadership, to ensure that budget and financial management processes build trust and empower stakeholders to make data-driven decisionsExecutive Leadership:Serve as key organizational leader and trusted thought partner to IDEA and IPS leadershipInterface directly with Board to build trust, instill confidence and communicate key financial updates, strategies and proposalsSuccessfully build relationships and represent IPS’s interests with key external stakeholders including lenders, authorizers, funders, vendors and sector partners
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in math, accounting, business administration, or economics or a related field required. Master’s degree in related field preferred10+ years of relevant experience required; 5+ years of experience in financial data analysis preferredProficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and PowerPointKnowledge of non-profit accounting practices and financing strategies preferred
Knowledge and Skills:
Demonstrated track record of executive-level leadership as a nonprofit finance and accounting leader High internal locus of control that includes comfort with ambiguity and the ability to create structure around ambiguous problems and drive toward successful outcomesEntrepreneurial mindset, with a proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a dynamic, startup environmentGrowth mindset that uses proactive and innovative approaches to problem-solving, with a focus on continuous learning, and the ability to see opportunities in challengesStrong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insightsAbility to build relationships, trust, and collaborative working relationships key organizational stakeholders to ensure clarity of expectations and mutual accountabilityExcellent interpersonal and communication skills, particularly the ability to present information and build strong relationships with diverse groups of stakeholdersDeep commitment to IPS’s mission and passion for K-12 education
IDEA Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the organization's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact IDEA Human Resources at (956) 377-8000.