Managing Director of Finance & Accounting

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Position Overview:

The Managing Director of Finance & Accounting at KIPP Kansas City is responsible for overseeing the financial health and operations of the organization. This role involves managing the finance team, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, developing financial strategies, and guiding the budgeting process. The Managing Director will play a critical role in providing fiscal leadership to support the mission and long-term goals of KIPP Kansas City.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Financial Strategy and Planning

  • Develop and implement financial strategies to support KIPP Kansas City’s goals, focusing on financial sustainability and growth.
  • Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with department heads and school leaders, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
  • Provide financial forecasting and modeling to guide decision-making for future organizational growth.
  • Present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.

• Financial Management and Reporting

  • Oversee the preparation and accuracy of financial statements, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct financial analysis and reporting to monitor organizational performance and drive fiscal accountability.
  • Implement and manage financial controls, policies, and procedures to ensure transparency and compliance.
  • Collaborate with auditors during annual audits and respond to audit findings.

• Accounting Operations

  • Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and other accounting functions to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
  • Manage the cash flow of the organization to ensure the availability of funds for operations and strategic initiatives.
  • Ensure that all financial transactions are accurately recorded and appropriately classified.
  • Manage and mentor the finance team, ensuring that each team member meets performance expectations and develops professionally.

• Grant and Fund Management

  • Oversee budgeting, reporting, and compliance for all grants, ensuring alignment with funder requirements.
  • Coordinate with development and program teams to ensure that financial reporting requirements for grants are met.
  • Collaborate on the preparation of grant applications and reporting, providing accurate financial data and projections.

• Risk Management and Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to nonprofit finance.
  • Develop and implement risk management policies, including insurance, legal, and liability considerations.
  • Manage relationships with financial institutions, auditors, vendors, and external partners to support organizational stability and growth.
  • Oversee the preparation of all tax filings, including IRS Form 990, ensuring compliance and accuracy.

• Stakeholder Engagement

  • Serve as a financial liaison to the Board of Directors, providing updates on organizational financial health, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Support the Executive Director and senior leadership team in developing a shared understanding of financial information.
  • Provide training and resources to help school leaders and department heads manage their budgets and understand financial processes.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; CPA or Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in finance or accounting, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role, preferably in an educational or nonprofit organization.
• Deep knowledge of accounting principles, financial management, and nonprofit finance.
• Proven track record of managing budgets, financial analysis, and strategic planning.
• Strong knowledge of financial regulations and compliance standards.
• Proficiency with accounting software, financial management tools, and Microsoft Excel.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families
• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community
• Deep understanding of accounting principles, financial analysis, and budget management
• Ability to align financial planning with long-term organizational goals and to provide insights to guide decision-making
• Proficiency in interpreting financial data, identifying trends, and applying insights for continuous improvement
• Proactive in identifying challenges and finding effective solutions within financial and operational constraints
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a finance team, with a focus on mentoring and professional growth.

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 
• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.
• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday and some weekends. 
• A typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.