Deputy Chief Financial Officer

WE ARE ACERO

Acero Schools is a top-performing Public Charter School Network in Chicago. Our success as a school network reflects what is possible when a community of teachers, schools, parents, and students work together.

The Deputy Chief Financial Officer (DCFO) is a key supporting role for the Chief Financial & Operating Officer and assists the CFOO in managing the financial planning, organizing, controlling, and analyzing of Acero’s financial services.

The DCFO will work with the CFOO, Finance Committee as needed, and key leadership to allocate resources aligned with meeting programmatic, strategic, and the financial goals of the organization.

The Deputy Chief Financial Officer must ensure proper accounting methods are being followed to meet federal, state, and local financial regulations.

JOIN OUR TEAM

• A team of driven individuals who contribute to, respect and serve in our communities.
• A team of professional collaborators who embody and communicate our values of achievement, community, equity, resilience and optimism.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in the oversight, direction, and management of all accounting and financial functions and controls including policies and systems for monitoring financial information, creating and managing budgets, financial statements, forecasting and providing information to the CFOO.
• Support all work streams in the finance function ensuring the integrity of financial systems, controls, and reporting.
• Perform long-term and strategic planning to ensure the financial stability of Acero Schools.
• Preparation of monthly financial statement packages including but not limited to creating and posting journal entries, recording transactions in the general ledger, updating and reviewing fixed asset depreciation and amortization roll-forward, in depth review of general ledger and income statements, in depth budget variance reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, check registers balancing, and other financial reports as necessary.
• Ensures all internal and external deadlines are met while utilizing experience and industry knowledge to complete assignments in an accurate, timely and efficient manner.
• Supervise all finance personnel (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll / Benefits Accounting).
• Collaborate with Principals, Directors and Chiefs in all financial operations and policies for their departments and / or schools.
• Periodic evaluation of current billing, accounting and purchasing practice emphasizing continuous improvements as needed.
• The DCFO will own the annual audit to include preparation, oversight and guidance of all audit documentation, end of year journal entries, IRS reporting and allocations.
• Oversee cash management across multiple bank accounts, including operating, food service and investment accounts and will act as the secondary contact with banking institutions.
• Ensures timely receipt and accounting of deposit of funds.
• Believe in our ability to create the future we envision.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education : Bachelor Degree (or advanced degree) from an accredited college or university in Business, Accounting, Finance, or closely related field and a valid CPA license is preferred.
• At least 5 years experience in Education Finance, including experience managing and leading a team focused on client / customer service and satisfaction.
• Considerable knowledge of accounting principles.
• Comprehensive knowledge of laws, policies and procedures governing public procurement.
• Previous experience in education and / or nonprofit strongly preferred.
• Evidence of successful implementation of new processes and systems with limited direction.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the CFOO, executive leadership team, Principals, and other staff.
• Proven track record of creating and implementing innovative solutions to meet organizational needs.
• Ability to create and build systems and processes to streamline administrative functions.
• Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstration of sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a proven ability to complete numerous projects on a variety of timelines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate problems and utilize data analysis to create innovative solutions.
• Possess complete integrity and a high sense of personal and professional ethics.
• Comprehensive understanding of GAAP standards and FASB.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States (required).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING POSITIONS

The nature of the work requires an ability to operate standard business office equipment, and the ability to communicate and exchange information, collect, compile and prepare work documents, set-up and maintain work files.

Physical demands include the ability to stand, bend, reach high and low, stoop, and walk around. In addition, candidates must be able to lift and / or push and pull 15 to 20 lbs for short periods of time, and walk up and down stairs several times a day.

Travel to schools, off-site meetings and board of directors meetings are required.

Majority of work is performed in a general office environment. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties.

Also requires participation and attendance at organization-sponsored events and meetings.

NOTE : The foregoing list of essential duties and responsibilities is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification.

It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Acero Schools is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals. Acero Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.