Director of Finance

Communities in Schools of Tennessee

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Job Summary

About Communities in Schools

Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN) is a nonprofit that partners with K-12 public schools to surround students with a community of support empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

As part of the CIS national network, CISTN achieves this mission by placing site coordinators in schools across the state to provide school-wide interventions and case-managed services for students in need.

To best support the students, families, schools, community partners, and our staff members involved in this work, CISTN staff and board members center all decisions, actions, and services on the following core values:

Our Values

1. Integrity – We openly share how our work is done, and we hold ourselves accountable to the commitments we make.
2. Empathy – We intentionally build relationships so we can learn about people’s stories, validate their experiences, and deepen our understanding of situations different from our own.
3. Equity – We identify and work towards removing individual and systemic barriers so everyone has the same opportunity to achieve.
4. Authenticity – We create space for the people we work with, and for, to be their truthful, complete selves without judgment.
5. Collaboration – We bring people together to plan and take action in our work, understanding we make lasting changes in partnership with one another.

This position is based out of Nashville. When carrying out operations duties, the Director of Finance will work from home and our main office, as needed. This position is extremely important to the financial health of the organization and will work closely with senior leadership and the board. This position will serve on the Operations Team and report to the COO.

Job Responsibilities

The Director of Finance manages the following responsibilities for the organization.

• Assists in fiscal leadership with budget development and decision-making of budgetary and financial services for an $8-10 million 501c3 public charity.
• Consistent analysis and monitoring of current financial systems to ensure accuracy.
• Provides recommendations for streamlining financial functions and enhancing overall organizational operations.
• Manages the state contract and invoicing for the organization and affiliates.

Specific duties may include:

• Serves as the primary point of contact for management of state contract billing and accounting functions including but not limited to the invoicing process, ensuring appropriate funding is transferred to direct affiliates, and managing cash flow for reimbursement.
• Serves as the liaison for the Finance Committee including preparing bi-monthly agenda, attending meetings, taking minutes, and engaging with Board Treasurer, Accountant, and CEO/COO to support organizational needs.
• Manages day-to-day financial activities, including organizational cash flow, forecasting, and accounts payable.
• Negotiates annual benefit plan with appropriate contractors alongside COO.
• Works with departments to provide accurate and timely financial reports.
• Ensures the organization is accurately projecting expenses and operating within budget.

• Spearheads the annual budget process – working with the Finance Committee to project annual revenue and expenses as well as organizational divisions to ensure needs are budgeted.
• Manages the audit preparation and works closely with the COO, Accountant, and auditor to complete a timely audit and 990.
• Serves as liaison for banks, insurance companies, and outsourced investment companies. Ability to make recommendations to grow financial reserves in alignment with organizational mission.
• Assists with the review and completion of the monthly expense report process.
• Collaborates with the Operations Manager to complete the check deposit and monthly school invoice processes.
• Syncs organization’s credit card transactions with expense reporting software and answers frequently asked questions from employees relative to expense reporting software. 
• Serves as primary contact for an outsourced bookkeeper for accounts payable, receivables, and financial document preparation.
• Oversees the organization’s internal controls policies and procedures and ensures they are followed to safeguard assets
• Identify and recommend improvements to all financial policies and procedures to increase operational efficiency and effectiveness. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.  Other duties may be assigned by the CEO as needed.

Qualifications

CORE COMPETENCIES

To perform this job successfully, candidates must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  The core competencies of financial directors include, but are not limited to:  

• Financial Acumen: Understands and performs accounting and bookkeeping functions appropriately. Capable of making informed decisions to maximize profits and decrease losses.
• Relationship Building: Develops and sustains positive working relationships with staff, board members, and external stakeholders.
• Communication and Transparency: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to comfortably engage with internal and external stakeholders to determine the best financial outcomes for the organization. Proven ability to recommend innovative solutions to enhance financial operations.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion: Applies a clear understanding of racial inequities and other forms of discrimination and demonstrates a willingness to operate from an anti-oppression model to all aspects of the work, including helping coordinators navigate issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their schools.
• Time Allocation and Organization: Appropriately prioritizes individual workload in tandem with day-to-day organizational needs, such as financial analysis or budgetary functions. Possesses great planning and multitasking skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree required, MBA, CPA, or Master’s in Finance or equivalent preferred.
• 10+ years of financial leadership and reporting experience in a nonprofit organization. 

DIVERSITY & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

CISTN actively seeks to diversify its staff and encourages candidates of historically underrepresented populations to apply for this position, including but not limited to, those identifying as Black/African American, Indigenous/Native, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, Middle Eastern, and other people of color; LGBTQ+ candidates; and candidates with disabilities.

CISTN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter by visiting www.cistn.org/careers by Friday, April 12. In your resume, please describe your commitment to the mission of CISTN.

A criminal background check is required for any candidates who are offered a position with CISTN and will be administered after an offer for employment is made.

Details

• Date Posted: April 5, 2024
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Accounting / Financial Management
• Service Area: Children / Youth
• Salary Range: $81,000 – $95,000