Finance Manager

Primary Function:
Responsible for the day-to-day management of Brighten Academy's financial operations, including budgeting, payroll, accounting, procurement, and financial reporting. This position is dedicated exclusively to financial management, ensuring fiscal accuracy, accountability, and strategic oversight of the school's financial health. 

Requirements:
Education: High School Diploma Required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred; degree in Finance,
Accounting, or Business Administration preferred.
Certification: Current CPR Certification required; finance or accounting certification
preferred.
Skills: Strong computer and bookkeeping/recordkeeping skills; proficiency in Excel, accounting software, and payroll systems; ability to maintain strict confidentiality when handling financial, payroll, and personnel information; general knowledge of office equipment; effective verbal and written communication skills; strong organizational and
multitasking skills; and the ability to perform effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.

Essential Duties:

• Manages the day-to-day financial operations of the school, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and board policies.
• Manages and maintains all school bank accounts and related financial records.
• Collaborates with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure revenues are accurately recorded, monthly bank reconciliations are completed, and budget-to-actual variances are analyzed and resolved.
• Partners with the Executive Director and Director of Academics & School Operations to develop, monitor, and manage the annual operating budget.
• Collaborates with the CFO and the Governing Board Finance Committee to support the annual financial audit, tax filings, and IRS Form 990 preparation and submission.
• Oversees accounts payable and accounts receivable functions and coordinates financial documentation for audits and other compliance reviews.
• Administers the school's procurement processes in accordance with board policy, grant requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Administers all payroll functions, including coordinating with the payroll service provider, managing employee timesheets, processing payroll-related documentation, submission of Teacher Retirement System of Georgia documentation, and overseeing the distribution of W-2s and 1099s.
• Maintains financial and payroll records for all personnel in accordance with applicable laws and record retention requirements.
• Administers grant budgets and financial reporting in coordination with the Executive Director, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.
• Tracks fundraising revenues and expenditures by funding source or category and prepares monthly financial reports for school administration and the Governing Board.
• Maintains effective internal financial controls and recommends improvements to financial policies, procedures, and operational efficiencies to safeguard school assets.
• Serves as the staff liaison and financial resource to the Governing Board Finance Committee by preparing reports and providing requested financial information.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of financial, payroll, personnel, and student information in accordance with applicable federal and state privacy laws.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in all aspects of financial management.