Business Manager, Alma del Mar Charter School

LocationRemote, with periodic on-site work in New Bedford, MA (approximately 1-3 times per month)Expectation: Candidates should be within a reasonable commuting distanceAbout AlmaAlma del Mar is a K–8 charter school whose mission is to put every one of our scholars on the path to college and to challenge them to be service-minded leaders. We do this by immersing our scholars in a highly demanding, highly supportive environment where they receive a content-rich education. As an Expeditionary Learning school, Alma brings to life a three dimensional vision of student achievement that includes mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high-quality student work.We're located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a beautiful coastal city known for its history as the heart of the whaling industry and as a central hub of the abolitionist movement.Alma gets results for kids. Alma scholars not only outperform their district peers on MCAS, they often outperform their peers in the surrounding suburbs. In some areas, our scholar achievement now matches some of the highest performing schools in the Commonwealth. We have been nationally recognized for our work with English Language Learners.The Business Manager RoleThe Business Manager serves as a financial partner to organizational leadership and ensures strong financial management at Alma in service of its mission. The Business Manager is a key member of the Network Operations team, reporting directly to the Director of Network Operations and working closely with the Bookkeeper, Director of Human Resources, and the Director of Finance (contractor).Primary ResponsibilitiesFinancial Management & AccountingOversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and cash managementEnsure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes, reconciliations, and supporting documentationPrepare and review financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standardsMaintain and continuously improve financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard organizational assetsManage banking relationships and monitor cash flow to ensure operational stabilityCollaborate with Talent/HR leadership to support payroll processing, benefits-related financial reporting, and compensation decisions as neededBudgeting, Forecasting & Financial AnalysisOversee business operations to ensure compliance with internal controls and federal grant requirementsLead region-wide strategy and planning associated with capital purchasingServe on board finance committee and collaborate with Director of Finance contractor and Executive Director to prepare board materialsCollaborate with operations team on compliance and reporting requirementsServe as the regional team budget manager, monitoring monthly budget reports to hit annual targetsParticipate in monthly budget meetings with school teams to advise, support annual planning, and provide feedback on day-to-day financial operationsLead the annual operating and capital budget process in partnership with executive leadershipMonitor budget-to-actual performance and provide variance analysis with clear recommendations for actionDevelop cash flow forecasts and multi-year financial projections aligned to enrollment, staffing, grants, and strategic initiativesSupport preparation of financial reports for executive leadership and the Board Finance Committee in collaboration with senior leadershipServe as a financial thought partner to executive leadership on staffing models, enrollment planning, compensation structures, and long-term sustainabilityGrants, Funding & ComplianceOversee financial management of federal, state, and philanthropic grants, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and reporting obligationsMonitor restricted funds to ensure expenditures align with donor and grantor intentCoordinate and support the annual external audit process, including preparation of documentation and auditor communicationPrepare Form 990 and other required regulatory filingsEnsure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local nonprofit and charter school regulationsEnsure compliance with federal, state, and authorizer financial reporting requirements, maintaining documentation and controls to support audits and monitoring visitsOversee financial tracking and reporting of federal and state grants to ensure alignment with approved budgets and regulatory requirementsWho We're Looking ForBachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field required; Master's in business, finance, accounting, or public administration and/or CPA is a plus3+ years of professional experience, including experience in charter schools, public education finance, or nonprofit K–12 organizationsStrong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, GAAP, and fund accountingDemonstrated experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and supporting annual auditsProficiency in accounting systems (QuickBooks, Bill.com) and ExcelAuthorization to work in the United States is requiredEnglish proficiency is requiredMultilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply, especially those with proficiency in Spanish. Fluency in Portuguese or Cape Verdean Creole is also an assetCore CompetenciesFinancial judgment and sound decision-making: uses data, experience, and professional standards to make thoughtful financial recommendationsClear and effective communicationDetail orientation and accuracy: maintains high standards of precision and reliability in financial reporting and complianceAccountability and professional integrity: operates with discretion and strong ethical standardsRelationship-building: develops trust-based partnerships across teams and stakeholdersAdaptability and initiative: navigates changing priorities with proactive problem-solvingWhat You Can ExpectComprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance and retirementSalary based on experience, starting in the range of $80,000–$90,000On-site position; candidates should be able to commute to New Bedford, MA dailyWeekly meetings with a manager who supports youFriendly, supportive, #almazing colleaguesCompensation: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package.EOO: Alma del Mar is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. People from all backgrounds and identities are encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus.