Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & Controller (School Finance)

Overview

We are seeking a dynamic financial leader who can operate at both the 30,000-foot strategic level and the ground-level detail of financial execution. As CFO & Controller, this individual will provide vision, strategy, and high-level financial leadership while also rolling up their sleeves to manage core accounting and compliance functions. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, thrives in a fast-moving startup-style environment, and brings deep expertise in school finance. This role will work extremely close with the founders and senior leadership team to drive growth, sustainability, and innovation across our charter school network and management company.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Serve as a strategic partner to the executive and senior leadership teams, providing financial insights that shape long-term vision, strategy, and growth.
• Develop and implement financial strategies to support expansion, new partnerships, acquisitions, and revenue diversification
• Monitor state and national education funding trends, legislative changes, and financial opportunities that impact charter schools.

Financial Management & Execution

• Oversee and actively participate in all aspects of financial operations: accounting, reporting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and compliance.
• Design and manage internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Consolidate and analyze financial results for both the management company and individual schools, preparing reports and dashboards for leadership, board members, and regulators.
• Lead audits and required reporting, liaising directly with the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and the State Charter Board.

Growth & Innovation

• Provide financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario planning for growth initiatives and expansion into new markets.
• Identify and implement innovative financial systems and tools that improve efficiency and data accuracy.
• Explore and execute creative approaches to revenue diversification both within and outside Arizona.

Leadership & Culture

• Act as both a strategist and operator—capable of visionary planning and hands-on financial execution.
• Build strong working relationships with school leaders, staff, auditors, and external partners.
• Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and collaboration, recognizing that financial leadership directly impacts students, families, and communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive financial management experience, including leadership roles.
• Proven ability to balance high-level strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Strong background in school finance, charter school funding, or nonprofit finance. (preferred but not required for the right candidate)
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• CPA, CMA, or MBA credential.
• Experience working within a charter school network. (preferred but not required for the right candidate)
• Demonstrated success with entrepreneurial/startup environments.
• Familiarity with Arizona charter school regulations and ADE reporting. (preferred but not required for the right candidate)

Attributes of the Ideal Candidate

• Entrepreneurial & Agile: Innovates and adapts quickly, with a startup mindset.
• Hands-On Leader: Willing to dive into the weeds of accounting while keeping sight of the bigger picture.
• Strategic & Visionary: Balances financial stewardship with long-term mission and growth.
• Culture Builder: Recognizes that numbers serve people, and financial health supports thriving schools.

Compensation details: 100000-125000 Yearly Salary

PI3eab8de6c097-30492-38940863