School Finance Analyst

Job description

Be the one who makes a difference! At Vertex Education we are a team of high achievers, courageous leaders, and passionate believers in changing lives through education. As a purpose-led education services provider, our mission is destined to benefit many and yet it starts with just one person inspired to work together with us to make a memorable and meaningful difference for our clients, schools, students, and communities. Be the one who makes a difference—with us. The School Finance Analyst plays a key role in supporting the financial health and sustainability of partner schools by providing accurate, timely, and actionable financial information that informs decision-making.This role largely supports Lead Client Managers in overseeing school portfolios, assisting with monthly financial close, reporting, board materials, audit coordination, and compliance activities. Over time, the School Finance Analyst begins to take on greater strategic thought partnership with school leaders, helping them understand financial trends, assess risks, and plan proactively to ensure long-term stability and student success. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: This section describes the essential functions of this role but is not intended to be all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned, as necessary. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Support on 4-5 clients (or fewer, more complex clients/multi-state portfolio). Lead initial work on monthly close – pre-close activities, initial review and analysis of all financial statements, suggested adjustments. Lead development and editing of board presentation in consultation with ACM/CM+; present routine financials at committee or board meeting. Lead completion of all reports and compliance documents, with oversight by ACM/CM+. Serve as primary BCM contact for all audit documents and requests, seeking support when needed. Manage basic day-to-day client requests. Actively contribute to local team (e.g., hiring process, training, culture). KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Previous experience in financial analysis, accounting, or auditing roles, preferably within the education sector or working with charter schools. Understanding of educational finance regulations, funding sources, and compliance requirements applicable to charter schools at the federal, state, and local levels. Strong analytical skills to interpret financial data, conduct variance analysis, and identify trends, patterns, and anomalies in financial statements and reports. Proficiency in using accounting software, ERP systems, and financial management tools commonly used in educational finance, such as QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, or specialized school finance software. Effective verbal and written communication skills to communicate financial information, analysis, and recommendations to clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in financial data analysis, reporting, and documentation, as well as compliance with regulatory requirements and accounting standards. Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced client service environment. Competencies: Ability to perform financial analysis, including budget variance analysis, trend analysis, cash flow analysis, and financial ratio analysis, to assess financial performance and identify areas for improvement. Proficiency in preparing accurate and timely financial reports, statements, and analyses for clients, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and budget reports. Assistance in budget development, monitoring, and analysis, including reviewing budget proposals, tracking budget vs. actual performance, and providing insights and recommendations to clients for budget adjustments. Support for grant management activities, including grant proposal development, budgeting, compliance monitoring, and reporting requirements, to ensure proper utilization of grant funds and compliance with grant terms. Strong customer service orientation with a focus on meeting client needs, addressing inquiries, and providing timely and accurate financial information, analysis, and support. Capacity to analyze complex financial issues, identify root causes, and develop practical solutions or recommendations to address client challenges or concerns. Collaboration with other members of the client management group, accounting team, and firm leadership to coordinate financial activities, share best practices, and support the achievement of client service goals and objectives. Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying informed about changes in educational finance regulations, accounting standards, industry trends, and best practices. Education: Associate degree preferred. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Physical Requirements: Overall, while the physical demands of the role are generally light, maintaining good posture, taking regular breaks, and practicing ergonomic principles can help mitigate the risk of discomfort or strain associated with prolonged periods of sitting and computer use. While the role of School Finance Analyst is predominantly sedentary and office-based, there are still some physical requirements associated with the job: Extended periods of sitting: The School Finance Analyst typically spends much of their workday seated at a desk, working on a computer or reviewing documents. Screen time: The role involves extensive use of computers and other electronic devices, which may require good eyesight and the ability to focus for extended periods. Keyboard and mouse use: Proficiency in typing and using a computer mouse is essential for entering data, generating reports, and navigating payroll and benefits systems. Manual dexterity: The ability to handle paperwork, files, and office equipment such as printers, scanners, and copiers may be necessary. Communication: While not strictly a physical requirement, clear verbal and written communication skills are important for interacting with colleagues, employees, and external contacts. Occasional standing and walking: Although most tasks are performed while seated, there may be occasions when the School Finance Analyst needs to attend meetings, walk to other departments, or participate in training sessions. Be excited to be a part of our team and grow your career with us! ​ Be the one who enables us to positively impact over 258,000 students across multiple states while driving our growth forward so we can enrich even more lives. Be the one who helps us achieve excellence for over 226 schools that we support with academics, finance, technology, human resources, communications, marketing, facilities, construction, and food services. Be the one who is a diverse thinker, a team player, a smart risk taker, an innovator, and a difference maker by encouraging others to climb higher and reach farther to further education. Be yourself surrounded by wonderful people who care about you, value your unique skills, and lift you up. Be supported in your work by caring leaders and team members who want you to succeed. Be empowered to make a difference and climb higher and reach farther to change lives through education. Be well in all aspects of your life from your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing to your finances. Enjoy industry-leading pay, rewards, referral bonuses, with unlimited flexible paid time-off for performance. Be able to care for your health and your family with comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits and invest in your future with 401(k) plans with a 6% employer match on your contributions. Enhance your growth and development with mentoring and money to take training classes. Thrive in a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment where we treat others with fairness and respect, celebrate diversity, and elevate equality and inclusion as an equal opportunity employer. Be the one who makes a difference! With an innovative mind, a hungry heart, and engaging spirit you can change lives through education. Be a part of Vertex Education and let’s make a difference together. Apply Today!