Director of Finance

At Jowonio School, we believe children of all abilities deserve to learn and grow together in an inclusive, supportive environment. For over 50 years, Jowonio has been a leader in inclusive education and developmental support services in Central New York.

We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and mission-driven Director of Finance to oversee the School’s financial operations and support the long-term financial health of our organization.

This is a key leadership role that works closely with the Executive Director, leadership team, Board of Directors, and external partners to ensure strong fiscal stewardship across a complex nonprofit educational environment.

Position Details

• Full-time, exempt position
• Monday-Friday | 8:30 AM-4:00 PM
• Reports to the Executive Director
• Supervises one Accounting Associate

Transition Timeline

This position is expected to begin in September 2026 as part of a planned leadership transition. The selected candidate will work alongside the current Finance Director during a structured onboarding and knowledge-transfer period through the end of 2026.

To support a successful transition, the position will initially begin at approximately 50% FTE, with hours gradually increasing over the course of the transition period as responsibilities shift to the new Director of Finance. The role is expected to transition into a full-time schedule in December 2026.

This phased approach is intended to provide meaningful training, continuity, and support as the new Director assumes responsibility for the School’s financial operations, audit processes, and annual Consolidated Fiscal Report (CFR).

What You’ll Do

The Director of Finance oversees all financial operations of the School, including:

• Financial management and accounting operations
• Budget development and financial forecasting
• Payroll oversight and benefits-related financial administration
• Government billing and reimbursement management
• Grant financial management and reporting
• Board financial reporting and audit coordination
• Consolidated Fiscal Report (CFR) preparation and submission
• Oversight of Friends of Jowonio financial activities

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture financial strategy with hands-on operational work in a collaborative nonprofit setting.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Financial Operations

Oversee and manage the School’s day-to-day fiscal operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts and disbursements, banking, and cash flow management.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing all School bank accounts, including those held with KeyBank, Fidelity Investments, PayPal, Stripe, and Auctria
• Performing monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts, including accounts associated with Friends of Jowonio
• Monitoring cash flow and transferring funds between accounts as necessary
• Maintaining the School’s bookkeeping software system, including the chart of accounts
• Preparing and/or reviewing all journal entries and financial transactions

Budget Development and Management

Develop and oversee the School’s annual financial planning process.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing the School’s Summer, School Year, and Composite Fiscal Year budgets for review and approval by the Board of Directors
• Collaborating with School leadership to develop budgets for programs and grants including UPK, OPWDD, and other funding opportunities
• Monitoring expenditures against approved budgets
• Providing ongoing budget-to-actual financial reports to the Board of Directors and external funders as requested

Billing and Revenue Management

Oversee billing operations and ensure accuracy in government reimbursements and program revenue.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervising billing for government receivables including reimbursements from counties for SCIS, SEIT, and related services
• Managing Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) billing through the Syracuse City School District
• Overseeing Section 611 and 619 program billing for school districts with students attending Jowonio
• Managing DSS billing for children receiving subsidy payments
• Overseeing billing for the OPWDD Family Support Services Grant
• Ensuring billing rates, child program assignments, service prescriptions, and attendance records are accurate and current
• Reconciling payments received and balances due
• Monitoring family tuition payments and reconciling records between the General Ledger, School Cues, Stripe, and internal tuition logs
• Following up on delinquent accounts as needed

Payroll Administration

Oversee payroll processing and benefits-related financial activities for approximately 100 employees.

Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing bi-weekly payroll in coordination with the Executive Director, Director of Human Resources, and administrative staff
• Ensuring accuracy of pay rates, position assignments, and effort allocations
• Assisting with entry of benefits deductions in Paycom payroll records
• Allocating payroll expenses to appropriate programs for budget monitoring and year-end reporting
• Managing payment of benefit plan invoices including health insurance, dental insurance, workers’ compensation, disability insurance, paid family leave, life insurance, Aflac, and retirement plans

Serve as Plan Administrator for the School’s 401(k) plan, including:

• Ensuring timely deposits of employee contributions and employer match
• Preparing annual census data
• Coordinating required reporting including Form 5500

Responsible for reconciliation and invoicing of Friends of Jowonio payroll and benefits on a monthly basis.

Grants Management

Oversee fiscal administration of grant-funded programs including OPWDD Family Support Services, Universal Pre-Kindergarten, and Section 611/619 grants.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing grant budgets and required documentation
• Monitoring expenditures and compliance with funding requirements
• Processing grant invoicing and reporting
• Completing required fiscal reports including the OPWDD mini-abbreviated Consolidated Fiscal Report (CFR)

Insurance and Contract Administration

Provide financial information required for insurance and contract renewals and maintain certificates of insurance for funders and partners.

Board and Financial Reporting

Provide financial analysis and reporting to the School’s Board of Directors.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing monthly cash flow reports
• Providing quarterly budget updates to the Board Finance Committee
• Reporting projected revenue shortfalls or other financial risks
• Providing detailed financial information including payroll data, expenditures, and operational costs to Board committees
• Supplying bank reconciliations and journal entries for review by the Board Treasurer

Friends of Jowonio Financial Management

Provide financial oversight and accounting support for Friends of Jowonio, including:

• Monitoring revenues and expenditures
• Performing monthly bank reconciliations
• Preparing journal entries and inter-agency adjustments
• Supporting financial reporting and audit preparation

Annual Audit Coordination

Work closely with the School’s independent auditors to support the annual audit process.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing financial documentation and worksheets
• Providing requested financial records and supporting documentation
• Coordinating final adjusting journal entries with auditors

Consolidated Fiscal Report (CFR)

Prepare and submit the School’s annual Consolidated Fiscal Report to the New York State Education Department Rate Setting Unit by the required deadline.

Responsibilities include:

• Allocating expenses and revenues to appropriate SED programs
• Reporting classroom configurations and staffing levels by program
• Allocating building expenses across programs
• Reporting therapy staff productivity metrics
• Analyzing and explaining any variances between the CFR and the School’s audited financial statements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required
• Master’s degree, CPA, or equivalent advanced certification preferred
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible financial management experience
• Experience in nonprofit accounting and financial reporting strongly preferred
• Experience with budget development and management required
• Experience managing government funding, grants, or education-related programs preferred
• Experience working with boards of directors and finance committees preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles and financial management practices
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local funding requirements for education or nonprofit organizations
• Experience with budgeting, financial forecasting, and financial reporting
• Knowledge of payroll administration and employee benefit plans
• Experience with accounting software and financial management systems
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to leadership and board members
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment

Why Join Jowonio?

Jowonio offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside a dedicated and compassionate team. We value collaboration, inclusion, and community, and we are proud of the supportive culture we have built for both staff and families.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Jowonio School is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Apply today to join a mission-driven organization making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families throughout Central New York.

Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $90,000 - $110,000