Director of Finance and Compliance

The Director of Finance and Compliance (DFC) is the primary steward of Meridian Public Charter School’s financial health and regulatory standing. This role is responsible for the strategic oversight of all fiscal functions—ranging from multi-million dollar budgeting to granular payroll execution—while ensuring the school remains in "good standing" with all District and Federal oversight bodies.

You will lead a team dedicated to transparency, accuracy, and the ethical management of public funds, ensuring that every dollar spent directly supports the academic mission of the school.

The DFC will supervise a team of operations staff that consists of a Coordinator, a Specialist, and other operational support staff. This role will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will serve as a part of the Operations Leadership Team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Fiscal Leadership & School Finance

• Oversee all Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), and Procurement processes, ensuring competitive bidding and procurement compliance.
• Support the development of the annual operating budget in collaboration with school leadership and the financial accounting firm.
• Work with the financial accounting firm to provide monthly financial reporting and variance analysis to the COO.
• Manage grants spending from a fiscal perspective (Title I-IV, IDEA, ESSER), ensuring all expenditures are allowable and properly documented.

Payroll & Benefits Management

• Supervise the end-to-end payroll process for all staff, ensuring 100% accuracy and timeliness.
• Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance and the 403(b) retirement plan.
• In collaboration with the Talent Team, manage the annual open enrollment process and serve as the point of contact for benefits-related fiscal inquiries.

Compliance & National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

• Act as the school’s Compliance Officer for all OSSE (Office of the State Superintendent of Education) and DC PCSB (Public Charter School Board) fiscal requirements.
• Oversee the financial and administrative side of the National School Lunch Program, ensuring meal counts, claims, and reimbursement processes meet federal standards.
• Ensure all school operations align with District of Columbia municipal regulations.

Audit Management & Risk

• Lead the preparation for the Annual External Financial Audit.
• Manage specialized audits, including Retirement Plan audits, Workers’ Compensation audits, and OSSE Monitoring visits.
• Maintain internal control environments to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.

Technology, IT Strategy, Asset Management, and Inventory Control

• Oversee the school’s to ensure network stability, cybersecurity, and technical support for staff and students.
• Develop a multi-year for the replacement of laptops, interactive whiteboards, and server infrastructure.
• Ensure all software licensing is compliant and cost-effective.
• Maintain the master for all school-owned property (furniture, technology, lab equipment, etc.).
• Implement rigorous check-in/check-out procedures for student 1:1 device programs.
• Lead the annual to reconcile physical assets with financial records, ensuring compliance with federal "Uniform Guidance" for equipment purchased with grant funds.​​​​​​

Perform all other duties as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer or his/her/their designee.

QUALIFICATIONS
Ideal candidates will have the following education and experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration strongly preferred. CPA or MBA preferred.
• Experience: 7 years of progressive financial management; at least 5 years in a non-profit or charter school environment (LEA experience highly valued). Knowledge of the DC Charter Schools landscape is important.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in accounting software (ie. QuickBooks), ADP HRIS system, asset management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to read graphs, charts, and dashboards that report operational data
• Leadership: Proven track record of managing diverse teams and complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; bilingual (English/Spanish preferred, but not required) is a significant plus given the DC community context.
• Must be flexible, given the ongoing needs of the organization as it relates to scheduling and collaboration with various stakeholders

Core Competencies:

• Collaboration and Influence: Builds strong relationships across levels; effectively communicates and influences outcomes.
• Equity Lens in Education: Demonstrates cultural competence and a commitment to equity-centered practices
• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks feedback, identifies opportunities for innovation, and adapts practices based on evolving needs.

Pay: $102,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $102,000 - $115,000