SY 25-26 Network Controller

MESA Links is a growing network of high-performing charter schools serving the diverse communities of Brooklyn. Our flagship campus, Math, Engineering, and Science Academy (MESA) Charter High School, opened its doors in Bushwick in August 2013 and now serves 500 students in grades 9–12. Since graduating our first class of seniors in 2017, MESA Bushwick has maintained a 94% cumulative graduation rate, reflecting our students' strong commitment to academic success.

Building on the success of our flagship school, MESA Links is expanding to meet the growing demand for high-quality education in Brooklyn and is projected to double in size over the next 5 years:

• MESA South Brooklyn launched this year with its inaugural 9th grade class of 130 students, offering a rigorous college-preparatory program that mirrors the excellence of our flagship campus.
• MESA East New York currently serves 50 students in 7th and 8th grades and will launch its high school campus in SY 26-27.
• Our MESA Alumni Lab supports 125 young adults (ages 18–24) from across NYC, helping them re-engage with their education and career pathways through small-group workshops and interventions.

To support this expansion, we are seeking a Network Controller to lead and build out the financial operations of our organization. "As the lead financial officer of the organization, the Controller holds ultimate responsibility for its financial health and performance. This role also involves managing multiple legal entities, strategically planning for their individual growth and success, as well as ensuring their collective financial well-being." The Controller will report directly to MESA’s Executive Director and serve as a core member of the senior leadership team. As the network grows, there is an opportunity for this person to become MESA’s first CFO. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining financial systems, overseeing compliance, managing audits, and supporting strategic financial planning. The Controller will work closely with Charter School Business Management (CSBM), school leaders, and network leadership to ensure sound financial health, transparency, and operational excellence as we grow.

Job Responsibilities

Financial Strategy & Planning

• Develop and maintain multi-year financial models and forecasts to support the network’s long-term sustainability and strategic growth.
• Ensure effective stewardship of resources to support the student and academic outcomes.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to inform key decisions, including expansion, staffing, and capital investments.

Budget Development & Management

• Lead the annual budgeting process for both the network and individual schools, ensuring alignment with funding allocations, programmatic needs, and compliance requirements.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance on a monthly basis, proactively identifying , correcting, and addressing variances.
• Manage cash and philanthropic grants.

Accounting Operations & Internal Controls

• Manage accounting policies, internal controls, and procedures that ensure accurate financial reporting and safeguard organizational assets. Ensure that organization’s FPP manual is followed to fidelity
• Work with CSBM to oversee day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, bank reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance.
• Ensure timely month-end and year-end closings in accordance with GAAP and applicable nonprofit standards.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for internal and external stakeholders.
• Present financial reports in clear, accessible language to school leadership, board of directors, and finance committees.
• Analyze financial trends and performance to support strategic decision-making.

Compliance & Audit Readiness

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations, including those specific to charter schools and nonprofit organizations.
• Lead and manage the annual financial audit process for all entities within organization, including coordination with external auditors and preparation of required documentation.
• Manage/ oversee the merger of legal entities to meet necessary financial compliance requirements
• Maintain documentation and internal systems to support ongoing compliance and reporting obligations.

Partnership & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison to external financial services providers, including back-office partners (e.g., CSBM), banks, auditors, and government agencies.
• Collaborate with school operations teams to ensure cohesive and efficient financial processes across the network.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or MBA preferred
• Skilled with both Intacct and QuickBooks online
• 10 years of progressive experience in accounting or financial management, preferably in education or nonprofit sectors
• Strong experience managing audits and regulatory compliance
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences
• Proficiency in Excel and accounting systems; knowledge of charter school financial practices a plus
• Deep sense of personal accountability and willingness to foster accountability in others.
• Strong ability to communicate and develop relationships.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across multiple campuses and teams.
• Belief in and alignment with MESA’s core beliefs and educational philosophy.

Salary: $160,000- $180,000

To apply: Please email your resume and cover letter explaining specifically why you would be a good fit for MESA to Arthur Samuels, Executive Director, at hiring@mesacharter.org with the subject heading “Network Controller.” APPLY BY EMAIL ONLY. Due to the nature of the position and the volume of applications received, MESA will not be able to reply to all submissions. MESA will contact candidates with next steps.

MESA is committed to attracting, hiring and retaining a diverse and inclusive staff. It is MESA’s policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,

age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.