Finance Analyst

Why Vista?

Vista College Prep empowers all children to aim higher and go further by providing them with access to a top quality education that prepares them for competitive high schools, colleges, and the world beyond.  At Vista, we blend excellence, joy, community, and transparency to create a unique educational experience. We cultivate an environment where children love to learn together, teachers love teaching, and leaders love leading.

As a team at Vista, we are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. We are especially committed to attracting and developing individuals who share the life experiences of our students because we believe the best work we do is grounded in the realities and experiences of our students and families.  We believe that diversity is crucial for effecting lasting change, is one of our greatest strengths, and is a critical element of reaching the full potential of our team and community.   Join us!

ROLE MISSION 

The Finance Analyst supports budgeting, forecasting, compliance reporting, and day-to-day financial operations. In this role, you will work closely with the Finance Team, principals, assistant principals, department managers, and other internal and external stakeholders to support finance-related processes in alignment with Vista’s goals and compliance requirements. This role is built for a self-starter who can work independently, take ownership of recurring duties and deadlines, and communicate proactively. This role reports to the Director of Finance. 

YOUR IMPACT 

Budget Management 

• Facilitate the annual budget planning process by distributing templates to budget owners, providing support, and entering approved allocations into the budget system. 

• Monitor expenditures against budget allocations and meet monthly with budget owners to help them manage spending effectively. 

• Maintain approved budgets in the budget system throughout the year, reallocating expenses as needed. 

• Configure and optimize the budget system to give users access to automated, up-to-date financial reports and dashboards. 

• Administer the budget system, including maintaining user accounts, training staff, and working with the software vendor to resolve issues. 

Financial Operations 

• Support accounts payable by reviewing and approving invoices, and credit card expenses, ensuring each is within budget, properly coded, and compliant with procurement policies. 

• Manage and reconcile the open purchase order list each month, including working with budget owners to close POs or match them to invoices. 

• Prepare and submit recurring quarterly invoices to external organizations. 

• Assist with gathering documentation and compiling data for audits, board meetings, and external stakeholders.  

Forecasting & Financial Analysis 

• Update Vista’s financial forecast and long-term financial model each month and prepare updates for finance leadership. 

• Prepare monthly cost analyses for high-spend areas such as health claims, nutrition programs, payroll, and student transportation. 

• Prepare ad-hoc financial analysis as needed to support operational decision-making and overall financial sustainability. 

Compliance & Reporting 

• Draft quarterly and annual compliance reports for Vista’s bond and financing obligations, including submissions for bond trustees, state financing authorities, facilities lenders, and rating agencies. 

Additional Responsibilities 

• Participate in weekly check-ins with the Director of Finance, including providing updates on budget status, regular duties, and current projects. 

• Attend Finance Team, Finance Committee, and vendor meetings, sharing information and raising questions or concerns as needed. 

• Assist with special projects or temporary assignments to support the Network Team. 

Compensation: In recognition of our team members’ impact, Vista offers a comprehensive, flexible, and competitive compensation package to support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families.

• Competitive base salaries reflective of our local market plus candidate experience and education level
• Robust healthcare plans for full-time staff, with health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance plans at very low cost in monthly premiums and $0 copays, plus confidential, 24/7, no-cost mental health resources and a healthcare concierge service to support your overall experience using your plans
• Retirement benefits through a 401k with John Hancock and up to a 3% employer match
• 12 days of PTO, parental leave, and a school calendar with paid holidays and Wellness Fridays built in strategically to support the sustainability of our work
• All the tools needed to succeed, including all curricular materials, quality professional development, classroom supplies, laptop computers for staff and 1:1 devices for students
• Opportunities for leadership, growth, and advancement on our team

Required 

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of finance experience focused on budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and reporting 

• Self-starter who can work independently, manage recurring deadlines, and take ownership of tasks 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets to support model building and maintenance 

• High attention to detail and excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills 

• Valid Arizona IVP fingerprint clearance card 

• Commitment to Vista’s mission and vision 

Preferred 

• Experience in school finance or working in a school environment 

• Experience using Sage Intacct, Edstruments, or other accounting and budgeting systems 

• Knowledge of AI platforms such as Claude and ChatGPT 

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000