KIPP — the largest nonprofit network of college-preparatory, public charter schools in the nation—has demonstrated, at scale, that all children have the potential to excel academically regardless of race or zip code. KIPP currently serves over 120,000 students in 275 schools nationwide, including Indianapolis. KIPP Indy Public Schools (KIPP Indy) was founded in 2004 with one class of fifth-grade students and has grown to serve 1,500 students across four schools. Of the students that attend KIPP Indy, 98% qualify for free and reduced lunch, 92% are African American or LatinX, 13% receive special education services, and 18% are designated as Multilingual Learners. As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: to create joyful, academically excellent schools in which teachers, students, and families are all united around the same goal of preparing students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose —college, career, and beyond— so they can lead fulfilling lives and create a more just world.
Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW
KIPP Indy Public Schools seeks a strategic, detail-oriented, and mission-driven Senior Director of Business Operations to oversee the financial health and stewardship of the organization. This leader will manage accounting operations, budgeting, compliance, reporting, grants oversight, and internal controls across the network.
Reporting to executive leadership, this role serves as a key financial partner to the leadership team and Board Finance Committee, ensuring strong financial management in support of KIPP Indy’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Responsibilities
Financial Management & Accounting
- Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and cash management.
- Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
- Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.
- Maintain and continuously improve financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard organizational assets.
- Manage banking relationships and monitor cash flow to ensure operational stability.
- Review and approve weekly accounts payable and voucher lists to ensure accuracy and compliance with internal controls.
- Collaborate with Talent/HR leadership to support payroll processing, benefits-related financial reporting, and compensation analysis as needed.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis
- Oversee business operations to ensure compliance with internal controls and federal grant requirements
- Lead region-wide strategy and planning associated with capital purchasing
- Serve on board finance committee and collaborate with COO and ED to prepare board materials
- Collaborate with regional operations team on compliance and reporting requirements
- Review and approve weekly vouchers and AP lists
- Serve as the regional team budget manager, monitoring monthly budget reports to hit annual targets
- Participate in monthly budget meetings with school teams to advise, support annual planning, and provide feedback on day-to-day financial operations
- Lead the annual operating and capital budget process in partnership with executive leadership.
- Monitor budget-to-actual performance and provide variance analysis with clear recommendations for action.
- Develop cash flow forecasts and multi-year financial projections aligned to enrollment, staffing, grants, and strategic initiatives.
- Partner with DSOs during monthly budget meetings to monitor spending, analyze trends, and support responsible financial decision-making at the campus level.
- Support preparation of financial reports for executive leadership and the Board Finance Committee in collaboration with senior leadership.
- Collaborate with COO and ED on employee benefits and compensation strategy
Grants, Funding & Compliance
- Oversee financial management of federal, state, and philanthropic grants, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and reporting obligations.
- Monitor restricted funds to ensure expenditures align with donor and grantor intent.
- Coordinate and support the annual external audit process, including preparation of documentation and auditor communication.
- Support preparation of Form 990 and other required regulatory filings.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local nonprofit and charter school regulations.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and authorizer financial reporting requirements, maintaining documentation and controls to support audits and monitoring visits.
- Oversee financial tracking and reporting of federal and state grants to ensure alignment with approved budgets and regulatory requirements.
Strategic Leadership & Stakeholder Partnership
- Serve as a financial thought partner to executive leadership on staffing models, enrollment planning, compensation structures, and long-term sustainability.
- Translate complex financial data into clear, concise information for non-financial stakeholders.
- Support strategic planning through financial modeling and scenario analysis.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with auditors, banks, grantors, and external partners.
COMPETENCIES
- Financial Judgment & Sound Decision-Making: Uses data, experience, and professional standards to make thoughtful financial recommendations.
- Clear & Effective Communication: Translates complex financial information into clear, practical guidance for non-financial stakeholders.
- Detail Orientation & Accuracy: Maintains high standards of precision and reliability in financial reporting and compliance.
- Accountability & Professional Integrity: Operates with transparency, discretion, and strong ethical standards.
- Relationship-Building: Develops trust-based partnerships across schools, leadership teams, and external stakeholders.
- Adaptability & Initiative: Navigates changing priorities in a dynamic school environment with proactive problem-solving.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 5–7+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience (adjustable based on leveling)
- Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, GAAP, and fund accounting
- Demonstrated experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
- Experience leading or supporting annual audits
- Proficiency in accounting systems and advanced Excel skills
- Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail
- Effective communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders
- Commitment to educational equity and the mission of KIPP Indy
Preferred:
- CPA or MBA
- Experience in charter schools, public education finance, or nonprofit K–12 organizations
- Familiarity with Indiana Department of Education reporting requirements
- Experience supervising finance staff
Additional Information
The salary for this position is $80,000
Salary is commensurate with experience and includes a highly competitive benefits package. Opportunities for performance-based bonuses are also available.
KIPP Indy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
