CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School | Newark, NJ

REQUISITION ID: 330

THE OPPORTUNITY

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (GOLCS) is seeking a seasoned Chief Financial Officer to strengthen the financial foundation of an established, high-performing ~$55M PK-12 charter network serving approximately 2,200 students across six campuses in Newark (approaching ~$60M by FY2028). Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a core member of the senior leadership team (G2), the CFO will own financial strategy, systems, and controls for the network as GOLCS's strategic planning process defines its next chapter — one focused on operational discipline, financial rigor, and durable institutional strength rather than rapid expansion.

This is not a build-from-scratch or high-growth mandate. GOLCS's enrollment and campus footprint are largely stable, and near-term growth is likely to be modest and deliberate rather than aggressive. The right leader is one who brings the experience and judgment to make steady, compounding improvements to an existing finance function — tightening systems, deepening controls, and building trust with the Board and school leaders one solid quarter at a time.

Who Thrives in This Role

A steady, methodical operator who is energized by incremental, compounding improvement — not someone who needs a blank slate or high ambiguity to stay engaged.
Someone with the seniority and judgment to set strategy, but who is also willing to be close to the details in a lean finance function while systems and team capacity are built out.
A leader who reads as calm and trustworthy to a Board and CEO managing a mature organization, not a builder looking for their next high-growth platform.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership

Serve as chief financial strategist and thought partner to the CEO, senior leadership team (G2), Board, and school leaders on all financial matters.
Own budgeting, forecasting, long-term financial planning, risk management, capital planning, financial reporting and analysis, accounting, cash flow planning, and grants management.
In partnership with the CEO, G2, and Board, translate GOLCS's strategic plan into a multi-year financial model and set targets that ensure sustained financial health — with a focus on strengthening what exists rather than scaling headcount or campus count.
Serve as the primary interface to the Board of Directors; lead the Board Finance Committee and deliver timely, accurate financial reporting for monthly Board meetings.

Financial Management

Lead and continuously improve the annual budgeting process across schools and the network office; build the financial acumen of budget owners and hold them accountable to it.
Produce clear, decision-useful financial reporting for the Board and G2.
Oversee accounting operations, ensuring GAAP/GASB compliance and clean, on-time annual audits.
Establish and maintain sound financial policies, procedures, and internal controls across the network.
Oversee risk management and proactively identify and address risks that may impact the network.
Manage and ensure compliance with lenders for all debt obligations, including with related entities; develop a long-term strategy for managing debt and optimizing overall cost of capital to maximize funds available for instruction.

Operational Strategy

Identify and implement systems, policy, and technology improvements that increase efficiency and control across the network — in procurement, campus-level financial planning, and cost management.
Build a network-wide culture of financial rigor, transparency, and accountability.
Oversee real estate strategy, facility financing, and major construction and renovation projects; manage consultants, attorneys, lenders, and other partners to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
Support compliance and reporting on enrollment with a focus on accurate revenue projections.

Team & Vendor Leadership

Directly manage and develop the finance team (currently the Managing Director of Finance, Controller, and Accounts Payable), while also owning a broader web of external relationships that carry real financial and compliance weight: the network's School Business Administrator (SBO) function, auditors, banking and lending partners, insurance broker, and real estate/legal counsel.
Because the internal team is lean relative to a $55M budget, this role requires a leader comfortable operating close to the details — reviewing reconciliations, vetting vendor contracts, and personally owning execution — while systems and capacity are strengthened over time, not just directing from above.
Build a finance function known internally for rigor and a strong service orientation toward schools and staff.
Ensure the team's work reflects GOLCS's mission, vision, and values, including The Griffin Way.

QUALIFICATIONS

A genuine commitment to GOLCS's mission of preparing Newark's students for success in college and beyond.
A demonstrated track record of financial leadership at a nonprofit or educational organization is strongly preferred; we will also consider exceptional finance leaders from other sectors who show clear, credible mission alignment. Years of tenure matter less than a proven record of judgment, rigor, and follow-through at this level.
A track record of steady, methodical improvement in a finance function — tightening controls, closing gaps, and building trust over time — rather than building something new from a blank slate.
A track record of leading and developing finance teams, with strong people-management and coaching skills.
Demonstrated success as a strategic partner to a CEO/ED and Board — translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insight.
Comfortable being hands-on with detail (reviewing reconciliations, vendor contracts, and reporting directly) in a lean team, not solely a high-level strategist.
Bachelor's degree required; CPA and/or MBA strongly preferred. NJ School Business Administrator (SBA) licensure a plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Tax-exempt student loan and tuition reimbursement.
Professional development reimbursement aligned to role.
Wellness reimbursements (gym, spa, and more).
Confidential counseling services for staff and dependents via a top-rated therapy app.
Pre-tax state pension plan, plus optional voluntary retirement plans.
Pre-tax dependent care, health, and transit flexible spending accounts.
Health screening and telemedicine access via VitalCheck Wellness.

ABOUT GREAT OAKS LEGACY CHARTER SCHOOL

Great Oaks Legacy Charter School is a high-performing, innovative PK-12 charter public school network serving approximately 2,200 students across six campuses in Newark, NJ. Our mission is to prepare Newark's students for success in college and beyond. GOLCS's historical college matriculation rate is 79% — nearly double the national average for economically underrepresented students.

Our model is guided by three principles:

Creating a community built on genuine, meaningful relationships.
Being surgical in how we differentiate instruction and support for every student and team member.
Setting and exceeding high expectations for academic growth and character development, in preparation for college and beyond.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY

GOLCS is committed to building a team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We believe racial justice and equity are central to our mission, and we strive to be an organization that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive at every level.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

Great Oaks Legacy provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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Chief Financial Officer