Director of Finance

Director of Finance Position Description

The Director of Finance provides leadership and oversight for all financial functions of the Collaborative including budget development and management financial forecasting planning analysis and accounting operations. Reporting to the Executive Director this role serves as a strategic partner offering expert guidance and insight to support organizational decision-making and align financial strategy with mission-driven priorities.

The Director leads and develops Business Office personnel across Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable and Medicaid Billing fostering a high-performing service-oriented culture grounded in accountability clear communication and continuous improvement. This role ensures compliance with contracts grants and accounting best practices while establishing and maintaining effective systems and internal controls across all financial collaboration with the Director of Human Resources the Director also oversees payroll controls to ensure the accurate efficient and compliant administration of employee compensation.

Through a balance of strategic leadership and hands-on management the Director of Finance advances a culture of collaboration fiscal responsibility and continuous improvement across the organization.

Reports to: Executive Director

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and an active member of the Leadership Team shaping organizational priorities and aligning financial strategy with long-term goals.
• Lead financial aspects of strategic planning including forecasting sustainability modeling and scenario analysis while identifying opportunities for revenue growth cost efficiency and operational effectiveness.
• Foster a culture of collaboration accountability and transparency by building strong relationships and communicating financial insights clearly across the organization including in support of collective bargaining and labor strategy.

Financial Leadership & Oversight

• Provide forward-looking financial leadership to ensure organizational sustainability adaptability and strong fiscal performance including oversight of financial strategy policy and risk management.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and oversee long-term financial planning including multi-year projections and capital planning.
• Ensure timely accurate and transparent financial reporting translating complex financial and enrollment data into actionable insights for leadership the Board and other stakeholders while overseeing cash flow and financial performance.

Operations Compliance & Systems

• Oversee all financial operations including accounting billing and payroll coordination ensuring effective systems strong internal controls and compliance with applicable regulations and best practices.
• Lead audit and grant management processes and maintain systems for contract management documentation and record retention driving continuous improvement in efficiency accuracy and scalability.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead mentor and develop Business Office staff fostering a cohesive high-performing and service-oriented team culture grounded in accountability and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear expectations and support professional growth while strengthening cross-functional collaboration and maintaining team effectiveness during high-demand periods.

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend and contribute to all Board of Directors and relevant subcommittee meetings.
• Engage in ongoing professional development including participation in MASBO and other relevant organizations.
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws regulations and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

Required Experience & Education

• Massachusetts licensure as a School Business Administrator (or eligibility for licensure).
• Bachelors degree required; Masters degree in business administration finance accounting or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 57 years of progressive leadership experience in financial management preferably in the public sector and human services; experience in an educational collaborative preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in governmental or fund accounting.
• Experience leading budgeting forecasting and financial planning processes.

Leadership Competencies & Skills

• Proven experience as a strategic partner to executive leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams and build strong organizational culture.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate financial data into clear compelling narratives.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders.
• High level of emotional intelligence sound judgment and integrity.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Expertise in Microsoft Excel and financial systems.
• Experience with labor relations and collective bargaining (preferred).
• Experience with Infinite Visions (School ERP) and Harpers Payroll System (preferred).
• Familiarity with MA Public Procurement regulations required.
• Commitment to diversity equity and inclusion in organizational practices and culture.

Required Experience:

Director