Director of Finance/Accounting

JOB SPECIFICATION

POSITION: Director of Finance/Accounting DEPARTMENT: Finance LOCATION: Dallas, Texas REPORTS TO: Interim CFO FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Full-time

Position Summary The Director of Finance/Accounting serves as a senior financial leader for Great Hearts Texas, responsible for driving the organizations financial strategy, operational rigor, and long-term fiscal sustainability. Reporting to the Interim CFO and partnering closely with the Superintendent and executive leadership, this role plays a critical part in aligning financial planning and resource allocation with the networks academic priorities, growth strategy, and mission.

This position oversees all aspects of financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, compliance, and audit, while ensuring adherence to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Texas Education Agency (TEA) requirements. The Director of Finance/Accounting will lead the development of scalable financial systems, strengthen internal controls, and provide actionable insights to support decision-making across a rapidly growing, multi-campus organization.

This is a high-impact opportunity for a strategic and operational finance leader to build infrastructure, drive accountability, and contribute meaningfully to a mission-driven organization focused on educational excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive financial strategy aligned with organizational goals, academic priorities, and long-term growth plans.
• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on financial planning, risk management, and resource allocation.
• Establish financial policies, procedures, and internal controls that support scalability, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Identify and implement best practices to strengthen financial performance, transparency, and accountability across the organization.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead the development of annual budgets, multi-year financial plans, and long-range forecasting models.
• Oversee financial modeling, cash flow projections, and scenario planning to support strategic initiatives and expansion.
• Provide regular analysis of financial performance, including variance analysis (actuals vs. budget/forecast) and actionable recommendations.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial benchmarks.

Accounting & Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for campuses and the Great Hearts Texas organization.
• Oversee all accounting functions in compliance with GAAP and TEA requirements.
• Direct preparation of required reports, including CAFR and PEIMS-related financial reporting.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure the integrity of financial data and reporting systems.

Compliance & Audit

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Lead coordination of annual financial audits and serve as primary liaison with external auditors.
• Implement audit recommendations and continuously strengthen financial processes and controls.

Grants & Funding Oversight

• Oversee financial management of state and federal grants, including budgeting, tracking, compliance, and reporting.
• Support and/or lead RFP processes related to financial services, vendors, and grant-funded initiatives.
• Ensure accurate accounting and stewardship of restricted funds.

Operational Leadership

• Direct daily operations of the finance and accounting functions, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness.
• Design and maintain an organizational structure that supports current operations and future growth.
• Partner with department leaders and Headmasters to support budget development, financial planning, and resource management at the campus level.

Team Leadership & Development

• Develop and retain a high-performing finance team.
• Provide ongoing coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the finance function.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support financing strategies, including capital projects, construction funding, and debt financing as applicable.
• Continuously assess and improve financial systems, tools, and processes (e.g., Blackbaud, Adaptive).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Competencies, and Strengths This position offers an exceptional opportunity to develop professionally and contribute meaningfully to a unique organization which is changing K-12 education in this country. Great Hearts is seeking people who are passionate and committed to K-12 education reform. Similarly, experience working within a high-growth, geographically-dispersed, multi-unit operating environment is also a plus.

• Ten (10) plus years of experience in a mid-to-senior level finance or accounting position, and a CPA (preferred).
• Bachelors degree in finance, accounting or business with strong accounting experience (masters Degree preferred).
• Knowledge of finance, accounting and budgeting principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations, familiarity with Texas Education Agency financial requirements, preferred.
• Knowledge of automated financial and accounting reporting systems (Blackbaud, Adaptive preferred).
• Ability to analyze financial data and prepare financial reports, statements and projections.
• Extensive knowledge of short- and long-term budgeting, forecasting, financial projections.
• Working knowledge of construction accounting.
• Experience in financing construction projects via banks, private lenders or public bond market.
• Commitment to the organizations mission and values.
• Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes and simultaneously manage several projects.
• Collaborative approach to problem solving and the ability to work effectively with individuals on all levels (internally and externally).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Non-profit or education-related experience preferred.
• Strong PC skills including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) fingerprint background check.
• Ability to perform physical functions including sitting, standing, and light lifting (up to ~15 pounds).
• Travel to campuses across Texas as needed; occasional out-of-state travel may be required.

This description reflects managements assignment of essential functions; it does not exclude or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Great Hearts Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.