About the job
Job Type
Full-time
Description
Ascent Classical Academies is a dynamic education company that establishes and operates classical, K-12 charter schools and is engaged in other entrepreneurial initiatives. Our American Classical Education includes, among other things, the study of Latin; a rich examination of American literary, moral, philosophical, political, and historical tradition; and a school culture centered upon moral virtue, respect, discipline, and studiousness among students and faculty alike. Currently, with a workforce of approximately 250 dedicated teachers, gifted administrators, and seasoned professionals, ACA serves over 1,700 children in schools located across Colorado and is in significant expansion to the Carolinas. The organization operates using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a framework for achieving systematic and continuous traction toward the goals and the vision of the business.
To support this robust growth, ACA is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join its leadership team. The CFO serves a unique finance position encompassing aspects of both a controller and a strategic leader, responsible for the financial operation of ACA as well as the financial operations of ACA’s contracted entities. As such, the CFO must ensure that the financial policies, procedures, activities, and obligations are continuously improved and executed through FASB or GASB Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, depending on the entity in question.
The CFO actively participates as a leader in the entrepreneurial, dynamic environment of ACA. As a member of ACA’s leadership, he or she enthusiastically seeks out and engages in opportunities to collaborate, strategize, network, and connect with current and potential stakeholders at all levels for the purpose of strengthening current ACA internal and external relationships and opening prospects for future ACA endeavors. The CFO balances flexibility and innovation with discernment and consistency while staying faithfully committed to the mission and vision of ACA, as well as financial laws, guidance, and best practices.
The CFO is responsible for developing, managing, and leveraging available human capital in order to measurably and successfully execute all elements of ACA’s financial operations and, where appropriate, its contracted entities’ operations, as well as all other financial related items as they are identified.
As a member of the executive team, the CFO reports to ACA’s CEO/Executive Director and is required to collaborate effectively and frequently with ACA’s Chief Operating Officer, Chief Legal Officer, Chief People Officer, and school headmasters. The CFO supervises the Director of Finance and other school-site business managers and inventory and purchasing specialists on site at ACA contracted schools. He or she also liaises extensively with the schools’ authorizers, vendors, school boards, and other governmental entities such as the Colorado Department of Education.
The CFO will take ownership of and continuously improve the following, delegating where appropriate:
Finance
- Budget development and monitoring.
- Lead financial reporting development, analysis, forecasting and presentation.
- Accounts payable and receivable.
- Grants and similar programs including activity development and monitoring.
- Understanding of authorizer, state, and other applicable financial reporting requirements and formats.
Accounting
- Accurate transaction and journal entries with appropriate backup documentation.
- Reconciliation of assets and liabilities.
Payroll/HR
- Oversight of all HR and Payroll functions.
- Employee benefits including annual renewals and maintenance.
Compliance
- Tax returns and related filings.
- Preparation and delivery of accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements to appropriate stakeholders.
- Grant and program activities.
- Monitor, share out, and administer updates to financial statutes and guidance.
Risk Management
- Financial policy and procedure development, monitoring, training, and improvement.
- Internal audits to test controls and procurement process efficacy and accuracy.
- Internal controls and processes.
- Insurance and risk management strategy.
Strategic Leadership
- Act as a strategic leader to lead, embrace and incorporate the 6 key components of EOS into workflows, systems, and staff interactions.
- Lead personnel to ensure alignment with ACA’s mission and vision and promote a culture of excellence.
- Collaborate with ACA staff to implement interactive systemic checklists and workflow tools, and leverage automation.
- Participate in future entity development and real estate acquisition.
- Advise on and help implement systems, both technical and organizational, to help ACA grow and better serve its clients.
Classification and Schedule: Exempt, full-time, year-round
Salary Range: $110,000-$150,000 per year, highly dependent on experience and qualifications
The Core Values Of ACA Are
- Pursue excellence
- Practice self-discipline
- Be a team player by humble confidence, hunger for the mission and people smarts.
See Ascent Classical Academy of Northern Colorado and Ascent Classical Academy of Douglas County to learn more about our existing schools.
Benefits Available
- Competitive compensation package
- Employee-only coverage for group medical, dental, and vision plan; dependent coverage available
- Health savings account with employer contributions
- Short- and long-term disability and life insurance plans
- Retirement investment account with employer match
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Free employee benefit and healthcare guidance through HealthJoy
- Paid leave for qualifying events under the Family Medical Leave Act and the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act
- On-site fitness center in Golden, Colorado
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or master’s preferred
- Experience, passion, and desire to promote the growth of classical education and school choice
- Support for school choice
- Superior time management and organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines
- Exceptional writing, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to meet quotas
- Some travel is required
- Proven track record leading executive teams and driving toward results
- Experience with EOS or similar business operating methodologies
- Prior military experience preferred