IPS Director of Finance
Role Mission: The IPS Director of Finance supports our schools, regional executive directors and IPS leadership to meet and exceed the organization’s ambitious financial goals. This role is responsible for partnering with IPS leadership to ensure financial health, sustainability and prudent fiscal management through financial modeling, reporting, budgeting, and compliance. They will partner with IPS leadership to lead the development and execution of financial strategies, ensure strong financial management and reporting, and provide analysis and insight that enables strategic decision-making.
The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and entrepreneurial financial leader who thrives in a scrappy, fast-paced environment. This unique role demands a professional with deep experience in financial modeling, analysis and management, who is also eager to engage in diverse responsibilities across the organization. The ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders (e.g., board members, lenders, school leaders, government officials, etc.) is crucial. In this role you will work with national, regional, and school teams to increase efficiency and provide a high level of support in meeting budgeting and forecasting goals.
To be successful in this position you must be an expert in excel, know how to position yourself as a trusted advisor, and be able to relay complex information to stakeholders with varying levels of expertise. Additionally, you must be detail oriented and able to manage your time to meet reporting deadlines.
Location:
This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, Florida, or Ohio, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning and Analysis: Lead the development and maintenance of long-term financial models for IPS’s regions and IPS national, ensuring data integrity and analysis that enable clarity on IPS’s path to financial health and sustainabilityBuild regional and school financial models and effectively communicate and translate financial results and projections to stakeholdersCritically assess model assumptions and scenarios, highlighting risks and mitigating factors.Define metrics to monitor and predict the financial performance entities across the organization. Develop systems to track performance metrics and make decisions around resource allocation.Budgeting and Forecasting:Partner with Interim CFO to drive annual budget process to ensure that IPS meets its financial targets while optimizing resource allocation to maximize impact on students and communities Drive the creation and update of rolling forecasts in partnership with school and regional leaders to ensure insight into financial health and management considerationsProvide insightful analyses to guide executive decision-making and to ensure financial strategies are aligned with organizational goalsFinancial Reporting and Compliance:Ensure external reporting (authorizer, funder, lender, compliance) for IPS and OH are completed on time, with high satisfaction among IPS stakeholders and minimal external concerns Support internal team to ensure the timely completion of annual audit and 990 process for IPS and OH with no findings Ensure IPS financial projections are accurate and available for senior management and IPS’s board within 6 weeks of quarter close Financial Management: Manage the OH and IPS budget and projections to ensure that we meet our annual budgeting targets and maintain strong financial healthEnsure cash flow forecasting that enables visibility of financial health and provides insight into strategic decisionEffectively engage with internal stakeholders, including IPS and regional leadership, to ensure that budget and financial management processes build trust and empower stakeholders to make data-driven decisionsElevate IPS systems and processes so that budget managers at all levels have timely access to their data as well as the support to make strategic and responsible budget decisions (Dec 2025)Share high quality reporting and analysis that assists budget managers and support staff in understanding the impact of monthly and year-to-date budget to actuals
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in math, accounting, business administration, or economics or a related field required. Master’s degree in math, accounting, business administration, economics or a related field preferred8+ years of relevant experience required; 5+ years of experience in financial data analysis preferredProficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and PowerPointKnowledge of non-profit accounting practices required
Knowledge and Skills:
Ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders of varying degrees of analytical understandingExcellent analytical and problem-solving skillsUsing initiative and independent judgment within established policy and procedural guidelinesHold ethics and values to high standards
What We Offer:
Compensation & Benefits:
Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $104,000 and $130,000, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.
Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.
* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.
Application process:
Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Learn more about IDEA
At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values
IDEA Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the organization's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact IDEA Human Resources at (956) 377-8000.