Financial Analyst (Private School Operations)

Financial Analyst

Celebrate the Children, a private, state-approved school for students with alternative learning styles, is seeking a motivated and versatile financial professional to join our growing team. This newly created position offers the opportunity to bring your accounting expertise and organizational skills to a dynamic environment where flexibility, initiative, and collaboration are highly valued.

As a key contributor to our financial operations, you will play an integral role in supporting our mission of empowering students with diverse learning needs. This is a unique chance to shape and grow with a role as we continue to expand, offering professional development and the potential growth opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of Finance to prepare and manage the annual school budget.
• Support all phases of budget administration, including forecasting and year-end analysis.
• Coordinate financial audits and ensure compliance with federal, state, and NJDOE requirements.
• Analyze spending reports and identify variances against budgets.
• Maintain and update financial projections and recommend adjustments as necessary.
• Create financial plans and forecasts.
• Implement cost-control measures.
• Maintain Federal, State, and NJDOE compliance at all times.
• Oversee and/or conduct accounts payable (A/P) and accounts receivable (A/R) processes.
• Identify/correct QuickBooks posting entry discrepancies.
• Review and approve all third party contracts and lease agreements to ensure that they are up-to-date and meet NJDOE code. 
• Maintain and update cash flow models, including a three-year outlook, to ensure fiscal solvency and accountability. Prepare transparent financial reports on spending, accounts receivable and other key analyses. 
• Monitor capitalized expenses and update depreciation schedules.
• Prepare or assist in completion of required quarterly and annual NJDOE reports.
• Provide banking institution with the required quarterly and annual financials required per the covenants of the mortgage and line of credit agreements.
• Collaborate on process improvements, including internal controls and compliance measures.
• Prepare detailed financial reports as needed.
• Review third-party contracts and lease agreements for compliance with NJDOE codes.
• The above list highlights primary responsibilities but it is not all-encompassing. This list may be modified or additional tasks may be assigned as the role evolves to meet the needs of the organization.

Expectations

• Analyze financial data to identify challenges and develop strategic solutions.
• Demonstrate a superior analytical mindset and financial acumen.
• Strong command of the principles and practices of financial accounting and reporting procedures consistent with statute, code, and GAAP requirements.
• Exhibit professionalism and collaborate effectively with co-workers, customers, and vendors.
• Maintain strong organizational and time management skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Show initiative and a willingness to expand responsibilities as the role evolves.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in financial or accounting roles.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office.
• A Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or an MBA—or active plans to enroll in such a program within the next six months.

Bonus:

• Experience in NJDOE private school accounting.
• Familiarity with ADP Workforce Now (Time & Attendance).