Director of Finance

The mission of the Environmental Charter Schools (ECS) is to reimagine public education in low-income communities of color to prepare conscious, critical thinkers who are equipped to graduate from college and create a more equitable and sustainable world. ECS is a non‑profit charter management organization with four free public schools in Los Angeles’ South Bay, serving over 1,700 students across two middle schools (Gardena and Inglewood) and two high schools (Lawndale and Gardena).

Position Summary

Environmental Charter Schools is seeking a strategic, mission‑driven Director of Finance to join our team in Redondo Beach, CA. This senior leadership role drives our mission by ensuring long‑term financial sustainability, equitable resource allocation, and operational efficiency. Reporting to the Superintendent, the Director of Finance serves as a strategic thought partner, developing and executing financial strategies, overseeing financial systems, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence to support our charter school network of approximately 280 employees and a roughly $35M annual budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute multi‑year financial strategies in collaboration with the Superintendent and the Board/committees.
• Define KPIs and dashboards to track financial health.
• Ensure effective cash management from both investing and borrowing perspectives.
• Balance forecasting, budget alignment, and site coordination.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, accounting, and reporting for compliance with GAAP and other regulatory standards.
• Monitor and evaluate monthly revenue and expenditure activities and provide insights for responsible decision‑making.
• Oversee all accounting and financial functions, including purchasing and payroll.
• Implement internal controls and data‑driven systems to optimize resources and ensure adherence to policies.
• Lead budget meetings with school and Home Office leaders.
• Hands‑on budgeting and reporting for multi‑site operations and programs.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor the Accounting and Payroll team.
• Lead a lean, collaborative team that supports innovation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and authorizer regulations.
• Provide financial oversight of audits, IRS Form 990 filings, and grant reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with the Director of Compliance & Operations on risk management strategies, including insurance and banking covenants.
• Manage financing for facilities, leases, and capital projects; secure facilities financing as needed.
• Assist in presenting financial reports to the Board, staff, and stakeholders; serve as a subject‑matter expert at funder and authorizer meetings.
• Engage regional and/or national financing partners as required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MS in Accounting/Finance) or CPA/CMA certification preferred.
• 5–7 years of professional experience, with 3+ years in financial leadership.
• Proven success managing budgets of $500k+ and improving processes.
• Hands‑on experience with compliance, grant management, and facilities financing.

Skills and Attributes

• Expertise in financial planning, budgeting, accounting, compliance, and risk management.
• Strong track record in achieving financial sustainability and efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills to present complex data to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and administrators.
• Proficiency in financial software (e.g., Intacct, NetSuite, Workday, QuickBooks) and Excel/Google spreadsheets.
• Commitment to the success of all students and the ECS mission, vision, and values.
• Experience in charter school or nonprofit financial management preferred.
• Familiarity with facilities financing or public grants preferred.
• Willingness to travel (10%).

The Perks

• Competitive compensation package inclusive of a generous benefits plan.
• 100% of HMO‑level healthcare premium costs covered by employer, with contributions toward dependent healthcare.
• Employer‑paid ECS life insurance.
• Voluntary benefits (Supplemental Life, Accident, Short‑Term Disability, etc.).
• Generous time‑off program: 22 holidays, sick leave, and vacation.
• Support with application to loan forgiveness programs and access to a 403(b) retirement plan.
• Strong focus on social and environmental justice.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

ECS is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all. We do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. ECS complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure access and equity for all qualified individuals.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed for this job. Physical demands include lifting (up to 30 pounds), carrying, pushing, kneeling, stooping, crouching and bending. The role is 60% stationary and 40% moving/traversing, with travel required to other local school sites or the Home Office as needed.

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