Director of Finance

Rhodes School for the Performing Arts (RSPA) is a fine art magnet charter school in Harris County and the Greater Houston area. It provides classical, arts‑based, rigorous educational programming designed to meet or exceed state and national standards. Despite serving a primarily low‑income, minority, and at‑risk student population, RSPA has achieved notable success, including being the first charter school in the nation designated as a Magnet School by the U.S. Department of Education. Recognized as a 4‑Star School of Distinction, RSPA ranks first in student progress in its comparison group and is dedicated to educating critical thinkers with strong leadership skills.

Job Summary : The Director of Finance oversees and manages the day‑to‑day financial and business operations of the district, including accounting, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable and receivable, and cash management. This role serves as a key advisor to the Superintendent, ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and strategic fiscal planning aligned with organizational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management & Accounting

• Supervise all business office operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, and payroll.
• Manage month‑end and year‑end close processes, including:
  • Preparation and review of journal entries and account reconciliations
  • Bank and credit card reconciliations
  • Fixed assets and depreciation schedules
  • Prepaids and amortization schedules
  • Notes payable and lease reconciliations
  • Revenue and deferred revenue recognition
  • Accounts payable and receivable reconciliation
  • Trial balance and general ledger review
• Prepare accurate and timely financial statements.
• Ensure all financial transactions are properly documented and compliant with applicable standards.
• Maintain compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and all federal, state, and local regulations.

Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Oversee accounts payable processes, including bill.com imports and processing, check run review and approval, daily cash flow monitoring, and weekly AP meetings.
• Manage accounts receivable and revenue functions: record receipts, oversee grant drawdowns (TEAL, G5, E‑Rate, EMAT, etc.), ensure accurate monthly revenue recognition, and manage MySchoolBucks transactions, refunds, and fundraising requests.

Purchasing & Procurement

• Oversee procurement processes and compliance requirements.
• Review and approve purchase requisitions, quotes, and funding sources.
• Approve purchase order revisions and monitor open POs.
• Review and approve new vendor requests, including compliance verification such as SAM.gov and W-9s.
• Manage insurance renewals and procurement policies.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Lead the development and management of the annual budget.
• Prepare budget amendments for Board approval.
• Oversee budget imports and revisions in financial systems.
• Conduct regular budget review meetings with department leaders.
• Collaborate with HR on staffing plans, salary verification, and position control.
• Support PEIMS submissions and financial reporting alignment.

Payroll & Benefits

• Provide oversight and backup support for payroll processing.
• Review TRS schedules and benefits payable.
• Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.

Audit & Compliance

• Manage all state and federal audits: prepare audit documentation and samples, coordinate with auditors and respond to inquiries, review audit reports and management letters, present audit findings for Board approval.
• Ensure timely completion of all required financial reporting and compliance submissions.

Grant & Fund Management

• Oversee financial grant management, including compliance and reporting.
• Provide documentation for reimbursements and grant expenditures.
• Manage special grant reporting (e.g., MSAP, NSLP).

Cash & Risk Management

• Monitor and manage daily cash flow and banking activities.
• Record bank transfers, charges, and reconciliations.
• Support risk management processes, including workers’ compensation audits and insurance.

Reporting & Operational Oversight

• Prepare internal and external financial reports for leadership and Board presentations.
• Maintain and update financial policies and procedures.
• Oversee required reports, including:
  • Charter School Survey
  • IRS 990
  • Real Property Survey
  • Transportation Report
  • Website financial postings (budget, audit reports, etc.)

Systems & Technology

• Oversee and utilize financial and operational systems, including: websmart, bill.com, MySchoolBucks, Monday.com, Trainual.
• G5, TEAL, EMAT, TSDS, Audit 2.0.
• BambooHR, Google Workspace, DocuSign, Zoho, Dashlane.
• E‑Rate (USAC), Zeffy, OneCause, Frontline.

Leadership & Administration

• Supervise and develop business office staff.
• Maintain strong communication with internal departments and leadership.
• Manage finance‑related communications and shared inboxes.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.

Work Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of accounting experience with increasing responsibility. At least one (1) year of supervisory experience in a school finance or similar environment is preferred.

Competencies

• Knowledge of and ability to understand and interpret applicable policies, state statutes, and federal guidelines.
• Knowledge of budgeting procedures and financial and business operations for school districts and similar governmental agencies.
• Ability to prepare agenda items and present and defend them to the School Board.
• Ability to use data‑driven decision‑making to determine the effectiveness of various programs and initiatives and develop strategies for improvement.
• Knowledge of the teaching/learning process in the school setting.
• Ability to oversee the implementation of a sound budgeting process.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others and facilitate groups to a consensus.
• Knowledge of state‑of‑the‑art research and best practices in areas of responsibility.
• Ability to represent TRS at state and regional functions.
• Ability to motivate, lead, and challenge a team, and establish goals, objectives, and action plans to achieve TRS goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences orally and in writing, including electronic media.

Equipment Used: Microsoft Office, Eduphoria, office equipment (e.g., computer, copier).

Working/Environmental Conditions: Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment, which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements. Ability to carry or lift less than 15 pounds.

Fund Source: Partially funded by the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP).

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted by The Rhodes School.

The Rhodes School is an equal opportunity employer. This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed. This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes, and unforeseen events.

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