REAL Journey Academies (RJA) is a non-profit charter school management organization designed to significantly increase college entrance and graduation rates for underserved students in the Inland Empire. We aim to impact and revitalize communities through the development of education and other supportive partnerships.

Job Purpose:

As a member of the Executive Team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will report directly to the CEO and play a critical role in the overall strategic management of RJA. The CFO will set the financial strategy, lead long-term financial forecasting and planning and budgeting, while also designing and delivering effective financial systems across all RJA schools. The CFO manages the financial resources of the organization including accounting, finance, and organization-wide budgets in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and organization / contract policies and procedures. The CFO also safeguards assets through the maintenance of proper controls. As RJA embarks upon its next phase of growth and development, the CFO will serve as a true strategic partner to organizational leaders, providing strong and accurate financial guidance to guide decisions, as well as leading long-term financial forecasting, budgeting and strategy-setting. The CFO will apply their expertise towards RJA’s mission of providing an excellent education to all students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a thought partner and member of RJA’s Executive Team, setting organizational vision and strategy, mentoring staff, and providing oversight
• Effectively communicate and present critical financial matters to the CEO, the Audit and Finance Committees of the Board of Directors and the full Board of Directors as well as to key external stakeholders (e.g., funders, lenders, authorizers)
• Manage and develop a finance team and ensure each team member is coached, developed, and well positioned to achieve their goals
• Set financial strategy and lead long-term financial forecasting, planning, and budgeting for RJA’s schools
• Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the Officers; review and administer all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership team updated on the organization's financial status
• Recognize and anticipate opportunities and challenges as they relate to financial systems and operations; generate ideas, strategies, and solutions to drive impact

Systems and Process Design

• Review financial systems and processes and recommend enhancements that will enable instruction, operations, development, and talent teams to more easily understand the benefits and costs of potential strategic and operational decisions
• Develop systems to guarantee accuracy of accounting and reporting, as well as leading the financial affairs of RJA in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable government regulations
• Oversee all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization, in conjunction with the Boards of Directors and the Finance and Audit Committees of the Boards
• Manage teams responsible for all operational finance activities, including accounting, forecasting, treasury, grants management, real estate management, securing, structuring and managing borrowing activities, lender relationships, and financial-related strategic planning and legal work
• Oversee the annual audit process; liaise with external auditors and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
• Other leadership responsibilities as assigned

Desired Skills and Traits:

• Significant experience with California Education Code and federal and state regulations
• Working knowledge of Accounting Best Practices
• Financial and operations management with a school district, charter management organization, nonprofit, major company or division of a large corporations. Experience in a not-for-profit environment is preferred but bot required.

Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, finance, or related field is required.

• Seven (7) years of financial officer experience in a full-service charter school district is required. At least three of these years must have been in a senior management capacity, overseeing multiple experience in the management of financial systems and budgets, financial reporting, financial data analysis, auditing and providing financial advice. Any other combination of training and experience which demonstrates the applicant is likely to possess the required skills, knowledge and abilities may be considered.

• C.P.A., M.B.A. or a master’s degree in a related field is desirable

Physical demands:

• Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects
• Occasional or frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping and reaching for extended periods of time
• Occasional computer work including but not limited to typing

Compensation & Benefits:

• REAL Journey Academies offers its employees a competitive salary, commensurate with experience. We pride ourselves in offering a competitive benefits package that covers full benefits (medical, dental, vision, and life) as well as voluntary benefits, paid time off, and a 403b Savings Plan