Finance Manager

Organization Overview

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (SSMC) is a Charlotte-based non-profit that funds local programs for children ages birth to five and their families. The organization is a catalyst for improving the lives of the 85,000+ young children in our community, with a focus on health, family, early education, and literacy. SSMC mobilizes resources and partners to support evidence-based policies, practices, and programs to ensure all children enter kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed.

The Finance Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for all financial functions of the MECK Pre‑K program. This senior finance leadership role oversees financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, compliance, contract management, audits, and internal controls while supervising finance staff. The Finance Manager reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer, serves as a key advisor to executive leadership, and ensures fiscal accountability and the long‑term financial sustainability of the organization.

• Lead financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, accounts payable, ACH processing, financial reporting, and data integration across multiple business systems.
• Analyze financial performance, monitor budget variances, and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Maintain strong internal controls, financial systems, and accounting processes.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities and fund accounting records.
• Support strategic planning through financial modeling and long‑term forecasting.
• Serve as a financial advisor to program leadership by providing guidance on financial policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Provide support to the Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director on special projects, strategic initiatives, and organizational priorities.

• Oversee financial administration and compliance for all MECK Pre‑K related contracts.
• Review and approve provider payment requests and ensure expenditures comply with budgets and cost principles.
• Conduct financial monitoring and compliance reviews of contracted providers.
• Manage finance‑related reporting and presentations for MECK Pre‑K Directors’ Meetings.

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, NCPC Cost Principles, grant requirements, and organizational policies.
• Prepare financial reports for regulatory and contractual stakeholders.
• Coordinate internal and external audits, including audit schedules, support documentation, and Form 990 preparation.
• Conduct benchmarking, forecasting, and financial analysis to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

• Directly supervise and develop finance team members.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Lead recruitment, coaching, performance management, and succession planning efforts.

• Strategic Thinking
• Comprehensive financial proficiency
• Results Orientation
• Decision Making & Problem Solving
• Communication & Influence
• Relationship Management
• Talent Development Change Leadership
• Accountability & Integrity
• Customer Focus

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA a plus.
• 10+ years’ experience in financial management and analysis (non‑profit experience preferred).
• Experience with SAGE MIP fund balance accounting software;
  Cognito and Microix knowledge a plus.
• Ability to synthesize large quantities of complex data into actionable information.
• Strong business judgment, analytical, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and listening skills.
• Proficiency with PC‑based tools (MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and a willingness to learn other technology.
• Ability to consistently meet all deadlines and manage multiple tasks and projects flexibly.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and budgeting practices.
• Conscientious, organized, and detail‑oriented.
• Motivated and results‑oriented.

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