Assistant Director of Finance, Magnet Schools

Assistant Director of Finance, Magnet Schools

East Hartford, CT
- East Hartford, CT 06118

The mission of Goodwin University is to educate a diverse student population in a dynamic environment that aligns education, commerce, and community. Our innovative programs of study prepare students for professional careers while promoting lifelong learning and civic responsibility. As a nurturing university community, we challenge students, faculty, staff, and administration to fully realize their highest academic, professional, and personal potential.

This position is accountable for leading the Magnet School Finance team in managing the financial and accounting controls and policies, annual budgeting, federal and state grant reporting, cash management, and financial modeling. Further, this position is responsible for providing leadership and coaching to the Finance team.

• Cash flow management, which includes the initiation of any drawdowns, the review and signing of checks, as well as the monitoring of daily cash balances across Magnet School accounts
• Maintains the user security and access to accounting information systems
• Manages Magnet School Finance staff and deliverables to ensure accuracy and timeliness while assisting with the prioritization of duties
• Interacts with Magnet Schools staff and management on a regular basis
• Performs various tasks associated with the month-end close while adhering to all internal deadlines
• Responsible for ensuring that all journal entries are accurate, timely and in accordance with GAAP and CT State Department of Education (SDE) regulations
• Responsible for the daily cash accounting activities of the Magnet Schools, including balancing and reconciling all cash accounts in a consistent and timely manner
• Works with Magnet School Finance staff to bill and record revenues associated with the Pre-K and After-School programs, as well as other programs
• Ability to present Magnet School financial statements to both the Budget & Finance and Audit & Risk Board committees, as needed and answer any follow-up inquiries regarding quarterly activity
• Assists with the preparation and compilation of the Magnet School annual budget and facilitates the finalization of various grant applications
• Assembles and files the annual Statement of Expenditures Report (ED141) for all Magnet School operating grants
• Reviews monthly Magnet School construction billing packages and prepares schedules which project construction cash flow demands
• Facilitates all audit requests with regards to construction grant audits
• Liaise with local townships to ensure tuition is collected and any outstanding balances are properly investigated
• Meets monthly with District Leadership to review YTD actual expenditures against the budget and communicate the impact of any and all revisions proposed by management
• Assists with tracking revenues and expenditures by grant source
• Facilitates the resolution of any discrepancies on Magnet School drawdowns or reimbursements with the Connecticut State Department of Education (SDE.)
• Prepares and analyzes monthly operating expense reports relative to budgets for all Magnet Schools
• Performs certain aspects of accounts payable processes for the Magnet Schools, including ensuring that policies and procedures related to internal controls are followed
• Prepares annual 1099 Statements for vendors in an accurate and timely manner, including timely reporting of 1099 income to the IRS
• Constantly monitors new legislation as it specifically relates to Magnet Schools and implements any necessary changes to daily / monthly / quarterly / yearly processes within the Finance team
• Constantly monitors and assesses current internal control environment across the Magnet School operations and, where necessary, produces any new or revised procedures to support the overall goal of accurate and timely financial reporting
• Trains and coaches staff throughout their daily work, as deemed necessary
• Coordinates and assists with the preparation of all Magnet School related annual audit schedules for the Goodwin University fiscal year audit
• Occasionally assists with ad hoc work surrounding Magnet Schools and Goodwin University management needs
• Conducts all work in a safe manner and ensures all work safety practices are followed.

• Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates
• Continues professional development and training; keeps current with trends
• Assists other department staff as needed to promote a team effort
• Occasional travel to storage facilities, school locations, training sessions, and banks.

• Requires a working knowledge of basic financial statements
• Sound knowledge of compliance regulations for organizations working within the education or not-for-profit sectors
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, a collaborative style, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Demonstrates initiative and the ability to…