Finance Operations Associate

Western Welding Academy is on a mission to build a better generation of blue-collar craftsmen. We are forging the next generation of skilled welders through an unwavering commitment to work ethic, accountability, and integrity. By focusing on student outcomes, we provide industry-leading education and hands-on training in a real-world environment, preparing our students to meet and exceed the demands of the welding industry.

At Western Welding Academy, we believe wholeheartedly in our mission because we understand the fundamental role blue-collar tradespeople play in the fabric of America. This country was built on the backs of skilled workers-men and women who put in the hard labor that made our roads, bridges, buildings, and industries possible. Blue-collar men and women are the backbone of our economic system, vital to every sector from manufacturing to infrastructure.

However, for too long, our nation has focused predominantly on white-collar jobs and the push to send every young person to college, leaving skilled trades underappreciated and underrepresented. Today, we are facing a monumental shift. A worldwide demographic collapse is causing industry and manufacturing to return to American soil, and yet, we lack the skilled labor force needed to meet the immense demand.

Even before this shift, there was a substantial need for skilled tradespeople, but now, with global supply chains crumbling and reshoring becoming a necessity, the demand for welders and other skilled workers is skyrocketing. At Western Welding Academy, we see this as our mission, to equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive, to build strong careers, and to restore the backbone of America's industrial strength.

We are committed to filling this gap, one welder at a time, because we believe that the future of our country depends on the hands of those willing to build it.

About the role

The Finance Operations Associate is the daily execution engine of our finance function. This role keeps the financial side of the Academy moving, from student financial aid and payment plans to vendor payments, housing accounts, and weekly reporting to our CFO. If you take pride in clean books, accurate records, and being the person leadership counts on for follow-through, this role is built for you.

This is a full-ownership role, not a support role. The right person takes initiative, follows through without reminders, and knows that detail-oriented financial work is what makes everything else possible.

What's In It For You

We invest in the people who keep our mission moving. As a member of our team, you'll receive:

• 100% employer-paid option for medical insurance,
• Dental, and vision coverage
• 100% employer-paid life insurance
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Short-term and long-term disability availability
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Hourly rate of $22.00 to $25.00 per hour, depending on experience
• • Estimated total annual compensation of $60,000 to $70,000- based on the standard schedule with overtime.
• Real growth runway with expanded responsibility and advancement opportunities within the Academy's finance function over time
• Mission-driven work environment where your contributions directly support students building life-changing careers

What You'll Do

CFO Operations Support

• Monitor daily cash position and deliver clear reporting to the CFO
• Produce weekly financial reports including contribution margin and enrollment revenue
• Support month-end close and bank reconciliation in Quick Books Online
• Track compliance deadlines, vendor renewals, and internal reporting dashboards

Student Financial Aid and Payment Plan Management

• Verify student financial aid status and confirm funds are received before program start
• Process student refunds and monitor payment plan delinquency
• Execute drop and termination financial workflows per policy
• Complete multi-state payment plan compliance reporting on a monthly and annual basis
• Coordinate with the enrollment team on student lifecycle financial tasks including start date changes, graduation review, and departure processing

Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Housing

• Process accounts payable for the Academy and housing operations with accurate GL coding and on-time vendor payments
• Manage housing accounts receivable including cash and ACH collections, late fees, and Quick Books account maintenance
• Process move-out forms, calculate deposit with holdings, and issue refunds for housing departures
• Handle bank deposits, incoming wire monitoring, and mail sorting for both entities

What You Bring

Required

• Two or more years of experience in accounting, finance operations, or AR/AP with demonstrated ownership of daily processes
• Hands-on Quick Books Online proficiency
• Strong spreadsheet skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent communication skills; proactive, discreet, and comfortable working directly with senior leadership

Preferred

• Experience in for-profit education or enrollment-based revenue environments
• Multi-entity accounting…