Bookkeeper / Finance Analyst Job Description
Job Title
Financial Analyst
Reports To
Head of School
Position Summary
The Financial Analyst supports the financial health and long-term sustainability of the school by analyzing financial data, preparing budgets and forecasts, monitoring revenues and expenditures, and providing strategic financial recommendations. The Financial Analyst works closely with school leadership to ensure responsible stewardship of tuition revenue, grants, scholarships, payroll, and operational expenses while supporting compliance with applicable financial policies and regulations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Prepare and maintain the school's annual operating and capital budgets.
Monitor actual revenues and expenditures against approved budgets and identify variances.
Develop monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for school leadership and the Board of Directors.
Analyze tuition revenue, enrollment trends, and student retention data to support financial planning.
Monitor scholarship, financial aid, and grant funding allocations and expenditures.
Assist in preparing financial projections based on enrollment forecasts and staffing plans.
Evaluate departmental spending and recommend cost-saving opportunities without compromising educational quality.
Perform financial analysis for new academic programs, facility improvements, and capital projects.
Support the preparation of annual audits by organizing financial records and assisting external auditors.
Ensure compliance with school financial policies, grant requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.
Monitor cash flow and assist in forecasting short- and long-term financial needs.
Prepare financial reports for grant applications and post-award reporting requirements.
Analyze payroll and employee benefit costs to support staffing decisions.
Develop financial dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) for school leadership.
Collaborate with the admissions, business office, human resources, and academic departments to support financial planning and operational efficiency.
Maintain confidentiality of financial, employee, and student information.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
Minimum of 2–5 years of experience in financial analysis, budgeting, accounting, or nonprofit/educational finance preferred.
Experience with school finance, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions is preferred.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
Experience with accounting, payroll, and student information systems is preferred.
Strong understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, and forecasting.
Key Skills
Financial & Technical Skills
Budget development and management
Financial forecasting
Financial statement analysis
Tuition revenue analysis
Enrollment forecasting
Grant budget management
Scholarship and financial aid analysis
Cash flow forecasting
Cost-benefit analysis
Variance analysis
Financial modeling
Advanced Microsoft Excel
Financial reporting systems
Data analysis and dashboard development
Analytical Skills
Critical thinking
Strategic planning
Problem-solving
Quantitative analysis
Risk assessment
Decision support
Attention to detail
Communication Skills
Strong written and verbal communication
Presentation of financial data to school leadership and governing boards
Ability to explain financial information to non-financial staff
Collaboration across academic and administrative departments
Organizational Skills
Time management
Project coordination
Ability to manage multiple priorities
Accuracy and attention to deadlines
Strong documentation practices
Personal Attributes
Integrity and professionalism
Confidentiality
Initiative
Accountability
Adaptability
Team-oriented mindset
Commitment to supporting the school's educational mission
Preferred Knowledge
Private school finance and operations
Tuition billing and collections
Grant administration and reporting
Nonprofit accounting principles
Payroll and employee benefits administration
Texas Education Freedom Accounts
Board financial reporting
Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Accuracy and timeliness of financial reports
Budget variance within established targets
Forecast accuracy
Effective cash flow management
Compliance with audit and grant requirements
Timely completion of annual budget
Identification of cost-saving opportunities
Quality of financial recommendations supporting school leadership
Successful management of tuition and enrollment financial projections
This position plays a critical role in ensuring the school's financial stability by providing data-driven insights that support strategic planning, operational efficiency, responsible stewardship of resources, and the achievement of the school's educational mission.