Chief Financial Officer

BACKGROUND

Carmen Schools of Science & Technology (Carmen) is a small but growing charter school network with a mission to graduate all students as critical thinkers and self-directed learners prepared for success in college, meaningful careers, community involvement, and family life.  

Carmen Schools currently operates five campuses, each one is as an independent charter school authorized by Milwaukee Public Schools or UW-Milwaukee: 

• Carmen High School of Science and Technology, South (opened in 2007, now serving 400 students in grades 9-12)
• Carmen Middle/High School of Science and Technology, Northwest (opened in 2013, now serving 650 students in grades 6-12)
• Carmen High School of Science and Technology, Southeast (opened in 2016, now serving 750 students in grades 9-12)
• Carmen Middle School of Science and Technology, South (opened in 2018, now serving 200 students in grades 6-8)
• Carmen welcomed Stellar Elementary into our network of schools in 2019-2020 (opened in 2014, now serving 250+ students in grades K4-5

POSITION SUMMARY

Carmen seeks an experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) who will set the strategic financial vision and support organization-wide decision making as the charter network grows. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CFO manages all aspects of the organization's finances ($24M budget) and IT, and will directly manage a Finance Manager and IT Manager. They will coach and lead their team to provide excellent service and support a responsive, customer-centric environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a valued thought partner to the CEO and leadership team and support them in understanding how decisions impact the financial performance and sustainability of the organization.   
• Collaborate with the leadership team to ensure the organization achieves short and long-term goals.
• Interface with the Board of Directors and communicate timely and accurate financial information.
• Provide support to school leadership and staff, emphasizing a culture of excellent customer service.

Financial Management

• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process, including the development of easy-to-use tools and templates.

• Meet regularly with budget managers  to review financial information and help build their financial acumen.

• Develop and maintain the  multi-year financial model; conduct contingency and scenario planning to inform decision-making.

• Manage cash flow and develop strategies to ensure the organization's cash position remains  strong.

• Develop and communicate timely, accurate and insightful financial management reports for internal and external stakeholders. 

• Oversee grant compliance, as well as compliance with federal, state, and local agencies.

• Lead the planning and implementing of efficient business processes and financial systems.

Accounting  

• Provide oversight of all accounting activities and ensure strong internal controls, clean audits  and  compliance with appropriate GAAP standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage facilities financing, capital improvement budgets and debt compliance.
• Oversee all payroll activities, including processing, reporting, documenting and updating procedures.
• Ensure systems are codified and accounting policies and procedures are documented.

Information Technology (IT)

• Provide leadership and support to the IT Manager; oversee the development and implementation of a multi-year IT strategy.
• Ensure secure, reliable, and integrated technology and data solutions that support teaching, learning, and core business functions.
• Ensure collaboration with schools and the network office to creatively, efficiently, and effectively meet technology needs now and as we grow.

Team Leadership

• Oversee hiring, on-boarding, management, and evaluation of all finance staff.
• Build and cultivate a strong team culture aligned to our core values and commitment to DEI
• Serve as an exceptional role model as a leader and manager; support and develop the finance team.
• Incorporate a strong customer service orientation into all aspects of the team's work.

QUALIFICATIONS

• An unwavering commitment to our mission and a belief in Carmen's mission

• Bachelor's degree with equivalent work experience required; MBA or Master's degree in a related field strongly preferred

• Over ten years of progressive finance experience; charter school  finance background is a plus

• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and manage systems and processes  

• Strong financial management skills and business acumen; demonstrated ability in budgeting, financial analysis and financial modeling 

• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Experience successfully leading change management initiatives 

• A demonstrated ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, lead multiple projects and meet concurrent deadlines

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

• The ability to commit a minimum of 3-5 years through the next chapter of the organization's growth as we launch new schools

• Demonstrates a growth mindset and a desire to continually improve through feedback, coaching, and professional development;

TO APPLY

Carmen has engaged DGW Consulting Group to lead the search for our Chief Financial Officer. To apply, please complete your application here.