Finance Manager
Job Title: Finance Manager
Reports to: School Principal
Position Type: Part-time, year round
Position Purpose & Scope
The Finance Manager supports the financial health and operational integrity of Gathering Waters Charter School by managing daily accounting functions, maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements applicable to public charter schools. This role plays a key part in budget development, procurement oversight, internal controls, and financial reporting to school leadership and the Board of Trustees.
Primary Roles & Responsibilities
Accounting Operations
Process all invoices, reimbursements, and vendor payments.
Ensure all incoming payment documentation and invoicing are sent to Blundell Accounting.
Maintain accurate AP/AR records; reconcile with Quickbooks, Bill.com, and Blundell Transaction Portal.
Coordinate with the school’s external accounting firm to ensure accurate and timely financial entries: ensure transactions are properly recorded, coded and budgeted accurately in Quickbooks by Blundell Accounting.
Oversee monthly financial reporting is completed and provided to the Board of Trustees.
Assist the Operations Manager as needed with HR tasks and biweekly payroll.
Budget Development & Monitoring
Support the School Principal and Finance Committee in developing the annual operating budget.
Prepare and maintain budget‑to‑actual reports for internal and Board review.
Monitor expenditures and revenues, identifying variances and recommending adjustments.
Maintain cash flow reporting and provide monthly financial summaries to leadership and Board committees.
Charter‑Specific Compliance & Reporting
Prepare and submit required state financial documentation, including materials for audits and NHED reporting on a cyclical basis.
Ensure compliance with public charter school financial regulations, including adherence to state accounting requirements and public transparency standards.
Maintain documentation required for annual independent audits and assist with audit preparation and follow‑up.
Ensure all financial records meet public records retention and access requirements.
Procurement & Internal Controls
Implement and maintain procurement procedures consistent with public sector and charter school requirements.
Ensure competitive purchasing practices, proper documentation, and adherence to spending thresholds.
Maintain strong internal controls, including segregation of duties, approval workflows, and financial policy adherence.
Support the development, review, and updating of financial policies and procedures.
Governance & Public Transparency
Verify monthly financial statements from Blundell Accounting and include any other relevant documentation for the Board of Trustees.
Attend Finance Committee meetings to present financial updates and answer questions.
Ensure compliance with public transparency requirements, including posting budgets, audits, and financial reports as required by state law.
Provide clear, accessible financial information to support Board decision‑making.
Work Cadence & Expectations
This role follows a cyclical workflow aligned with school finance operations. Responsibilities include:
Daily transaction processing and inquiry response
Weekly reconciliation and financial oversight
Monthly financial close and Board reporting
Seasonal responsibilities including budget development, audit preparation, and state reporting
The position is expected to average approximately 15–20 hours per week, with increased hours during budget season and audit periods.
Qualifications
Required
Degree in accounting, finance, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
Experience with bookkeeping or accounting systems.
Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality.
Proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, vendors, and external partners.
Preferred
Experience in public sector, nonprofit, or school finance.
Familiarity with public charter school financial requirements.
Experience supporting Board governance or public reporting processes.
Legal & Compliance Requirements
Must pass a state and federal background check, including fingerprinting, as required for all public school employees.
Must comply with all state and federal laws applicable to public charter schools, including financial transparency and public records requirements.
Must adhere to all school policies and ethical standards regarding confidentiality and financial stewardship.
To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume to:
hiring-team@gatheringwaterscharter.org
Gathering Waters Chartered Public School is an initiative member of the Alliance of Waldorf Public Education and is committed to providing a supportive and enriching educational environment for all students.
Our region is uniquely situated to support a Waldorf-inspired charter with a wealth of knowledge and resources that are already established here, including two Waldorf teacher training programs, Antioch University-New England and The Center for Anthroposophy. Families move to the Keene area from all over the country because of the presence of organizations inspired by the philosophy that stands behind Waldorf education, including Sophia’s Hearth Family Center, Spring Hill Children’s Center, Camp Glen Brook, Kroka Expeditions, and Badger Corporation. Southwestern New Hampshire is home to a well-established community that is ready and eager to support a Waldorf-inspired chartered public school and with whom we welcome the opportunity to partner.
EEOC STATEMENT
Gathering Waters does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.