Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.
Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.
We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.
Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!
The Managing Director Finance, Illinois leads the finance support for Start Early’s Illinois programs and works across Finance and Program teams to ensure effective and efficient fiscal management across the public grants and private awards. This individual serves as the center of communication and reporting of the fiscal activities of the portfolio to include grant budgets, organizational budgets, and actual results, and provides a summary of the financial status of the individual programs and the full Illinois programs’ portfolio on a regular basis. The Managing Director Finance, Illinois will also be the lead finance contact for the establishment of an Educare school in Lake County.
- Grants Management – Direct oversight of the Grants Reporting and Compliance team charged with fiscal responsibility for the Early/Head Start, ISBE and DHS awards. Ensures appropriate finance processes are in place to facilitate an efficient and collaborative effort between the finance and programs teams. Holds a clear understanding of all awards within the Illinois portfolio. Cultivates relationships with fiscal counterparts in OHS, ISBE and DHS.
- Financial Reporting – Monitors spending against grant budgets and the organization’s budget, and provides regular updates on year-to-date progress. Reports a comprehensive view of the financial position of the full Illinois portfolio. Develops and maintains dashboards to track progress against targets.
- Financial analysis - Supports Start Early Illinois program leadership with financial analysis of strategice initiatives. Advises on optimization of financial resources and opportunities across the portfolio.
- Educare Lake County – Serves as the finance lead over the budget for the construction and implementation of the new Educare Lake County school. Serves as the finance lead over the budget for the interim Lake County school. Tracks spending against budget, prepares funder reporting, keeps Start Early leadership informed of progress.
- Leadership – Mentors staff, plans for individual and team development Serves as a member of finance team leadership and Start Early leadership teams. Paticipates in leadership meetings, initiatives and team activities.
- Other – performs other job-related duties as requested by the CFO
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. MBA desired.
- 12 to 15 years of progressive non-profit finance experience. Minimum 5- 7years of experience supervising staff.
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- Knowledge of grant accounting and expert knowledge of regulations relating to expenditure responsibility
- Familiarity with public funding regulations including uniform guidance, cost principles, single audit and GATA requirements.
- Prior experience with Head Start grants preferred.
- Knowledge of current and emerging technology; uses technology and systems effectively to support daily activities; looks for new ways to apply technology to promote efficiency and improve quality
- Demonstrated expert knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat; ability to write queries and ad hoc reports, general ledger software, electronic communication.
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize, multitask and meet competing deadlines
- Ability to budget multiple funding sources across multiple reporting units
- Ability to learn Start Early funder rules and regulations and able to apply the guidelines in the activity of the finance department.
- Demonstrated ability to follow through on tasks under tight timeframes
- Ability to lead a team and create a positive collaborative team environment
- Highly organized with superior attention to details
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, address shifting priorities, exercise independent judgment, and accomplish assignments in a timely manner
- Ability to process and protect confidential information in a professional manner
- Must have excellent command of English language and grammar, both verbal and written
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Ability to understand, analyze and interpret financial information in varying formats (including general ledgers) and complete required reports
- Must be able to work extended hours during peak periods
We recognize that few candidates might meet every single piece of knowledge, experience, or education listed here. Research shows that women and people of color, among many other historically excluded groups, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Start Early is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don’t perfectly align with everything in the job description, we still encourage you to apply!
We believe that all employees should be paid fairly and equitably. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.
Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave, and much more.
Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.