Comptroller - IPS Enterprises (Immediate Opening) - IDEA Public Schools

Comptroller

IPS Enterprises

Overview

Role Mission:

The Comptroller is a critical role responsible for building and ensuring financial integrity and sustainability of the organization through precise management of accounting operations, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. They will lead the development and execution of financial strategies, maintain robust financial controls, and provide critical insights for decision-making. They will manage an Accounting Manager and oversee all financial aspects, including debt and lease agreements, cash flow, lender negotiations and contracts, financial planning and analysis, reporting, and strategic decision-making that impacts the operation of our schools and regions. By overseeing centralized accounting functions and ensuring alignment with organizational goals, the Comptroller plays a pivotal role in supporting the long-term fiscal health and growth of the organization.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and seasoned Comptroller who thrives in a scrappy, fast-paced environment. This unique role demands a professional with deep expertise in financial management who is also eager to engage in diverse responsibilities across multiple states and the organization. The ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders (e.g., board members, lenders, school leaders, government officials, etc.) is crucial. They will exhibit a combination of strategic vision, operational and financial expertise, and a passion for educational equity, making them a pivotal member of the IPS National Director’s leadership team.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• IPS Accounting Manager

Location: 

This is a full-time remote position with preference given to candidates who live in Florida, Ohio, Louisiana, or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations: 

While this is a remote position, there will be in-person meetings across various regions. Candidates must be willing to travel up to 40% during the busiest times of the year.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• Multi-State Financial Management:
  • Oversee all accounting operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting across Florida, Louisiana, and Ohio
  • Manage debt obligations and lease payments, ensuring compliance with all agreements
  • Monitor and optimize cash flow to meet operational needs and strategic objectives
  • Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to enhance efficiency, compliance, and control
• Strategic Planning and Analysis:
  • Lead financial planning and analysis to support organizational growth and sustainability
  • Develop annual budgets and monthly forecasts for each state, with a focus on understanding state-level financial trends and potential risks
  • Provide insightful analyses to guide executive decision-making
  • Collaborate with the IPS National Executive Director to align financial strategies with organizational goals
• Lender Relations and Negotiations:
  • Negotiate with lenders to secure favorable financing terms
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with financial institutions and stakeholders
• Regulatory Compliance and Reporting:
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including 501(c)(3) requirements, while staying up to date on evolving accounting and tax rules across all three states (Florida, Louisiana, Ohio)
  • Prepare accurate and timely financial statements and reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Grant Management:
  • Manage gift processes, accountability, reporting, and compliance for federal, state and philanthropic grants across Florida, Louisiana, and Ohio
• Relationship Management:
  • Build and manage relationship with each region’s Executive Director and leadership team
  • Build reports to tell the financial story to each entity’s Governing Board of Directors (IPS Enterprises, IDEA Florida, IDEA Greater Cincinnati, and IDEA Southern Louisiana)
  • Partner with various stakeholders—particularly those in Operations, Accounting, Treasury, and Financial Planning & Analysis—to drive financial integrity and sustainability
• Team Leadership:
  • Manage and mentor the Accounting Manager, fostering a culture of professional growth and collaboration
  • Encourage cross-functional teamwork to support organizational initiatives
• Operational Support:
  • Provide financial oversight for school operations in Florida, Louisiana, and Ohio
  • Support initiatives aimed at improving enrollment, student achievement, persistence, and staff retention

What You Bring – Competencies

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong record of results in accounting and financial operations
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards (FASB), and compliance with 501(c)(3) regulations
• Proven expertise in financial reporting, payroll, debt management and lease agreements, budgeting, and forecasting, with an understanding of state-specific variations
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex, multi-state financial data and provide actionable insights
• Expansive mindset that uses proactive and innovative approaches to problem-solving, with a focus on continuous learning, and the ability to see opportunities in challenges
• Entrepreneurial mindset, with a proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a dynamic, startup-like environment
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple long-term projects simultaneously, often under tight deadlines and competing priorities, while maintaining composure and ensuring quality outcomes
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling the building of strong relationships, mutually beneficial partnerships, and the ability to influence and motivate teams through clarity of expectations and accountability
• Excellent negotiation skills with experience in lender relations
• Adaptability to respond to changes in the surrounding environment, such as economic shifts, political dynamics, and new regulatory landscapes
• Proactive approach to seeking information and clarity to enable sound judgment and decision-making for the organization

Required Experience and Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; MBA preferred
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation highly preferred
• At least 7 years of professional experience in accounting and financial management, preferably in a nonprofit or multi-state organization
• Experience in nonprofit accounting, particularly within a 501(c)(3) organization
• Proven track record of managing complex financial operations in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

What We Offer

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $147,900 and $189,300, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IPS may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Other Information

Application Process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn More About IDEA:

At IPS, our Core Values promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values.