Business Manager

About Alma

Alma del Mar is a K-8 charter school whose mission is to put every one of our scholars on the path to college and to challenge them to be service-minded leaders. We do this by immersing our scholars in a highly demanding, highly supportive environment where they receive a content–rich education. As an Expeditionary Learning school, Alma brings to life a three dimensional vision of student achievement that includes mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high-quality student work.

We’re located in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a beautiful coastal city known for its history as the heart of the whaling industry and as a central hub of the abolitionist movement.

Alma gets results for kids. Alma scholars not only outperform their district peers on MCAS, they often outperform their peers in the surrounding suburbs. In some areas, our scholar achievement now matches some of the highest performing schools in the Commonwealth. We have been nationally recognized for our work with English Language Learners.

The Business Manager Role

The Business Manager serves as a financial partner to organizational leadership and ensures that strong financial management at Alma in service of its mission. The Business Manager is a key member of the Network Operations team, reporting directly to the Director of Network Operations and working closely with the Bookkeeper, Director of Human Resources, and the Director of Finance (contractor).

Primary Responsibilities

Financial Management & Accounting

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and cash management
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes, reconciliations, and supporting documentation
• Prepare and review financial statements in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards
• Maintain and continuously improve financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard organizational assets
• Manage banking relationships and monitor cash flow to ensure operational stability
• Collaborate with Talent/HR leadership to support payroll processing, benefits-related financial reporting, and compensation decisions as needed

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis

• Oversee business operations to ensure compliance with internal controls and federal grant requirements
• Lead region-wide strategy and planning associated with capital purchasing
• Serve on board finance committee and collaborate with Director of Finance contractor and Executive Director to prepare board materials
• Collaborate with operations team on compliance and reporting requirements
• Serve as the regional team budget manager, monitoring monthly budget reports to hit annual targets
• Participate in monthly budget meetings with school teams to advise, support annual planning, and provide feedback on day-to-day financial operations
• Lead the annual operating and capital budget process in partnership with executive leadership
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance and provide variance analysis with clear recommendations for action
• Develop cash flow forecasts and multi-year financial projections aligned to enrollment, staffing, grants, and strategic initiatives
• Support preparation of financial reports for executive leadership and the Board Finance Committee in collaboration with senior leadership
• Serve as a financial thought partner to executive leadership on staffing models, enrollment planning, compensation structures, and long-term sustainability

Grants, Funding & Compliance

• Oversee financial management of federal, state, and philanthropic grants, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and reporting obligations
• Monitor restricted funds to ensure expenditures align with donor and grantor intent
• Coordinate and support the annual external audit process, including preparation of documentation and auditor communication
• Prepare Form 990 and other required regulatory filings
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local nonprofit and charter school regulations
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and authorizer financial reporting requirements, maintaining documentation and controls to support audits and monitoring visits
• Oversee financial tracking and reporting of federal and state grants to ensure alignment with approved budgets and regulatory requirements

Who We’re Looking For

We seek outstanding staff with the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, or related field required; Master’s in business, finance, accounting or public administration and/or CPA is a plus
• 3+ years of professional experience, including experience in charter schools, public education finance, or nonprofit K–12 organizations
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting, GAAP, and fund accounting
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis and in leading or supporting annual audits
• Proficiency in accounting systems (Quickbooks, bill.com) and Excel
• Authorized to work in the United States
• English proficiency is required
• Multilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply, especially those with proficiency in Spanish. Fluency is in Portuguese or Cape Verdean Creole will also be an asset to this role.

In addition, the ideal candidate has the following competencies:

• Financial Judgment & Sound Decision-Making: Uses data, experience, and professional standards to make thoughtful financial recommendations
• Clear & Effective Communication:
• Detail Orientation & Accuracy: Maintains high standards of precision and reliability in financial reporting and compliance
• Accountability & Professional Integrity: Operates with transparency, discretion, and strong ethical standards
• Relationship-Building: Develops trust-based partnerships across schools, leadership teams, and external stakeholders
• Adaptability & Initiative: Navigates changing priorities in a dynamic school environment with proactive problem-solving.

What You Can Expect

• A comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance and retirement
• A salary based on years of experience in a comparable position, starting in the range of $80,000 to $90,000
• Weekly meetings with a manager who supports you
• Friendly, supportive, #almazing colleagues

Compensation: Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package.

Alma del Mar is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds and identities are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus.