Director of Finance Operations

Austin Achieve Public Schools is a tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school preparing Austin youth to attend and excel at top universities.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Finance Operations is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational oversight of all payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, and financial systems functions for approximately 460 employees and all vendor payments for Austin Achieve. This role ensures the integrity, efficiency, and scalability of financial operations as the organization continues to grow across multiple campuses.

This is an exciting time to join Austin Achieve as we build our finance team and continue to grow to serve more scholars across multiple campuses. The ideal candidate is passionate about our mission and committed to excellence in financial stewardship, while proactively supporting all team members and community partners with humility, a customer service mindset, and a collaborative spirit.

This individual will lead critical financial operations, strengthen internal controls, and drive system and process improvements while supporting stakeholders across the organization.

The Director of Finance Operations will provide both strategic direction and hands-on leadership, overseeing end-to-end payroll and accounts payable functions, procurement operations, and financial systems. This role will also manage and develop finance team members and partner closely with the Chief Financial Officer, Comptroller, Finance Managers, Human Resources, and budget owners. As Austin Achieve grows to serve more scholars, the opportunity to manage team members may be available if desired.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, and financial systems

Build, manage, and develop a high-performing finance operations team, including accounts payable and payroll staff

Partner with the Chief Financial Officer, Comptroller, and other Finance Directors to enhance financial operations, scalability, and internal controls

Lead continuous improvement initiatives across financial processes, workflows, and systems

Payroll Management

Responsible for timely and accurate payroll processing including salaries, hourly wages, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions

Responsible for maintaining accurate personnel records in partnership with Human Resources to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing through a defined process for initiation, adjustments, cancellation, and final preparation prior to payment approval

Ensure compliance with all payroll-related regulations and reporting requirements

Responsible for ensuring compliance with reporting new employee updates to the OAG and supporting TWC hearings in partnership with the Human Resources Manager

Accounts Payable & Purchasing

Provide full oversight of the accounts payable function, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant processing of all vendor invoices and payments

Oversee vendor onboarding and maintain strong vendor relationships

Lead and monitor the purchasing process, including approval workflows and budget alignment

Ensure accurate three-way matching of purchase requests, invoices, and receipts

Establish and enforce accounts payable and procurement policies, procedures, and internal controls

Monitor accounts payable aging, resolve discrepancies, and ensure proper expense coding and documentation

Compliance & Reporting

Ensure compliance with all local, Texas, and federal financial reporting requirements, including but not limited to ESSER, ARP, ESSA/Title, IDEA, e-Rate, 940/941, TRS, TWC, and PEIMS

Oversee payroll tax filings, retirement and benefit contributions, and year-end reporting (W-2s, W-9s, 1095s, 1099s)

Support audits and ensure financial records meet generally accepted accounting principles and auditing standards

Assist with maintaining, developing, documenting, and communicating an up-to-date Finance Office Procedures Manual

Systems & Process Management

Oversee financial systems, including Skyward Qmlativ Business Suite, ensuring data integrity and optimal functionality

Lead system enhancements and process automation efforts across payroll and accounts payable

Ensure strong internal control safeguards across all financial operations

Financial Analysis & Stakeholder Support

Provide financial reporting, analysis, and insights to the Chief Financial Officer and budget owners

Support budgeting processes and strategic initiatives across departments

Deliver training and guidance to staff on payroll, purchasing, and accounts payable processes and systems

Other

Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required (Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred); Master’s degree a plus

5–7+ years of progressive experience in finance, with significant responsibility for payroll and accounts payable functions

Prior leadership or team management experience required

Experience in Texas public charter schools or independent school school districts preferred

TASBO certification (or ability to obtain) preferred

Experience with Skyward Qmlativ Business Suite or similar ERP systems preferred

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets and financial systems

TASBO certification as Payroll Specialist preferred

Experience using Skyward Qmlativ Business Suite preferred

Proficiency with Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets, Microsoft Word/Google Docs, and Microsoft PowerPoint/Google Slides

Competencies:

Strong expertise in accounts payable, payroll, purchasing, financial systems, and internal controls

Deep understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements across payroll and vendor payments

Ability to analyze financial data and provide actionable insights to leadership

Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills

Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities

Customer-service mindset with a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach

Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence

Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Statement of Non-Discrimination: In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits :

Healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision

Access to Life, Disability & Supplemental plans

Eligible for Paid Time Off (PTO)

Member of the Texas Retirement System

Voluntary access to 403(b) retirement vehicle