Chief Financial Officer

Join the team at The Equity Project (TEP) Charter School, featured in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and 60 Minutes for its unique vision and outstanding results. TEP aims to achieve educational equity for students from traditionally underserved communities by utilizing world-class teachers who are pedagogical experts, intellectual seekers, and community leaders.

Watch the video below to learn more about TEP's investment in teachers. 

The Equity Project Charter School seeks a highly motivated and experienced Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead our financial operations and ensure long-term financial health and sustainability. As the highest-ranking financial role in the organization, the CFO will provide strategic financial leadership and guidance to senior leadership, while collaborating cross-departmentally to achieve TEP’s financial goals. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned financial professional to make a significant impact on an organization dedicated to educational equity.

The CFO will lead all financial management activities including accounting, payroll, procurement, financial reporting, financial forecasting, and financial planning and analysis. The CFO will oversee financial data and financial transactions while ensuring that all operations comply with GAAP and other regulatory standards. The CFO will supervise a team of two—Finance Specialist and Finance Associate—and report directly to the Head of School. TEP’s FY25-26 operating budget is $28M.

Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Provide strategic financial leadership and long-term financial planning under the direction of the Head of School and CEO
• Develop forward‑looking financial models, dashboards and scenario analyses to guide leadership decisions
• Lead all financial management systems and activities, including budgeting, financial forecasting, financial planning and analysis, reporting, fundraising, accounting and grants management
• Ensure financial decisions are aligned with TEP's strategic goals, enabling continued financial health and programmatic expansion, and ensuring maximum resources are available to students
• Provide financial reports and communicate financial data to the Board of Trustees during monthly Board meetings
• Engage with external stakeholders including auditors, banks, vendors, authorizers, and lenders

Accounting, Controls & Compliance

• Oversee preparation of accurate, timely financial statements, free of audit findings
• Ensure full compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other applicable standards where relevant
• Implement robust financial frameworks and internal controls to safeguard assets and manage risk
• Oversee tax compliance and timely submissions in line with federal financial integrity legislation
• Ensure accurate and compliant reporting for all grants and public funding

Financial Management

• Oversee cash, banking & investments: monitor cash flow, maintain banking/investment relationships, identify financial risks (like liquidity or interest-rate changes), and recommend clear mitigation steps.
• Maintain and improve financial infrastructure, including systems for accounting, reporting, and procurement
• Track and manage all revenue streams, ensuring timely collection and documentation
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grants and philanthropic partnerships, in alignment with TEP’s vision
• Oversee procurement and ensure adherence to fiscal policies and financial procedures
• Manage financial transactions and vendor contracts, including loans, leases, and service agreements
• Partner with the Director of HR on administration of the 403b Retirement Plan and support annual insurance renewals
• Maintain oversight of all school assets, from acquisition through disposal

Team Management and Development

• Train, support, and develop the finance team in accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and payroll
• Foster a high-performing team culture centered on excellence, innovation, and a student-first mindset
• Champion continuous improvement and professional development within the finance department

Qualifications

• A deep commitment to TEP’s mission and values
• Bachelor's degree required; CPA or MBA preferred
• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in a financial leadership role; experience in the education or nonprofit sector preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in financial management, financial reporting, and financial planning and analysis
• Strong command of GAAP, nonprofit accounting standards, and compliance protocols
• Experience leading audits and preparing audit-ready financial statements
• Exceptional skills in analyzing financial data, generating actionable insights, and driving sound financial decisions
• Proficiency in financial software and financial management systems (e.g., Excel, QuickBooks)
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strong ethical foundation and commitment to transparent financial practices

Why TEP? (Benefits)

At TEP, growth isn't just for our students—continued growth is a central priority for our staff members. We offer a career experience that is both professionally rewarding and financially competitive.

• Compensation: Competitive annual salary ranging from $165K to $185K based on experience
• Unmatched Talent: Join a community of experienced professionals committed to educational equity
• Time Off: 5 weeks of vacation, federal and school-specific holidays, plus 5 sick and 3 personal days
• Wellness Perks: Enjoy our Staff Food Program, retreats, and on-site wellness initiatives
• Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, and life insurance
• Family Support: Generous parental leave and dependent care accounts
• 403b Retirement Plan: Support for long-term financial health and savings
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and ongoing development opportunities

To Apply  

TEP has partnered with DGW Group to conduct the search for our Chief Financial Officer. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis—interested candidates should apply here to be considered.