POSITION OVERVIEW
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic and operational leadership of all financial functions at Milwaukee College Prep, ensuring the school network’s long-term fiscal sustainability, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO advises the CEO, President, and Board of Directors and plays a critical role in driving mission-aligned financial strategy to support academic and organizational goals.
The CFO will be an innovative and adaptive leader and an agile thinker. They will determine and embrace new future funding models. The CFO will ensure that the finance team models the values of joy and urgency while cultivating a culture of trust and high expectations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Operations & Oversight
- Direct all accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, and audit functions.
- Ensure timely, accurate, and transparent reporting to internal and external stakeholders.
- Develop and monitor financial KPIs and ROIs to evaluate performance and guide course corrections.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations, including those related to charter schools and public funding.
- Oversee grant management, government contracting, and audit readiness.
- Proactively assess and manage financial risk to protect both organizational and financial integrity.
Budgeting, Equity, & Resource Allocation
- Execute the annual budgeting process, aligning resources with MCP’s strategic priorities.
- Ensure budgeting, resource allocation and diversification efforts reflect MCP’s commitment to equity, excellence, and access for all students.
- Provide clear, actionable financial insights to department leaders and school principals to inform site-level decision-making.
Team Development & Leadership
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing finance team aligned with MCP’s values and commitment to excellence.
- Set clear performance expectations and support ongoing development and professional growth.
Collaboration & Change Leadership
- Collaborate with executive leadership team to ensure financial strategy supports academic and operational goals.
- Lead cross-functional change initiatives that improve efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and mission impact.
Board & Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as a primary liaison to the Board Finance Committee, providing clear, strategic financial reporting and recommendations.
- Build strong relationships with funders, financial institutions, and oversight agencies (e.g., DPI, charter authorizer).
Process Improvement & Systems Optimization
- Evaluate and improve financial systems, processes, and technologies to increase efficiency and accuracy.
- Identify and implement best practices that enhance internal controls and resource stewardship.
Vendor & Resource Management
Lead financial aspects of procurement strategy and vendor relationships, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with MCP needs.
Technology & Data Systems
- Oversee the implementation and use of financial systems (e.g., ERP, dashboards, data tools) to support informed decision-making and reporting.
- Leverage technology to effectively drive transparency, accountability, and automation in financial operations.
