As a member of the Executive Team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will report directly to the CEO and play a critical role in the overall strategic management of RJA. The CFO will set the financial strategy, lead long-term financial forecasting and planning and budgeting, while also designing and delivering effective financial systems across all RJA schools. The CFO manages the financial resources of the organization including accounting, finance, and organization-wide budgets in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and organization / contract policies and procedures. The CFO also safeguards assets through the maintenance of proper controls. As RJA embarks upon its next phase of growth and development, the CFO will serve as a true strategic partner to organizational leaders, providing strong and accurate financial guidance to guide decisions, as well as leading long-term financial forecasting, budgeting and strategy-setting. The CFO will apply their expertise towards RJA’s mission of providing an excellent education to all students.
Serve as a thought partner and member of RJA’s Executive Team, setting organizational vision and strategy, mentoring staff, and providing oversight
Effectively communicate and present critical financial matters to the CEO, the Audit and Finance Committees of the Board of Directors and the full Board of Directors as well as to key external stakeholders (e.g., funders, lenders, authorizers)
Manage and develop a finance team and ensure each team member is coached, developed, and well positioned to achieve their goals
Set financial strategy and lead long-term financial forecasting, planning, and budgeting for RJA’s schools
Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the Officers; review and administer all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes and keep senior leadership team updated on the organization's financial status
Recognize and anticipate opportunities and challenges as they relate to financial systems and operations; generate ideas, strategies, and solutions to drive impact
Systems and Process Design
Review financial systems and processes and recommend enhancements that will enable instruction, operations, development, and talent teams to more easily understand the benefits and costs of potential strategic and operational decisions
Develop systems to guarantee accuracy of accounting and reporting, as well as leading the financial affairs of RJA in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and applicable government regulations
Oversee all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization, in conjunction with the Boards of Directors and the Finance and Audit Committees of the Boards
Manage teams responsible for all operational finance activities, including accounting, forecasting, treasury, grants management, real estate management, securing, structuring and managing borrowing activities, lender relationships, and financial-related strategic planning and legal work
Oversee the annual audit process; liaise with external auditors and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
REAL Journey Academies (RJA) is a non-profit, charter school organization headquartered in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. With 14 years of experience, RJA currently operates five school sites serving over 2,000 TK – 12 students and is developing plans to expand operations in the Inland Empire and other regions of California. We provide students with a safe environment that challenges them and helps them excel in their academics and development as a student.
OUR MISSION
REAL Journey Academies creates active and involved citizens by focusing on academic achievement, character development, and service to the community. At RJA, administrators, teachers, and parents work as a team to help our students acquire the skills and resources necessary to be successful in high school and beyond.
Our vision is that RJA schools will transform our communities by raising expectations for achievement, offering a high level of opportunity, and educating the next generation of leaders.
