Director of Finance

Position

: Director of Finance Reports to: Vice President of Business Operations Job Classification: Full-time, exempt Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday, occasional evenings Wage Range: $75,000 - $80,000 annually (dependent on experience) ABOUT EARLY CONNECTIONS LEARNING CENTERS Early Connections Learning Centers is dedicated to providing comprehensive, high quality early care and education for ALL children. Every position works in coordination to achieve this mission. Since 1897, our work to provide high quality early childhood education has positively impacted thousands of children and families in the Pikes Peak region. Our nationally accredited programs help build a strong foundation for young children to be happy and successful in learning and life. JOB SUMMARY The Director of Finance will be responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the finance department. This leader will bring expertise in financial management, budgeting, and reporting, while maintaining strong accountability for the organization’s financial integrity. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, detail-oriented, and strategic thinker with a proven track record of driving financial excellence in growing, mission-driven organizations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

* Financial Leadership & Oversight: Provide strategic guidance and oversight across all financial activities, ensuring full accountability for funds and expenditures * Cash Flow, Budgeting, & Debt Management: Directly responsible for the development, monitoring, and reporting of the organization's annual operating budget. Lead short and long-term budget projections and cash flow forecasts to ensure the organization’s financial health aligns with growth goals. Evaluate the organization’s debt management strategy and provide recommendations for improvement. * Accounting System Management: Maintain, enhance, and evaluate the organization’s accounting system, overseeing all financial operations including journal entries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, cost allocation, and depreciation schedules * Financial Reporting & Analysis: Produce detailed monthly financial statements and reports, including cost center expense reports for internal and external stakeholders such as the Board of Directors, committees, and funding sources. Provide analysis of financial performance and strategic insights for organizational leadership. Collaborate with organizational leadership to forecast the financial implications of new initiatives, programs, projects, staffing, compensation strategies, etc. * Capital Campaign & Asset Management: Oversee financial management of capital campaigns and fixed assets, ensuring proper tracking, depreciation, and compliance with accounting standards * Audit Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and manage the annual audit process, ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations and standards * Systems Compatibility: Collaborate with departments to improve compatibility, and efficiencies, between the organization’s financial management, HCM, and CRM systems * Grant Financials: Work with Community Engagement to develop financial aspects of grant applications and prepare interim and final financial reports for grant monitoring * Compliance: Ensure compliance with government finance regulations and internal policies, including purchasing, procurement and record retention policies, payroll taxes, retirement plan records, and other required filings. * Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for policy and process improvements, increased internal controls, and system efficiencies to support the organization’s financial growth and operational excellence * Support daily financial operations

SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

* Significant experience with accounting systems and financial software * Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex financial information * Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills * Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and meet deadlines * Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management tools * Demonstrated expertise in financial forecasting and long-term planning preferred * Experience managing finance during a period of expansion or scaling operations, particularly in a non-profit, educational, or mission-driven environment preferred * Self-motivated and self-directed, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability * Able to adapt to and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment * A positive attitude, with strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to excel in a culture of collaboration and transparency

QUALIFICATIONS

* Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field * At least 5 years of progressive finance experience * Experience in non-profit financial management or government accounting is a plus

Prior to employment, candidates must pass federal and state criminal and Colorado Department of Early Childhood background checks, pre-employment drug screen, and verification of employment, education and/or credentials and, by position, have a valid driver’s license. PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing job duties, employee will be required to regularly sit, stand, walk, type, climb three flights of stairs, and may occasionally need to carry 10-25 lbs. TRAVEL AND REMOTE WORK There is little to no travel required for this position, except for occasional off-site meetings or professional development. All positions at Early Connections Learning Centers are on site. Occasional or weekly remote working capability for this position is determined by employee’s supervisor. CURRENT BENEFITS Paid Time Off * 13 paid holidays scheduled in 2026 * Generous paid vacation and Anniversary Day * 8 paid sick days * Paid Family Medical Leave - this benefit does not provide 100% wage replacement

Medical, Dental, Vision * Medical insurance – ECLC pays up to 75% of employee premium * Dental and Vision insurance * Free Employee Assistance Program

Child Care Benefit * Substantial discount for child care * This benefit depends on having an enrollment opening

Tuition Reimbursement, Continuing Education and Training * Tuition reimbursement of $150 per 3-credit hour course is available to staff enrolled in approved coursework related to their position and who maintain the required grade point average. * Reimbursement may be available for pre-approved job-related certificate programs

Other Insurance * 100% employer-paid Basic Term Life and AD&D Insurance * 100% employer-paid Long Term Disability Insurance * Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance