Financial Planning and Accounting Associate Director

Financial Planning and Accounting Associate Director

 

ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Atlanta International School (AIS) offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum to
all students, from 3K through grade 12. Our challenging academic programs develop
internationally-minded, critical-thinking students able to take complex and often disparate
knowledge, concepts, and skills, and forge these into new and unique ways of solving problems.
We provide a rigorous education in a diverse, multicultural, multilingual community where the
reality and hope of human potential are in action.
Our mission at AIS is to develop courageous leaders who shape their world for the better. All
AIS employees believe deeply in the potential of each student, value critical thinking (their own
and students’), and know learning can be fun and exciting. AIS offers an incredible spirit of
community and diversity of perspectives that come from students, families, and employees
representing more than 90 nationalities and over 60 languages.

Our School is committed to the safety and well-being of every child. We maintain rigorous safeguarding practices to ensure a secure, supportive, and nurturing environment where all students can thrive.

Summary

The Financial Planning and Accounting Associate Director performs general accounting, budgeting and reporting responsibilities. This individual is proficient and knowledgeable with business and accounting procedures.  This position is a key member of the business office team, reporting directly to the Head of Finance and Operations.

Direct Manager:  Head of Finance and Operations
Department: Business Office

Status: Full-time; Exempt

Guiding Principles

• Supports and advances the mission and vision of the school.
• Supports and promotes the goals of the IB program.
• Supports and advances international education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in managing the annual operating budget process across all school departments ensuring alignment with the school’s strategic plan.
• Perform monthly variance analysis, identifying trends and providing corrective recommendations to department heads.
• Help maintain the school’s multi-year financial forecast, adjusting for shifts in enrollment, staffing, and economic conditions.

• Model various tuition-increase scenarios and their impact on net tuition revenue and market competitiveness.

• Ensure compliance with non-profit accounting standards (GAAP) regarding restricted and unrestricted funds.
• Assist in the preparation of materials for the annual audit and Form 990 filing.

• Conduct cost-benefit analyses for new academic programs, extracurriculars, or facility expansions.
• Perform benchmarking studies against peer schools (NAIS/local associations) regarding faculty compensation, benefits, and operational costs.
• Manage the financial lifecycle of capital projects, including debt service tracking and construction fund draws.
• Assist with the planning, budgeting, and logistics for school field trips, safeguarding the school against overages and ensuring successful execution.
• Build and update electronic payment links to support auxiliary and school activities; assist users with real-time transaction tracking, reporting, and prompt account reconciliation.
• Endowment accounting
• Manage the fixed asset register and accounting for monthly additions, disposals, depreciation and movement in construction-in-progress.
• Perform reconciliations including but not limited to bank accounts, restricted accounts and financial aid.
• Assist in preparation of the month end close, including drafting journal entries, inputting cash receipts and drafting internal financial statements and reports.

• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Requirements

• BA or BS Degree in Accounting, Business or Finance is required
• Must have a minimum of 5 years of financial accounting and reporting experience ideally within a non-profit or independent school setting
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently in an environment with a high volume of transactions
• An understanding of internal controls is required and experience with accounting ERP system  
• Mastery of Excel (complex modeling, macros, and data visualization).
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Required to comply with AIS’s employee handbook (and student handbook as applicable)