IDEA Public Schools Careers

Finance Operations Analyst

IPS Enterprises

Role Mission:

The Finance Operations Analyst supports schools, regional teams, and national IPS leadership to achieve financial and operational goals. This role requires strong organizational, communication, and systems skills, along with the ability to manage information, meet deadlines, and develop creative solutions. The ideal candidate is adaptable, collaborative, and proactive—able to balance competing priorities, work across teams, and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Ownership, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential.

Supervisory Responsibilities: The Finance Operations Analyst will directly manage:

• Regional Business Clerks (1-3 per region)

Location: This is a remote position with preference given to candidates who live in Florida or Ohio. This position involves working closely with team members in multiple time zones. Regular meetings and collaboration will be required, so you will need to be flexible in your schedule to accommodate different time zones. The primary work hours will be between 8 AM and 5 PM, ET, with flexibility to work outside of these hours when needed to collaborate with other teams.

Compensation: Salaries for people entering this role typically start between $68,000 and $80,000 commensurate with relevant qualifications and experience. This role is also eligible for a performance bonus based on individual and organization goal attainment.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

Process Design:

• Support design and user roll out for procurement to pay platform and develop subject matter expertise in system administration
• RFP/Bid process
  • Contribute to contract requirements and competitive procurement including BID/ RFP processes for IPS
  • Assist with organizing and tracking data for all awarded RFP/BID
  • Develop and deliver training related to vendor contract requirements
  • Maintain communication with other campus/department managers around RFP/BID process and updates as needed
• Vendor lifecycle and management support
  • Build and implement vendor and contract lifecycle plan for IPSe
  • Support selection and negotiation of vendor contracts, pricing, and terms of business with suppliers and review opportunities towards savings by utilizing negotiation and procurement best practices in line with internal policy and best practice
  • Support vendor escalations, resolution, and contract conclusion
  • Communicate with vendors to ensure all invoices include appropriate contract numbers and required information

Operations:

• Lead information management and records documentation in existing systems and new systems in progress
• Participate in weekly check-ins and team meetings and report on project plans, strategy for improvements, and tactical deliverables
• Act as liaison between campuses, national departments, and vendors, ensuring all contracts are approved by the required individuals or groups in a timely, efficient, and compliant manner
• Play critical role in contract execution, gathering signatures and storing contracts in team systems
• Monitor for responsible vendor relations;

Managerial Responsibilities:

• Manage workflows, training, and functional responsibilities for Florida Business Clerks 
• Check in weekly or bi-weekly, as needed, with each business clerk
• Manage any personnel issues in partnership with human resources, National team, and campus leadership
• Lead support community for issue identification, resolution
• Collaborate with team on just-in-time and professional development calendar beginning spring 2026 and onward, aligned with IPS Finance Policy and IPS procurement to pay systems
• Partner with the National IPS VP of Finance to build capacity in budgeting, forecasting, and managing campus operational budgets

Special Projects:

• Procurement stabilization and support during systems transitions
  • Purchase goods, materials, equipment, or services in line with IDEA policy as needed on behalf of regions
  • Obtain additional quotes and documentation as needed to ensure contract compliance
  • Lead RFC (request for check) review and execution
  • Provide close intervention as needed for urgent procurement needs
• Provide updates and reports when required on special  projects
• Develop ideas and strategies to improve operational efficiency, add value, aid business performance, reduce cost, and work towards a strategy of continuous improvement
• Work collaboratively and negotiate and engage with stakeholders and suppliers regarding new projects, supplies and initiatives and advise of impact of change on purchasing and production activities
• Provide continuous improvement sessions for purchasing colleagues by gathering trend data for quarterly trainings and summer institute
• Take an active leadership role in Beginning of Year committees related to purchasing and attend of all meetings
• Add support for annual campus budgeting by helping identify and source potential contracts that will be executed by campus/departments and assist with incorporating contracts during the budget planning process

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; accounting, business administration, or economics preferred.
• 2-3 years' experience in procurement, process management, and operations required. 5 years' experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
• Knowledge of non-profit procurement practices required.
• Prior charter school experience strongly preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of basic accounting procedures, purchasing and invoicing supplies and equipment
• Ability to build, organize, and refine filing systems, project management tools, and
• Ability to use personal computer and software to develop spreadsheets, databases, and word processing files
• Strong math, analytical, organizational and communication skills are essential
• Detail oriented, entrepreneurial, team player
• Computer proficiency and technical aptitude with the ability to use Microsoft products, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA:

At IDEA the Staff Culture and Belonging Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values