Director of Budget and Analysis

The Community Group Inc.

Job Description

 
About The Community Group (TCG)
The Community Group (TCG) is a private non-profit organization, based in Lawrence, MA whose mission is to create, manage, and nurture high-quality programs focused on education and related services that support families. TCG was founded in 1970 as the Community Day Care Center of Lawrence, a preschool with an enrollment of 20 children, since inception we have grown to an agency that manages: a successful charter public school, education and care programs dedicated to the healthy development of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children, a robust out-of-school time enrichment program, resources that facilitate access to early education and care for families, including a Child Care Resource and Referral program, and a training and workforce development program to help shape the next generation of educators.
 
About the Department
The Business Office supports the financial and operational needs of The Community Group and its programs. The Finance department oversees key functions including accounting, budgeting and financial analysis, purchasing, and financial reporting, and partners with leaders across the organization to provide accurate and timely financial information, support effective decision-making, and promote responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
 
Job Summary
The Director of Budget and Analysis oversees the organization’s budgeting and financial planning and modelling, ensuring fiscal health through strategic budget development, monitoring, and reporting.  Provides financial insights to support decision-making by leadership by ensuring budgets align with organizational goals and financial policies. 
 
Work Schedule: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule after an initial orientation period, with a minimum of three days per week required onsite. Additional onsite presence may be required based on organizational needs, meetings, and responsibilities of the role.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Prepares and directs the preparation, implementation and maintenance of the annual budget for The Community Group and the Community Day Charter Public School to the division, department and program level.
  • Upload and maintain budgets to financial software, Sage Intacct.
  • Monitors financial performance, analyzes trends, and provides monthly variance analysis of budget versus forecasted performance (all entity levels).  
  • Reports potential budget versus forecast numbers highlighting potential problems or areas of concern (excess spending, reduced revenue, etc.) to Chief Financial Officer and Director of Accounting.
  • Assist the Director of Accounting with monthly financial statements rolling forecast and financial statement preparation as needed.
  • Develop budgetary policies, procedures and tools to support planning, forecasting, reporting, and financial modelling for existing and future projects.  Ensuring compliance with fiscal policies.
  • Prepare detail budget reports, forecast vs budget updates, and performance tracking for senior leadership and departmental management.  Prepare reports as required for external stakeholders and board.
  • Collaborate with Senior leaders, Department Heads & Program Directors to review budget proposals and monitor expenditures.
  • Communicate complex financial information clearly and concisely to senior leadership, department heads and Program Directors.  
  • Ability to predict and understand what information Senior leaders, Department Heads, and Program Directors need to see to make financial decisions.
  • Create, manage, and maintain senior leadership dashboards in Sage Intacct.
  • Assist with special projects and other assignments/duties assigned by supervisor.
 
Qualifications
  • Uphold a passionate belief in The Community Group's mission, values, and educational model.
  • A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or a related field is required; an MBA or advanced degree is preferred.
  • 8+ years of experience in budgeting, financial planning, or related functions is preferred.    
  • Knowledge of nonprofit, grant, and/or government-funded accounting practices is preferred;
  • Proficiency in financial management systems, Microsoft Office, and data analysis tools.
  • Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities; excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex financial information.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines, including time-sensitive budget, financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis requirements.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to ensure financial data, budgets, forecasts, reports, and analyses are complete, reliable, and consistent.
  • Ability to successfully complete all required background checks, including a CORI check and any additional clearances required for the role.
 
Work Environment - Physical Requirements / Work Environment (if applicable):
This position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring weekly onsite presence at the TCG business office. Physical demands include the ability to sit or stand for extended periods, move throughout office or program environments (which may include stairs or uneven surfaces), and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and electronically. The role may occasionally require lifting up to 10 pounds (such as files, laptops, or other office materials). This role requires evening and/or weekend work. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
 
Compensation Statement
At The Community Group, we are committed to equitable and transparent compensation practices that reflect our values and mission. The posted salary range represents our good-faith estimate of pay for this position at the time of posting. Placement within this range will be determined using fair, non-discriminatory factors, including skills, experience, and competencies. Our compensation practices are regularly reviewed to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with the Massachusetts Pay Transparency Act.
 
EEO Statement / Commitment to Diversity
The Community Group is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law.  We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.
 
E-Verify Notice
The Community Group participates in the E-Verify program to determine the immigration and work-eligibility status of prospective employees. Please refer to the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Right to Work documents for more information.