Manager of Business Services - Michigan Connections Academy

School Summary

Michigan Connections Academy (MICA) is a tuition-free, online public school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Michigan. MICA is authorized by Ferris State University Charter Schools Office and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Michigan Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with CA of Michigan, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

Working in a flex environment in the Okemos office as needed, the Manager of Business Services is primarily responsible for meeting monthly billing/accounting deadlines and billing partners in a timely manner. Other administrative tasks of the school such as assisting the leadership team with administrative tasks and other duties as assigned. The Manager of Business Services will be responsible for the following:

• Following billing procedures as outlined by state guidelines, Pearson Virtual Schools, and the Executive Director;
• Managing all responsibilities regarding billing/accounting (Expense Reports, paying invoices);
• Outbound communication via phone, online chat and email with various stakeholders;
• Manage billing and costs for state testing;
• Make all arrangements for school staff travel, including hotel, car rental, conference registration;
• Work with administrative assistant team to manage finances for student activities;
• Provide staff with information and training related to individual expense reporting;
• Work with the Executive Director and Pearson team on grants tracking and management, including, but not limited to maintaining spreadsheet records, financials, and drawdowns;
• Monitor spending and budget;
• Work with Pearson Virtual Schools to monitor school budget;
• Prepare reports for the Executive Director and other stakeholders;
• Keep projects and reports on schedule;
• Demonstrate ability to organize resources and a planned approach to execute projects efficiently and timely;
• Motivated, self-starter who can work independently and in cross-functional team environment;
• Prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and follow through on issues in a timely manner;
• Excellent follow-up skills; e.g., obtaining missing paperwork or checking in with people to keep a project moving forward;
• Oversee and gather documentation for audits including, but not limited to: personnel and certifications, Michigan State Police, MPAAA pupil accounting, authorizer, Michigan Department of Education, and ISD
• Manage the Executive Administrative Assistant, and family and student engagement roles
• Be a notary, or the ability to become a notary;
• Be the school representative for internal and vendor fingerprints and background checks as the CHRISS system user for the school;
• Responsible for oversight and Compliance including, but not limited to: authorizer document submission through Epicenter, Teacher Certifications, Licensing, and Permits;
• Onboarding and support of newly hired staff members;
• Track summer school payroll;
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements 

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Strong ability for reporting accuracy
• Knowledge of Michigan State and ISD Reporting Systems (CEPI, MCIR, Catamaran, etc.)
• Ability to understand all components of billing, receiving payments, general accounting
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and web-based applications is essential
• Intermediate or higher skill level in MS Excel
• Proficiency with Google Applications (Mail, Calendar, Drive, Chat, Documents, etc.)
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality (FERPA)
• Good interpersonal skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Customer focused approach
• High degree of flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced team environment
• Experience in K-12 education and/or State educational reporting a plus
• Preferred: experience with computer-based Information Systems
• Travel and attendance at in-person events, including State Testing is required throughout the school year, as determined by the school. This may require overnight travel
• Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication