22Beacon is a fast-growing real estate finance and development organization that manages the full lifecycle of educational facility construction projects—from feasibility analysis and acquisition to development, construction, and ribbon-cutting. Building on a 25-year history of success, we are entering a major expansion phase, scaling our $500MM balance sheet to $1B through undertaking larger and more complex construction and infrastructure projects and developing innovative financing structures in partnership with new financial institutions. We are seeking a hands-on, strategic, and adaptable leader to develop a best-in-class accounting function and guide the financial strategy that will accelerate this growth.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and managing a six-person team, you will lead day-to-day accounting operations for a highly complex organization with a $25MM operating budget, ensuring accuracy, timely closes, and strong internal controls. Beyond core accounting and compliance, you will deliver strategic financial insight, supporting the CEO and senior leadership with planning, budgeting, forecasting, and capital strategy that align resources with 22Beacon’s ambitious growth plan.
This is an opportunity to lead a sophisticated finance and accounting operation in a collegial, collaborative culture committed to expanding educational opportunities and improving economic mobility in underserved communities nationwide.
Work Environment, Salary, and Benefits
- The budgeted salary range for this position is $220K – $250K plus an up to 20% bonus potential. We offer an outstanding benefits package, including 10 paid holidays plus a week of winter break; unlimited PTO; 100% employer-paid health insurance; life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance; 401(k) with up to 8% employer contribution; a professional development program; a monthly wellness incentive; and more.
- You’ll be joining a team of high-performing colleagues that value adaptability, resilience, and a growth mindset. We go to work every day determined to help eliminate barriers to educational access and choice. Every person in our organization contributes to that impact.
- This role offers a hybrid work environment. Candidates based anywhere along the East Coast are encouraged to apply; travel and lodging expenses will be covered for those outside a reasonable commuting distance.
How You’ll Make an Impact
Seventy-five percent of our portfolio consists of early-stage educational real estate ventures that would otherwise struggle to secure funding and build. Your financial leadership will expand access to quality facilities and critical infrastructure for the communities that need it most. In the first 1-2 years you will:
- Strengthen accounting operations by developing and implementing disciplined processes that ensure accuracy and timeliness in financial reporting.
- Lead and mentor a high-performing finance and accounting team, setting clear performance goals and creating individual career development plans.
- Provide financial insight to guide lending and real estate investment decisions, using forecasting and modeling to anticipate and manage risk.
- Partner with the Chief Investment Officer to design financial structures, controls, and reporting systems that support new sources of capital.
Responsibilities
Accounting & Financial Operations
- Lead all accounting and finance functions, including general ledger, close, reporting, AP/AR, treasury, reconciliations, and internal controls.
- Oversee consolidated and unconsolidated reporting across a high-volume, multi-entity structure, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with GAAP, audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting.
- Direct the annual audit process and relationships with external auditors.
- Using technology as appropriate, strengthen systems, policies, and processes to support efficiency, scalability, and risk management.
Financial Leadership & Strategy
- Partner with the CEO and senior leadership to shape financial strategies that support growth and mission impact.
- Advise the CEO, COO, CIO, and board with clear analyses and recommendations to guide decision-making.
- Evaluate organizational strengths and risks; translate insights into actionable strategies.
- Ensure covenant compliance, debt management, liquidity, and long-term financial sustainability.
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Develop and maintain financial models and forecasts to inform lending, real estate development, and capital investment decisions.
- Lead budgeting, variance analysis, scenario planning, and performance measurement at organizational and project levels.
- Oversee cash flow planning, management, and forecasting to ensure liquidity and optimize use of funds.
Team Development & Leadership
- Lead and mentor a six-person finance and accounting team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and collaboration.
- Provide hands-on coaching and professional development to expand the team’s technical and strategic skills to support a growing, increasingly complex organization.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Present complex financial information to the C-suite, board, funders, and external partners with clarity and strategic insight.
- Support the CIO in negotiations with banking partners, investors, and counterparties on financing and joint ventures.
- Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to assess and manage the financial implications of contracts and agreements.
Qualifications
- 10–15 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with a recent track record as a high-performing Controller or VP of Finance; prior experience in real estate, lending, or development environments strongly preferred. CPA (or equivalent public accounting background) strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated mastery of GAAP accounting, multi-entity consolidations, and financial reporting, with experience managing audits, tax, and regulatory compliance across complex organizations. Exposure to complex financial instruments (e.g., bonds) is a plus.
- Advanced financial modeling and analytical skills with high proficiency in Excel and Sage Intacct; skilled in designing and implementing systems that improve accuracy and efficiency in financial operations.
- Proven ability to translate detailed financial data into insights for executive decision-making, including building and maintaining budgets, forecasts, cash flow models, and scenario analyses.
- A record of bringing structure, discipline, and accountability to finance operations; comfortable working at both strategic and detailed levels to ensure timely, high-quality outcomes while empowering the team.
- Demonstrated success in mentoring and developing high-performing teams through consistent communication of goals, feedback, and strategic direction.
- Exceptional communication skills to work across teams and with senior leadership and the board, including preparing and presenting financial information to support strategic decisions.
About 22Beacon
22Beacon provides schools and their ecosystems with the investment and real estate resources they need to build and thrive — specifically those in under-resourced communities. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, we bring funding and facilities to where they are most needed — eliminating barriers to access, choice, and equity. Our deeply experienced team has earned its best-in-class reputation through decades of outstanding impact-driven performance.
In both financing and building facilities, we provide a level of strategic thinking, practical know-how, staunch advocacy, and passionate commitment to client missions that can be found nowhere else. Those who work with 22Beacon will never have a more dedicated, compassionate and results-oriented partner in their corner.
Staffing Advisors is committed to reducing bias in every aspect of the hiring process. We have long recommended a competency-driven approach to hiring. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position description; we will consider people from a variety of backgrounds and career experiences.
