Business Manager

Since 1941, Mainspring Schools has led Austin’s effort to provide quality early childhood education, nutrition and support services to underserved families in the community. Our mission is to help families break out of the cycle of poverty.

We are a NAEYC-accredited, nonprofit preschool that partners with United Way, AISD, Workforce Solutions, Early Head Start, and numerous funders to make sure that our kids are prepared for kindergarten socially, emotionally, and educationally and that their families are in the best position for future success.

The Opportunity

The Business Manager will skillfully, efficiently, and effectively coordinate Mainspring’s financial and administrative efforts, which includes aligning essential organizational resources to provide the high-quality services that give children and families the foundation to thrive.

The Business Manager must have experience with fund accounting and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in a non-profit environment and the adaptability to address new challenges as they arise.

This role reports to the Executive Director.

 Roles and Responsibilities

You will collaborate with the Executive Director, Director of Philanthropy, Finance Committee members, and staff to maintain the integrity of the organization’s financial and administrative operations. 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Responsibly manage all financial operations, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, purchases, donations, inventories, reconciliations, and grant and budget reporting.

• Manage tuition invoicing and coordinate with families on applications for public subsidy programs.

• Coordinate fundraising data management with Director of Philanthropy and Executive Director.

• Use reports from time-tracking software and Gusto to accurately track PTO and run payroll.

• Prepare regular financial reports and review with administrative team and Board Treasurer.

• Serve as primary point of contact for financial, payroll, and insurance entities.

• Maintain accurate and complete filing system for accounting, legal, and business records.

• Maintain and implement policies and procedures.

• Coordinate annual audit with Executive Director, Finance Committee, and external auditors.

• Play an essential role in office management and organizational growth.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience with QuickBooks, donation tracking software, and payroll software.

• Skillful in cultivating and maintaining positive relationships with co-workers and families.

• Knowledge of and ability to use a computer and other technical resources to effectively accomplish work.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure work is completed in a timely and effective manner.

Traits and Characteristics

• Good judgment, integrity, and confidentiality.

• Strong knowledge of non-profit bookkeeping principles, ethics and practices.

• Effective verbal and written communication.

• Growth mindset and solutions-oriented.

• Team-oriented, willing to leap in and help others.

• Passion about Mainspring Schools’ mission and values.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive compensation plan, including salary range starting at $55,000 (dependent on experience)

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Vacation, PTO and sick time

• 401k matching

• Hybrid work model (mostly in-office, but some remote work is possible)

• Family-friendly environment

• A diverse population of families and staff

• A dynamic and fun place to work

• The opportunity to make a real difference with underserved kids and their families

• The opportunity to make a real difference with underserved kids and an organization that is full of potential!

Applications

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to executivedirector@mainspringschools.org. A cover letter is required for consideration.

A Deeper Look at Mainspring

At our core, we are a preschool for 95 children in Austin, ages 0-5. But our larger program is built on three pillars: 

1. High-quality early education

2. Health and nutrition

3. Comprehensive family support

Each year, we produce some of the highest kindergarten readiness rates in the state and we help entire families develop a foundation for future success. This is the little school doing big things.

A few accomplishments:

• Mainspring is among the 8% of centers in the U.S. to achieve accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). 

• We have the highest 4-star rating from the Texas Rising Star program, which is run by the Texas Workforce Commission. 

• Our school was the first early childhood program in Texas to achieve in-district charter status (with the Austin Independent School District). 

• We were recently selected by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to be part of its exclusive Replicating Great Options program.

Mainspring has earned the above accolades because of effective leadership, efficient organizational dynamics and long-standing partnerships. We believe in fiscal responsibility that takes advantage of multiple streams of revenue (including fundraising) and closely monitors expenses and investments. We also strive to operate efficiently and effectively, taking advantage of progressive processes and technologies. In addition, we believe in partnering with organizations to maximize the capabilities of all parties. 

Learn more at www.mainspringschools.org.