Director of Audit Planning & Administration (Immediate Opening)

Director of Audit Planning & Administration

 This is a vacancy for the 26-27 school year with a target start date of July 1, 2026

Mission:

The Director of Audit Planning & Administration is a full-time, exempt position and is responsible for overseeing all financial, single audits for the organization. IDEA currently conducts audits across three multiple corporate entities. This position plays a key role in ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of financial and operational processes. This ensures compliance with laws, regulations, and organizational policies. This position will not directly supervise staff but will play an integral role in the accounting team's coaching and development, specifically related to audit processes and policies. The Director of Audit Planning & Administration will report directly to the Managing Director of Accounting.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No supervisory responsibilities

Location:

This is a full-time (remote) position for Texas with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth). However living in Texas is not required.

Travel Expectations:    

Up to 40% during the busiest times of year

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

·          Oversees and coordinates all phases of IDEA’s external/internal financial and single audits, reviews, or accounting engagements, and ensures all deliverables comply with both the applicable accounting framework and company policy.

·          Oversees and coordinates all phases of the 990 tax return.

·          Appraises the key IDEA’s management of all important developments, identifies any potential issues for each audit, recommends solutions.

·          Creates the annual audit calendar and manages submissions to ensure on time audits are free of deficiencies, materials weaknesses, or other findings.

·          Reviews audit work papers prior to submission.

·          Guides and directs staff assigned to IDEA’s audits and provides applicable training; reviews work papers and reports prepared by the audit team in accordance with company policy.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

·          Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and proficiency in the necessary technical skills needed to advise IDEA key stakeholders and staff.

·          Builds and maintains contact with key stakeholders (internal & external) throughout the year; possesses a thorough knowledge of IDEA, its affiliates and partners and all facets of IDEA’s business and control systems

·          Responsible for ensuring all audit engagements are properly scheduled

·          Plays a pivotal role in coaching and developing members of the accounting team and contributes to staff performance evaluations.

·          Ability to effectively communicate technical, statistical, or financial information, policies and/or procedures in a manner easily understood.

·          Ability to prepare clear, concise, and professional audit reports.

·          The ability to handle sensitive or delicate situations confidentially and in a professional manner.

·          An understanding of audit planning and workflow management.

·          Performs additional tasks as required by the immediate supervisor.

·          Acts as an accounting backup when necessary.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions: This team member fosters an inclusive decision-making environment by encouraging diverse perspectives, managing disagreements constructively, and creating space for all voices to be heard. They clearly communicate final decisions, providing context and anticipated impact—even when choices are difficult or unpopular.

• Manage Work and Teams: This team member builds and maintains systems to track progress toward team goals, ensuring clarity through defined roles and responsibilities. They implement structured processes that support smooth team operations and strategically allocate time and resources to drive goal achievement.

• Grow Self and Others: This team member regularly offers affirming and adjusting feedback, maintaining a positive balance that reinforces growth and motivation. They provide transparent, candid performance insights and offer consistent coaching and development aligned with individual goals, supporting both direct reports and cross-functional partners.

• Build a Culture of Trust:  This team member fosters a team culture where individuals genuinely care for one another both personally and professionally. They lead with transparency, encourage open communication, including healthy conflict—and promote reliability and consistency, while regularly seeking and responding to team feedback to enhance the collective experience.

• Communicate Deliberately: This team member leads inclusive discussions that surface obstacles and drive actionable solutions, ensuring all voices are heard. They communicate key information clearly across multiple channels and establish feedback loops that promote open dialogue, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Additional Skills:

·          Possess thorough knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States, United States Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board standards, and A-133 (Single Audit)

·          Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

·          Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working well with diverse groups.

·          Advanced in using auditing software and Microsoft Office Suite.

·          Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently

·          Ability to creatively translate large amounts of data into useful information and actionable conclusions.

·          Excellent written and verbal communication skills

·          Ability to be a team leader and work as an effective member of a team.

·          Proven project management and time management skills.

·          Ability to prioritize and complete assignments and efficiently and effectively meet deadlines.

·          Strong computer skills.

·          Proactively seek knowledge, new tasks, and responsibilities.

·          Cooperative and responsive to training, supervision, and constructive feedback.

·          Ability to direct, review and train departmental staff.

Required experience:

·          Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.

·          Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in leading audits.

Preferred Education and Experience:

·          Master's degree is preferred.

·          Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

·          Prolonged sitting at a desk and working on a computer (typically 6–8 hours/day).

·          Manual dexterity to operate office equipment such as computers, calculators, printers, and copiers.

·          Visual acuity for reading documents, data entry, and screen use.

·          Ability to lift and carry office supplies, files, or boxes weighing up to 20–30 pounds.

·          Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching to retrieve or file documents.

·          Clear verbal communication for phone and in-person interactions.

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $108,100 and $128,600, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

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 Experience 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