Manager Of Business Services - Michigan Connections Academy

Manager Of Business Services - Michigan Connections Academy

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.

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;
• Provide staff with information and training related to individual expense reporting;
• Assist with the Executive Director and Pearson team on grants tracking and management, including, but not limited to maintaining spreadsheet records, financials, and drawdowns;
• Prepare reports for the Executive Director and other stakeholders;
• 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
• 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;
• Oversee and manage the daily work of the office team, including, but not limited to records management, coordinating event logistics, enrollment tasks, withdrawal processing, processing transcript requests, receiving and sending student portfolios, communicating with staff and families;
• Work in collaboration with PVS Teams, such as State Reporting and Compliance to ensure required data (ex. Immunization Records) are entered into various school and district information systems in an accurate and timely manner;
• Create and update school Standard Operating Procedures;
• Work directly with PVS Teams, such as Facilities and the Academy's Property Manager;
• Responsible for managing school phone system;
• Assist School Leadership Team as needed with daily tasks and projects;
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Associate degree or higher 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.

Michigan Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.