Fiscal Specialist

Job Summary

The Central Indiana Shared Services Hub, in partnership with the United Way of Central Indiana, is a regional initiative supporting home-based child care providers across Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, and Putnam counties-beginning in Marion County and expanding over four years. Through this collaborative model, early childhood education providers pool needs and share resources to build sustainable operations and deliver high-quality programming. By centralizing access to tools, services, and professional expertise, the Hub helps providers reduce costs through operational efficiencies and increase revenue through stronger business systems and staffing support.

The fiscal specialist will support child care business owners to improve overall function and program sustainability. This role involves budget development and management, financial guidance, and ensuring compliance with funding and regulatory requirements. It is ideal for someone who understands the unique financial challenges faced by the child care industry and is passionate about helping providers sustain and grow their businesses.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Development and Implementation

• Support the development of shared services for child care programs and research potential vendor options.
• Identifying best accounting software to utilize
• Identifying gaps is service offerings
• Streamlining processes for child care providers
• Seeking out bulk purchasing opportunities
• Manage financial transactions, including accounts payable, receivable, and payroll, with accuracy and efficiency.

Work Alongside Child Care Programs

• Cost of Care Analysis: Help child care providers calculate the actual cost of care per child, considering staffing, supplies, facility expenses, and other overhead costs.
• Tuition & Free Structuring: Provide guidance on setting competitive and sustainable tuition rates based on financial analysis.
• Enrollment & Waitlist Management: Support providers in forecasting revenue based on enrollment trends and waitlist data, ensuring financial stability.
• Budgeting Financial Planning: Assist child care programs in developing realistic budgets and financial strategies.
• Financial Training & Support: Support and facilitate financial literacy training tailored to child care professionals.
• Compliance: Assist child care owners with state and federal funding compliance, including subsidy programs.

Financial Work and Data Analysis

• Track and analyze financial trends, enrollment patterns, and funding opportunities to provide actionable insights.
• Analyze financial data to provide insights and recommendations for sustainability and growth.
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy in handling financial records.

Education, Experience, & Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following:

• Education: Bachelor's degree required in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of two (2) years' experience; work in nonprofit, education, or child care finance preferred.
• Strong knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks) and Microsoft Excel.
• Passion for supporting child care professionals and small business owners.
• Experience with a variety of software and cloud-based applications, including virtual meeting applications such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Additional Requirements:
  • Position is hybrid, with flexibility to work from home and onsite office requirements
  • Valid driver's license and must provide own transportation, and proof of automobile insurance
  • Availability to work a minimum of three nights and one Saturday per month

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

The successful employee will demonstrate individual competency in the following areas:

• Written and Verbal Communication Skills: The fiscal specialist will tell stories with numbers, so the candidate must possess superior communication skills. Whether through reports, presentations, or in-person, phone, or email discussion, they must be able to clearly articulate findings and opportunities. Speaking in front of the Child Care Answers team should be an area of comfort and confidence.
• Social Perceptiveness and Professionalism: The specialist must be socially aware of socio-economic, geographic, cultural, and intellectual differences as they navigate from one audience to another, both internally and externally. They demonstrate professionalism in appearance and actions; handle difficult or stressful situations in a calm and respectful manner; demonstrate fair treatment of others and support a positive work environment.
• Innovative Thinking: The specialist must be an innovative thinker, pushing the boundaries of creativity, thinking outside of the box, asking questions, and bringing ideas to life. These skills are essential for seeking out diverse perspectives and gaining fresh connections and networks.
• Interpersonal Skills and Influencing Skills: Interpersonal skills include things like compassion, positivity and patience, all of which the specialist must demonstrate daily. These skills are essential to building authentic relationships with potential audiences.  The specialist will use influencing skills to communicate vision or goals, align the efforts of others, and build commitment from people at all levels.
• Problem Solving / Decision Making: The specialist will logically resolve most problem situations and develop alternative solutions when faced with obstacles; use innovative ideas to resolve problems and develop effective solutions; and take responsibility for actions.  The fiscal specialist must be organized to ensure they stay on track with goals and objectives, leveraging excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

All offers of employment at Child Care Answers are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check and drug screen.

Salary : $54,000 - $58,000