SY Network Controller

MESA Links is a growing network of high-performing charter schools serving the diverse communities of Brooklyn. Our flagship campus,
Math, Engineering, and Science Academy (MESA) Charter High School
, opened its doors in Bushwick in August 2013 and now serves 500 students in grades 9–12. Since graduating our first class of seniors in 2017,
MESA Bushwick has maintained a 94% cumulative graduation rate, reflecting our students' strong commitment to academic success.

Building on the success of our flagship school,
MESA Links is expanding to meet the growing demand for high-quality education in Brooklyn and is projected to double in size over the next 5 years:

• MESA South Brooklyn launched this year with its inaugural 9th grade class of 130 students
  , offering a rigorous college-preparatory program that mirrors the excellence of our flagship campus.
• MESA East New York currently serves 50 students in 7th and 8th grades and will launch its high school campus in SY 26-27.
• Our MESA Alumni Lab supports 125 young adults (ages 18–24) from across NYC, helping them re-engage with their education and career pathways through small-group workshops and interventions.

To support this expansion, we are seeking a Network Controller to lead and build out the financial operations of our organization. As the lead financial officer of the organization, the Controller holds ultimate responsibility for its financial health and performance. This role also involves managing multiple legal entities, strategically planning for their individual growth and success, as well as ensuring their collective financial well-being.

The Controller will report directly to MESA’s Executive Director and serve as a core member of the senior leadership team. As the network grows, there is an opportunity for this person to become MESA’s first CFO. This role is responsible for developing and maintaining financial systems, overseeing compliance, managing audits, and supporting strategic financial planning. The Controller will work closely with Charter School Business Management (CSBM), school leaders, and network leadership to ensure sound financial health, transparency, and operational excellence as we grow.

• Develop and maintain multi-year financial models and forecasts to support the network’s long-term sustainability and strategic growth.
• Ensure effective stewardship of resources to support the student and academic outcomes.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to inform key decisions, including expansion, staffing, and capital investments.

• Lead the annual budgeting process for both the network and individual schools, ensuring alignment with funding allocations, programmatic needs, and compliance requirements.
• Monitor budget-to-actual performance on a monthly basis, proactively identifying, correcting, and addressing variances.
• Manage cash and philanthropic grants.

• Manage accounting policies, internal controls, and procedures that ensure accurate financial reporting and safeguard organizational assets. Ensure that organization’s FPP manual is followed to fidelity
• Work with CSBM to oversee day-to-day accounting functions, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll, bank reconciliations, and general ledger maintenance.
• Ensure timely month-end and year-end closings in accordance with GAAP and applicable nonprofit standards.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for internal and external stakeholders.
• Present financial reports in clear, accessible language to school leadership, board of directors, and finance committees.
• Analyze financial trends and performance to support strategic decision-making.

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations, including those specific to charter schools and nonprofit organizations.
• Lead and manage the annual financial audit process for all entities within organization, including coordination with external auditors and preparation of required documentation.
• Manage/ oversee the merger of legal entities to meet necessary…