Brehm & Options Business Manager

Job Overview

Reporting directly to the Head of School, the Business Operations Manager serves as the senior operational leader responsible for finance administration, HR operations, compliance, and business services. This role supervises administrative, IT, and facilities personnel and partners closely with external accounting and HR providers.

Why You'll Love This Role

At Brehm and OPTIONS, your work directly supports students with unique learning needs as they build skills, confidence, and independence. Behind every successful school day is a strong operational foundation—and this role is central to making that happen.

This is more than a business operations position. It is an opportunity to use your financial, operational, and organizational talents to help change the lives of children and families. You'll work closely with school leadership, influence important decisions, and see the impact of your efforts every day.

We also recognize the importance of work-life balance. Unlike many business management roles, this position follows the rhythm of a school environment, offering a predictable schedule, school holidays, and a lighter pace during portions of the summer.

This position is part of the school's leadership team and serves as a key operational partner to the Head of School. The role supports an organization of more than 45 employees serving over 30 students across multiple campus buildings. The Business Operations Manager directly oversees a team of approximately six employees while managing critical relationships with outsourced accounting, payroll, HR, and other professional service providers.

This is not a data-entry or bookkeeping position. Payroll is coordinated through an external vendor, with routine data entry and transaction processing handled by administrative staff and external partners. The Business Operations Manager provides oversight and coordination of payroll, accounts payable, budgeting, compliance, and financial processes while ensuring accurate execution, accountability, and timely reporting.

If you are looking for a role where your work matters, your expertise is valued, and your contributions make a lasting difference, we'd love to meet you.

Responsibilities

• Business, Financial & Operational Management
• Manage daily business operations including AP/AR, payroll coordination, and administrative workflows

Compliance, Audit & Regulatory Reporting (Critical)

• Ensure all audits, filings, and regulatory requirements are completed accurately and on time—without exception
• Coordinate and manage the annual third-party audit process
• Oversee and ensure timely submission of all Illinois State Board of Education filings and reports
• Maintain and actively manage a compliance calendar

Human Resources Operations

• Coordinate payroll and ensure accuracy and timeliness through external providers
• Administer scheduling, employee benefits, and respond to staff inquiries
• Maintain personnel records and ensure compliance with employment requirements
• Support onboarding, offboarding, and employment documentationCoordinate payroll and ensure accuracy and timeliness

Vendor, Partner & Resource Management

• Own relationships with external accounting (CPA), payroll, and HR providers
• Ensure all external partners deliver accurate, timely work within budget
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service providers across operations

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Serve as a key operational partner to the Head of School
• Support preparation of materials for Finance Committee and Board discussions
• Coordinate logistics for board meetings, major school events, and institutional initiatives
• Supervise administrative support staff, IT staff, and facilities personnel
• Bring structure, organization, and accountability to a fast-moving environment

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a point of contact for staff, parents, and external partners on financial and HR-related matters
• Serve as a key liaison between the Head of School, leadership team, Board, and broader school community
• Support tuition payment plans and communication with families and districts as needed
• Foster a collaborative, professional, and service-oriented administrative environment
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure strong internal controls
• Track budget vs. actuals and proactively identify variances and risks
• Monitor cash flow and ensure leadership has clear, real-time visibility into financial position
• Support tuition tracking and revenue coordination
• Prepare clear, concise monthly financial, operational, and board reports

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field; MBA Preferred
• 3–5+ years of experience in operations, finance, business management, or similar role
• Experience with budgeting, payroll oversight, or business office operations required
• Experience with audits, compliance, or regulatory reporting strongly preferred
• School or nonprofit experience preferred
• People leadership or direct interaction with a Board preferred

Additional Requirements

• Proficiency in financial management and reporting systems (e.g., QuickBooks, Sage, or similar)
• Strong Excel skills, including ability to manage budgets, track variances, and build basic financial reports
• Experience coordinating payroll and benefits administration systems, preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple functional areas (finance, HR admin, operations), preferred
• Direct experience supporting audits, regulatory filings, or compliance-driven reporting environments, strongly preferred
• Comfortable working in a resource-constrained, evolving environment with high accountability
• Willingness to be hands-on and manage both strategic coordination and day-to-day execution
• High level of discretion in handling sensitive financial and personnel information

Employment Status

• Full-Time
• Salary, Exempt
• 12-Month, Business Administration
• Benefits Eligible
• Fully On-Site Position (not eligible for remote work)

Join us as a Business Manager in the Brehm & Options division where your expertise will drive impactful results. We are committed to empowering our team members through continuous learning opportunities and fostering an energetic workplace dedicated to excellence in financial services.

Pay: $59,633.70 - $79,773.91 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person