Region Finance Manager

First for a reason:

At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer.

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and analytical finance professional based in Georgia to support operational performance across an assigned geographic region. This role is responsible for safeguarding company assets, analyzing financial results, and assisting regional leadership in budgeting, forecasting, and contract evaluation. The position also ensures adherence to accounting policies and supports continuous improvement in financial processes.

The ideal candidate will also have the ability to train and mentor location staff on basic-level accounting practices and financial literacy to strengthen operational understanding across the region.

• Conducts audits of location-level accounting transactions and procedures to ensure compliance with IFRS and company standards; recommends and monitors implementation of corrective actions.

• Trains and supports location personnel on basic accounting principles, systems, and policies; delivers training sessions to enhance financial literacy and operational understanding.

• Oversees regional fleet activities, including cascading, right-sizing, and transition planning for lost business. Reviews and advises on capital requests.

• Analyzes fleet systems (auditing, accounting, maintenance) for accuracy and completeness; performs periodic physical audits to validate data.

• Supports development of financial models for contract bids, rate analysis, and ensures financial assumptions are reasonable and supportable.

• Assists with month-end close processes and preparation of financial reports.

• Manages journal entries and provides detailed analysis of location-level income statements.

• Leads the development of annual operating plans and monthly forecasts for assigned locations.

• Executes special projects, prepares operational reports, and delivers ad hoc analyses to support decision-making across regional teams.

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (required)

• CPA, CMA, or MBA (preferred)

Experience & Skills:

• Must currently reside in Georgia (required).

• Minimum 5 years of experience in accounting or finance.

• Proficient in financial modeling and accounting principles.

• Demonstrated ability to create detailed budgets and forecasts for business units.

• Proven ability to train staff in basic-level accounting concepts and practices.

• Strong verbal communication skills across all organizational levels.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex formulas; experience with Excel macros is a plus.

• Prior experience in a multi-site or decentralized operational environment preferred.

Comprehensive Benefits
We offer a competitive compensation package with benefits tailored to your location and role, including robust physical and mental health programs, medical/dental/vision coverage, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays and vacation.

Career Growth
Start your journey and grow with us. We prioritize internal promotion, offering substantial opportunities across North America. Our structured Manager-in-Development program (3 to 5 months) equips future leaders with the skills to succeed.

Professional Training
Gain in-depth knowledge in areas such as safety, risk management, technology, and operations efficiency through ongoing training and development.

Diversity & Inclusion
We believe our strength lies in our people. That’s why we are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone is valued and respected.

Community Impact
Be part of something bigger. As a trusted member of your local community, you’ll help shape a safe, reliable, and positive environment for those we serve.

Apply today and take the next step in your finance career with First Student!

In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf.