Learning Lab - Financial Management for Auxiliary Leaders (Session 2 of 3)
This event listing is for Session 2 of 3. Registration for this series may only be completed online at the first session event listing, while open.
Financial Management for Auxiliary Program Leaders is a three-session SPARC Learning Lab designed to help auxiliary directors and managers strengthen their financial confidence and decision-making skills.
This practical, application-focused course addresses the core financial responsibilities auxiliary leaders face, from building and managing budgets to forecasting revenue, partnering effectively with the Business Office, and making informed decisions about pricing, staffing, and program sustainability. Participants will learn how to interpret key financial reports, develop realistic budgets and forecasts, and use simple tools to manage programs more strategically.
Designed for leaders with basic to intermediate financial experience, this Learning Lab emphasizes real-world application over theory. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how their programs contribute to the school’s financial health and with tools they can immediately apply in their roles.
Program Structure
- Virtual
- Three, 90 minutes sessions
- Applied examples, discussion, and practical tools
- Registrants should plan to attend all three sessions in order to take advantage of the robust curriculum
Schedule
September 9: Financial Foundations for Auxiliary Programs- September 16: Budgeting: Forecasting, Pricing, and Financial Decision-Making
- September 23: Strategic Financial Leadership & Tools for Success
Recordings
All registrants will receive a follow-up email after each session with links to the recording and applicable materials.
Session 1: Financial Foundations for Auxiliary Programs
Theme: Understanding the numbers - financial literacy, reports, and core business fundamentals
Topics Covered
- How auxiliary programs generate revenue and value
- Core financial concepts: revenue, expenses, contribution margin
- Understanding and using a P&L
- Fixed vs. variable costs (with staffing as a primary driver)
- Building a budget aligned to enrollment and program goals
- Simple, practical break-even analysis
Session 2: Budgeting: Forecasting, Pricing, and Financial Decision-Making
Theme: Using financial tools to make informed decisions
Topics Covered
- Enrollment forecasting and scenario planning
- Pricing strategy: cost-based vs. market-based
- Staffing models and financial implications
- Mid-year adjustments and re-forecasting
- Identifying risks and opportunities early
Session 3: Strategic Financial Leadership & Tools for Success
Theme: Moving from budget management to strategic leadership
Topics Covered
- Building strong relationships with the Business Office
- Communicating budgets and explaining variances
- Capital vs. operating expenses and basic ROI thinking
- Creating simple financial tracking tools (spreadsheets, dashboards)
- Establishing a financial management rhythm (monthly, seasonal, annual)
Key Program Outcomes
Participants will:
- Understand how auxiliary programs contribute financially to the school
- Interpret basic financial reports (P&L, budget vs. actual)
- Build or refine a practical program budget
- Develop realistic enrollment and revenue forecasts
- Make informed pricing and staffing decisions
- Understand how changes impact financial outcomes
- Partner more effectively with the Business Office
- Understand capital expenses and basic investment decision-making
- Use simple tools to track performance and guide decisions
Financial Management for Auxiliary Leaders will be lead by SPARC Senior Advisor Bob Rojee and Executive Director of Auxiliary Programs at Sidwell Friends School and SPARC Senior Advisor Karen McCann McClelland.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Questions should be directed to Fletcher Barnes, Membership and Operations Coordinator, SPARC.