<![CDATA[This study examines financial management practices at SMK (Sekolah Menengah Kejuruaan) Islamic Center Cirebon and explains how these practices support educational resource optimization. The study addresses a gap in previous literature, which has generally examined accountability, internal control, stakeholder participation, and resource allocation as relatively separate dimensions. It argues that resource optimization in a private Islamic vocational school is shaped by interconnected financial governance mechanisms rather than by a single financial management practice. This study employed a qualitative single-case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with three purposively selected informants consisting of the school principal, treasurer, and a school committee representative, supported by document analysis of ARKAS, Standard Input Costs, cash receipt and expenditure records, and financial accountability reports. The data were analyzed thematically through data organization, coding, categorization, theme development, and interpretation. The study strengthened data credibility by triangulating sources and methods. The findings identify five interconnected financial management practices: participatory financial planning and budget priority setting; financial reporting and accountability; program adjustment in response to funding constraints; mobilization of alternative funding sources; and routine control of financial receipts and expenditures. These mechanisms are interconnected in supporting financial governance and resource use: participatory planning establishes budget priorities, accountability mechanisms ensure traceability, funding constraints stimulate program adaptation, unmet needs encourage alternative resource mobilization, and financial control supports subsequent decision-making. Thus, resource optimization is best understood as an institutional process of aligning educational needs, financing capacity, accountability mechanisms, and stakeholder support. As a single-case study involving three key institutional actors, the findings are context-specific and are not intended for statistical generalization. Further studies should compare financial governance practices across different private Islamic vocational schools and institutional settings.]]>
