This position is open due to a retirement effective January 31, 2025.
The salary range for this position is $155,000-$170,000, plus a cell phone stipend, mileage stipend, and TSA. Leave benefits include 23 vacation days, 18 sick days, five family sick days, five discretionary work from home days, and one floating holiday.
Title: Chief Financial Officer FLSA Status: Exempt
Classification: Administrator
Immediate Supervisor: Chief Human Resources Officer
Job Summary: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the overall financial management of the school district, ensuring the efficient and effective use of resources to support educational goals. This executive position oversees budgeting, financial planning, accounting, investment, and financial reporting. The CFO collaborates with the Chief Human Resources Officer, Superintendent, School Board, and other stakeholders to ensure financial stability and transparency while promoting fiscal responsibility and strategic growth.
Hiring Specifications:
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field.
- Master’s Degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CMA) highly preferred.
Certification
- State of Iowa School Business Official (SBO) certification or willingness to obtain within two years of hire.
Experience
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in financial management and/or accounting, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
- Experience in public sector and/or education finance, highly preferred.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
- Strong financial analysis and planning skills.
- Proficiency in financial software and systems.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to think strategically and solve complex financial problems.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated skill in organizing ideas.
- Excellent human relations skills and recognized abilities in working effectively with people.
- Demonstrated sound judgment, social competency, adaptability, self-confidence, emotional maturity, initiative, enthusiasm and resourcefulness.
- Ability to establish and maintain working relationships based on mutual confidence and respect.
- Ability to work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, parents and community members regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic/national origin, religion, marital status, age, socio-economic status or disability.
- Ability to handle adversity in an objective manner.
- Ability to recognize sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to organize varied functions and meet deadlines in a timely manner.
- Knowledge of state and federal laws and rules affecting public schools.
- Knowledge of Department of Education rules and regulations.
- Knowledge of budgeting procedures and management related to areas of responsibility.
- Ability to work effectively through the committee process to accomplish goals.
- Knowledge of the scope and relationships of the position to the total operation of the district.
- Ability to establish and maintain a positive work environment.
- Demonstrated record of commitment and sensitivity to affirmative action, equal opportunity and human rights.
Technology Requirements
- Basic computer skills (computer navigation, email, web browser, Employee Portal).
- Intermediate computer skills (Google Suites, Excel, financial planning, payroll, and accounting software).
- Ability to reach all skill levels listed if not already acquired.
Supervision of Others:
- Associate Director.
- Payroll and accounting support staff.
Personal Contacts:
- All district personnel.
- School Board.
- Financial institutions.
- Auditors.
- Iowa Department of Education.
Essential Functions
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Planning and Budgeting:
- Develop and manage the district’s budget, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and educational priorities.
- Forecast financial trends and provide recommendations to the Superintendent and School Board.
- Design, establish, and maintain fund accounting systems for all funds and schools with adequate internal controls to properly record financial transactions in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) principles.
- Prepare and present financial reports, including budgets, forecasts, and financial analyses.
- Accounting and Financial Reporting:
- Oversee business services, including budget development, line item budget construction, general ledger, accounts payables and receivables, payroll, travel, grants management, construction accounting, workers compensation and unemployment costs, risk management and fixed assets.
- Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Manage annual audits and work with external auditors to ensure compliance and transparency.
- Supervise the annual audit and maintain appropriate relationships with external auditors.
- Investment and Cash Management:
- Develop and implement investment strategies to maximize returns on district funds.
- Manage cash flow and liquidity to ensure sufficient funds for operational needs.
- Oversee financial risk management and insurance programs in collaboration with the Chief Human Resources Officer.
- Compliance and Governance:
- Perform duties and responsibilities associated with the Treasurer to the Board of Education as defined by Iowa law.
- Effectively collaborate and assist with the creation and evaluation of bid procedures and contract management.
- Effectively collaborate and coordinate with appropriate district personnel in developing and monitoring short- and long-range facility plans, including the responsibility of site/land acquisition and collecting, analyzing, and evaluating requested data.
- Ensure adherence to financial policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Stay current with changes in financial regulations and reporting requirements.
- Provide guidance on financial implications of policy decisions and strategic initiatives.
- Strategic Planning:
- Collaborate with district leadership to develop long-term financial strategies and goals.
- Analyze financial data to support decision-making and strategic planning.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and financial efficiency.
- Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of professional development and accountability.
- Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management of finance staff.
- Promote effective communication and collaboration within the finance department and across the district.
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Communicate financial information and updates to the School Board, parents, and community stakeholders.
- Prepare presentations and reports for Board meetings and public forums.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with financial institutions, vendors, and other external partners.
Job Duties:
- Serve as a member of the District Leadership Team, recommending, developing, and evaluating procedures for fiscally responsible operations within the district.
- Proactively educate the Board and Superintendent on economic trends, legislative issues, and government regulations that could impact the district’s financial policies, procedures, and operations by networking, attending meetings and conferences, and reading publications.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. other administrators, district staff, public agencies, community members, etc.) for implementing and/or maintaining services and programs.
- Facilitate meetings, workshops, professional development and training, etc. for identifying issues, developing recommendations, supporting other staff, and serving as a District representative.
- Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
- Facilitates and oversees committee meetings, as assigned.
- Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.
- Demonstrates integrity and maintains confidentiality.
- Works well with others, maintaining positive and effective communication with district personnel.
- Is respectful and appropriately interacts with staff, students, and visitors.
- Supports the goals and objectives of the school district and follows all district policies.
- Demonstrates the ability to attend work on a regular and routine basis to avoid disruption to District operations.
- Perform all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others.
- Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing appropriate personnel for resolution.
- Interprets Iowa school laws, Department of Education rules and regulations and Board policies and regulations to district personnel and school board.
- Advocates district goals and objectives.
- Attends Board meetings, serves as the Board Treasurer.
- Adheres to high ethical standards and demonstrates professionalism when acting as an agent of the district.
- Keeps the Chief Human Resources Officer, Superintendent and/or Board members advised of all relevant matters.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Terms of Employment: Twelve-month contract per Board policy and administrative guidelines.
Date Last Revised: 8/20/2024
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