Chief Financial Officer
Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract a talented Chief Financial Officer who models the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer to join our Business and Operations team. The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for leading a full spectrum of financial services for Portland Public Schools, including General Ledger Accounting, Grant Accounting, Treasury, Accounts Payable and Receivable, Budgeting, Payroll, Financial Systems, and Purchasing & Contracting. The Chief Financial Officer will guide the Finance team in building strong relationships and partnerships throughout the organization. With responsibility for ensuring district funds are managed effectively and are accurately reported, this position is a key leader to the successful operations of Portland Public Schools.
Essential Job Functions:
- Serve as financial expert/consultant to the Superintendent and the Board of Education by providing counsel, expertise and guidance in financial services matters.
- Engage with community members and media outlets to articulate how the District’s fiscal policies support the achievement of the District’s strategic vision.
- Lead and inspire the Financial Services team in delivering financial processes and providing innovative financial guidance throughout PPS.
- Ensure compliance with quality standards and maintain excellence in financial reporting.
- Oversee the development and preparation of the annual budget for the District.
- Provide strategic expertise regarding division activities and recommend appropriate courses of action.
- Prepare materials to document activities and compliance requirements.
- Consult for collective bargaining negotiations regarding financially related issues.
- Monitor financial and strategic planning to assure fiscal integrity for the District.
- Support District divisions in assessing the financial impact of legislation and related matters.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the Portland Public Schools equity goals and sustainability efforts.
- Facilitate meetings and represent the District in community organizations to effect positive dialogue in financial matters.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Master’s Degree in Business, Finance or related field.
Ten (10) or more years of Finance, Accounting, or Contract Management experience, with at least three years in a senior administrative management capacity. A minimum of three (3) years working in a large public sector environment or with a medium to large private sector employer (3,000+ employees). Five (5) or more years leading and managing teams.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
- Certification as a CPA, CMA, or CGFM is strongly preferred.
- Experience working in a unionized environment.
- Proven ability to influence and develop strong working relationships with multiple partners.
- Commitment to leading organizational change to increase cultural and linguistic diversity.
- Strategic thinking capability paired with the ability to motivate others.
- Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative teams and mentor personnel.
- Ability to develop consistency of process in a transforming environment.
- Familiarity with pre-K-12 environment structures and systems.
- Experience working for a municipal organization.
Salary: Hiring range is between $200,000 and $219,000.
