Chief Financial Officer (7987)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title

Chief Financial Officer

Evaluation Type

Clinical

Department

Business Office

Pay Grade

A11

FLSA

Exempt

Date Revised

October 2024

Supervisor

Superintendent of Schools

BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY: Responsible for oversight of all financial and business affairs of the district. Provide leadership for the district's financial services activity to ensure legally sound and effective management practices. Direct and monitor the management and investment of all district funds including accounting, payroll, purchasing, risk management, and PEIMS (Public Education Information Management System) and ensure they are adequately protected. Serve as chief financial advisor and budget advisor to the superintendent and board of trustees. Responsible for the overall guidance, strategic planning, development, evaluation of outsourced contractors for child nutrition and transportation functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Advanced knowledge of school finance, budgeting, accounting systems, and economics
• Knowledge of information/data processing systems and financial applications
• Ability to resolve conflict, listen, and appropriately respond to concerns
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Ability to implement policy and procedures
• Ability to interpret data
• Excellent communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or educational administration; master's degree in business preferred
• Certification through the Texas Association of School Business Officials preferred (RTSBA or RTSBO)

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

• 5 years of supervisory experience in school business management or public organization
• Demonstrated ability and knowledge of public school finance in Texas

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

Management of Administrative, Fiscal and/or Facilities Functions:

• Ensure preparation and integrity of all district general accounting records and related financial reports using accepted standards for school accounting as prescribed by the Texas Education Agency.
• Develop long-range and short-term objectives for the district's business operations and prepare the district Monitor budget variances and oversee budget adjustments.
• Act as financial advisor to the superintendent and board of trustees and keep them informed of the financial condition of the district.
• Maintain the district's investment portfolio. Supervise and coordinate the investment of all available funds to the best interest of the school district and ensure that these funds are adequately protected against loss at all times.
• Ensure that all financial obligations of the school district (accounts payable, notes payable, bonded indebtedness, and payroll) are met on a timely basis.
• Implement and maintain internal control procedures to ensure the safeguarding of assets and reliability of accounting data and to promote operational efficiency and ensure adherence to prescribed procedures.
• Oversee the auditing program for all district funds and work cooperatively with the district's independent and internal auditors in conducting periodic audits.
• Administer the business office budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.
• Oversee the management of outsourced partner contracts for child nutrition and transportation operations of the district.
• Incorporate district-level goals into operational objectives to ensure that students arrive at school and school activities safely and on time; receive nutritious meals; and attend school in an environment that is safe, clean, and conducive to learning.
• Monitor and reevaluate departments supervised on an ongoing basis to ensure that district needs are being met in an effective and efficient manner.
• Supervise the coordination of collection and reporting of district Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) data.
• Collaborate with district staff, architects, and consultants during all phases of construction projects to ensure compliance with the district's specifications, design and construction standards, and building programs.
• Monitor the progress and compliance of ongoing construction projects.

Policy, Reports, and Law:

• Review and recommend appropriate policies, administrative regulations, and administrative practices for the areas supervised.
• Implement the policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and local Board policy in the areas assigned.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required including preparing and evaluating monthly financial statements and related budget reports, preparing quarterly and final reports for all federal funds and grants, developing semi-annual financial information for submission of data to TEA, and preparing and publishing comprehensive annual financial report in compliance with Association of School Business Officer (ASBO) standards.

Human Resources Management:

• Select, train, evaluate, and supervise department staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Develop training options and improvement plans for department staff to enhance the effectiveness of department operations.

Organization Improvement:

• Contribute to district wide school improvement efforts and the attainment of academic excellence indicators as a member of the management team.
• Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education and Commissioner's rules, and local board policy in the finance area.
• Compile, maintain, and present all reports, records, and other documents required.

Professional Growth and Development:

• Participate in professional development that increases effectiveness and improves District performance
• Guide assigned staff in the planning and implementation of professional development that increases effectiveness and improves District performance.
• Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure the best operation in the area of business and finance.

School/Community Relations:

• Demonstrate awareness of district and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Employ effective interpersonal skills.

Organization Morale:

• Use management practices that promote collegiality, teamwork, and collaborative decision-making among staff members.
• Demonstrate high expectations of students and staff.
• Provide for two-way communication with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and community.
• Monitor professional research and disseminate ideas and information to other professionals.
• Foster collegiality and team building among department employees; encourage active involvement in the decision- making process by all department employees; communicate expectations for high-level performance to staff; recognize staff achievements; and ensure effective and quick resolution of conflicts among department employees.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among assigned department personnel and campus administrators to enhance service delivery, program development, and customer satisfaction.

Other Responsibilities:

• Attend board meetings and make presentations when appropriate and/or requested.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervise and evaluate the performance of all staff assigned to the Business Office, including the director of finance, director of PEIMS & data quality, accounts payable specialists, accountants, purchasing coordinator, payroll specialists, and administrative support personnel.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional districtwide and statewide travel
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress