The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the strategic leader responsible for the school district's comprehensive financial management. This role encompasses oversight of budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, payroll, procurement, risk management, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. As a key member of the Executive Cabinet, the CFO collaborates closely with the Superintendent and Board of Trustees to align financial practices with the district's mission and goals, ensuring fiscal integrity and sustainability.

This job reports to the Superintendent.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform the essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described herein., Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically identified in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental to the performance of their duties, just as though they were written in this job description. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Planning and Budgeting:

• Develop and manage the district's annual budget, ensuring alignment with educational objectives and strategic plans.
•  Monitor budget performance and implement adjustments as necessary.
• Provide regular financial reports to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees.

Accounting and Financial Reporting:

• Oversee all accounting operations, including accounts payable/receivable, general ledger, and financial statement preparation.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other relevant financial regulations.
• Coordinate annual audits and implement recommendations as appropriate.

Payroll and Benefits Administration:

• Manage payroll processes, ensuring timely and accurate compensation for all employees.
• Oversee benefits administration, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other employee benefits.

Procurement and Contract Management:

• Supervise purchasing activities to ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance with procurement laws.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with vendors and service providers.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure the district's financial practices comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage and manage claims as necessary.

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Advise the Superintendent and Board on the financial implications of policy decisions.
• Participate in long-term planning to support the district's educational mission.
• Engage with stakeholders to communicate financial information transparently.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work collaboratively with district administrators to support the financial aspects of educational programs.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding financial matters.

Policy Development and Implementation:

• Develop and recommend financial policies and procedures to ensure efficient and effective operations.
• Implement and monitor compliance with established policies and procedures.

Staff Leadership and Development:

• Supervise and evaluate finance department staff, fostering professional growth and development.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the finance team.

Technology and Systems Management:

• Oversee the selection and implementation of financial systems and technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
• Ensure data integrity and security within financial systems.

Board and Community Engagement:

• Present financial reports and analyses to the Board of Trustees.
• Engage with community stakeholders to build trust and transparency in financial matters.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's degree or CPA certification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of five years of experience in financial management, preferably within an educational or public sector environment.
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GMP) and financial reporting standards.
• Local, state, and federal financial regulations applicable to public education.
• Budget development and management processes.
• Risk management and insurance principles.
• Procurement laws and contract management.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to lead and manage a team effectively.
• Develop and implement strategic financial plans.
• Interpret and apply complex financial regulations and policies.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Skills are required to perform multiple, highly complex technical tasks, and skills must be upgraded regularly to meet changing job conditions.
• Knowledge is required to utilize theoretical mathematical concepts; review and interpret highly technical information, and solve practical problems.
• Ability to schedule activities and/or meetings, gather, collate, and/or classify data, and use basic, job-related equipment is required.
• Flexibility is required to work independently with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.
• Ability to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups, work with similar types of data, and utilize specific, job-related equipment is also required.
• In working with others, independent problem-solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.
• Problem-solving with data may require independent interpretation, and problem-solving with equipment is limited.
• Specific abilities required to perform the job's functions satisfactorily include setting priorities, working with frequent interruptions, working as part of a team, communicating with diverse groups, and establishing effective relationships.

Working Conditions

• Environment: Primarily office-based with occasional travel to school sites and district meetings.
• Physical Demands: Routine use of standard office equipment; occasional lifting and movement of materials up to 25 pounds.

FLSA Status: Exempt

About Rock Hill School District

Rock Hill Schools is committed to providing equal access to educational and employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, spousal affiliation, or any other protected trait or characteristic, as may be required by law. As required by Title IX and its implementing regulations, 34 C.F.R. Part 106, Rock Hill Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities.

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