Finance Director

Lead Agency Fiscal Operations

• Provide leadership and supervision for all fiscal operations within CTE, including oversight of fiscal staff and administrative support functions.
• Develop, implement, and monitor fiscal policies, procedures, regulations, and internal controls to ensure compliance, consistency, and operational excellence.
• Serve as a key member of the management team, contributing to agency strategy, decision-making, and organizational priorities
• Oversee payroll and human resource fiscal functions, serve as P-Card Administrator and NDPERS Authorized Agent, and coordinate agency audits.

Drive Budget Strategy & Financial Planning

• Lead development, administration, and monitoring of the agency budget.
• Prepare and submit budgets through BDTS and perform monthly reconciliations to ensure fiscal accuracy.
• Collaborate with leadership and staff to analyze financial data and support budget planning and adjustments.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Office of Management and Budget, Legislative Council, and partner agencies regarding revenue, expenditures, and budget matters.
• Participate in legislative hearings and meetings, monitor legislation impacting CTE funding, and prepare fiscal analyses and reports.

Oversee Grants Management & School Fiscal Support

• Direct administration of state and federally funded grants, including annual plans, revised budgets, reimbursement claims, and distribution of Carl D. Perkins funds.
• Lead grant management processes using systems such as PeopleSoft and Fluxx, ensuring accountability, compliance, and timely processing.
• Provide technical assistance to school administrators and business managers regarding budgeting, reimbursements, audits, and grant requirements.
• Oversee fiscal monitoring, subrecipient risk assessments, desk audits, and site visits.
• Review funding requests, determine funding sources, process payments, reconcile expenditures, and maintain accurate financial records.

Ensure Compliance & Strengthen Financial Stewardship

• Lead financial administration functions in compliance with federal and state laws, OMB and WSI requirements, GAAP, and GASB standards.
• Prepare and submit key financial reports, including ACFR, SEFA, and budget components of the Consolidated Annual Report.
• Advise the State Director on major financial decisions, fiscal policy, and programmatic considerations.
• Interpret and communicate state and federal regulations to stakeholders and present financial reports and budget status updates to the ND CTE Board.
• Support development of the State Plan for submission to the U.S. Department of Education and participate in review and approval of local Perkins applications.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or closely related field
• Five years of experience managing budgets and fiscal operations

We’re seeking a strategic financial leader who brings:

• Strong knowledge of governmental budgeting, accounting, grants administration, and fiscal compliance
• Experience leading complex financial operations with accuracy, integrity, and attention to detail
• Ability to interpret regulations and translate complex fiscal information into actionable guidance
• Collaborative leadership style with strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Commitment to continuous improvement, accountability, and public service
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational execution

Nice to Have
While not required, these experiences would be valuable in this role:

• Experience working with public funds, including state and/or federal grants
• Experience with governmental accounting, financial reporting, and compliance requirements
• Experience with grant management, audits, and legislative or public-sector budgeting processes

"Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

Submit your application, cover letter and resume on the OMB Careers website by 11:59 p.m. CT on the closing date. Include details in your resume showing how your background aligns with the position.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. CTE does not provide visa sponsorship.

Requires successful completion of the interview process, and reference checks. A criminal history record check will also be conducted on the successful candidate prior to hire.

Questions or Accommodations? 
Jill Mugaas, HR Business Partner
jemugaas@nd.gov
For technical issues, contact recruiter@nd.gov or (701) 328-3290.

Why Join CTE? Why Apply?

This is more than a finance leadership role, it’s an opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping education and workforce readiness in North Dakota. At CTE, your work directly supports students, schools, policymakers, and communities across the state.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Make a statewide impact by helping improve educational opportunities and outcomes for North Dakota students.
• Be part of meaningful work that changes every day from supporting schools and navigating legislative priorities to shaping funding strategies that strengthen programs statewide.
• Help connect students to their futures by supporting initiatives that link education, workforce development, and post-secondary opportunities.
• Work at the intersection of education and policy, engaging with school leaders, legislators, and partners who are shaping the future workforce in North Dakota.
• Join a passionate, mission-driven team committed to making a difference in the lives of students and strengthening connections between employers and future talent.
• Contribute to innovative, purpose-driven work that helps position students, and North Dakota, for long-term success.

If you’re looking for a role where your financial leadership supports something bigger than budgets, this is an opportunity to make lasting impact.

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.