Chief Financial

Chief Financial Officer 

CLASSIFICATION:  Executive Cabinet and Executive Leadership Team Member

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools

SUPERVISES: Business Services, Accounting, Food & Nutrition, Purchasing/Warehouse/Printing/Graphics, Payroll and Benefits, and Operations; which includes Building and Grounds, Custodial Services, Transportation and Technology

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Coordinate the budget development and fiscal planning activities of the district, including the preparation of all budget documents
2. Direct, supervise and evaluate department director and managers
3. Review, monitor, and evaluate key financial trends of the district on a monthly basis and report any issues of concern directly to the Superintendent
4. Provide timely financial statements and reports to the Board of Education in a format that is clear and understandable
5. Guide, direct, and train members of the Superintendent's Cabinet in understanding financial information as needed
6. Lead financial software and systems for the district and collaborate with teams on implementation and continuous improvement utilization of the system (Infinite Visions)
7. Provide information and assistance to all District management staff to make good informed business decisions
8. Collaborate with human resources and payroll and benefits to deliver services to employees
9. Collaborates with the Executive Director of Operations on coordinating services, leading managers, support of all operational teams including facilities renovations/construction/remodeling
10. Assist in communicating clear and understandable financial information to staff inside the school District and community at large
11. Direct all financing and cash management requirements of the School District, including the sale of bonds, anticipatory warrants, and the investment of reserve funds
12. Utilize the expertise of the district's external auditors to monitor and improve internal control processes, maintain compliance with all financial reporting requirements and insure that audited financial reports accurately present the financial position of the district
13. Keep abreast of new developments in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for governments and schools including GASB, and all applicable Federal, State and local laws governing financial reporting requirements
14. Supervise and control the timely preparation and filing of all required financial reports
15. Establish, implement, and monitor compliance with accounting policies and guidelines
16. Responsible for coordinating and executing the sale of school bonds, including preparing offering documents, engaging with underwriters and financial advisors, and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations
17. Work closely with staff in the District Human Resources, Technology Department, Business Services Departments, Operations, and external systems contractor to continually improve all data processing, handling and retention systems related to all Business Services areas
18. Support staff negotiating teams by reviewing and providing advice regarding the accuracy and relevancy of package costing data as well as assisting with the negotiations process as needed upon request
19. Support the Chairperson of the District Audit Committee coordinating all related activities
20. A member of the District Resolution Team
21. Communicates effectively with the superintendent regarding the requirements and needs for his/her areas of responsibility
22. Co-facilitate the Finance and Facilities Core Committee with the Executive Director of Operations
23. Assists in developing and reviewing policies and procedures to ensure organization-wide systemic and systematic alignment to the district strategic plan and with state and federal regulations
24. Provides data analytics and determines appropriate quality measures, metrics and reporting methods to support and monitor District improvement efforts in his/her area of responsibility
25. Responds in a timely manner, to stakeholder concerns, questions, and complaints
26. Attends Board meetings and prepare reports for the Board upon request.
27. Assumes primary responsibility for evaluating the effectiveness of and making improvements in programs and services in his/her areas of responsibility.
28. Serves as a member of the Superintendent's cabinet
29. Prepares and monitors program budgets for the allocation of resources in the areas of responsibility in coordination with the superintendent
30. Supervises the preparation and submission of all required federal, state, and district reports relating to the areas of responsibility
31. Maintains effective, cooperative and professional working relationships with colleagues, superiors, and the Board of Directors
32. Meets and continues to meet the Leadership Standards as described by the Iowa Department of Education
33. Works efficiently, effectively, and cost-efficiently to ensure the District Strategic Plan and the Departmental Strategic Plan are met. To that end, serves as goal champion for identified action plans
34. Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and quality initiatives
35. Performs other duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent

  ESSENTIAL SKILLS/APTITUDES     

1. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Professional Software (Excel, PowerPoint and Word), Internet technology, Google suite, and other software's essential for job duties.
2. Ability to communicate with and build positive relationships with administrators, customers, staff, and community members.
3. Effective oral and written communication. Proficiency in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and related communication skills, including proofreading, editing, and creating original documents. Excellent written and oral communication skills via electronic, telecommunications, or personal interactions.
4. Ability to work under pressure with frequent interruptions.
5. Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations.
6. Ability to problem solve independently and with others, take initiative, and work independently without supervision.
7. Demonstrated commitment to report to work as scheduled on a regular and reliable basis.
8. Ability to organize, prioritize, and assume responsibility.
9. Capacity to represent the District in a professional manner, which includes but not limited to confidentiality, collegiality, and the ability to obtain and utilize additional training, if necessary.
10. Aptitude for detail.
11. Ability to work as a team member.

  OTHER ESSENTIAL QUALITIES

1. Believes that all children can attain high levels of learning.
2. Takes responsibility for the learning of our children and the performance of our staff.
3. Possesses the knowledge and skills to build effective educational experiences that benefit all children.
4. Applies the principles of continuous improvement through the use of quality tools and processes.
5. Functions as an effective member of the administrative team.
6. Won't shy from today's educational challenges.
7. Utilizes effective interpersonal skills.
8. Has a track record of success.
9. Works with great integrity.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Masters of Business Administration (MBA) and/or CPA preferred, but will consider candidates with experience in similar school business setting and/or who have a college degree in a business-related field

 REQUIRED CERTIFICATION(S): 

School Business Official Authorization required and Iowa School Business Management Academy Certification preferred

 LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and implement ideas contained in technical documents, reports, regulations, etc. Ability to effectively write reports and communications to administrators, colleagues, parents, students and staff.   Ability to effectively present information orally and respond to questions from administrators, teachers, staff and students.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to perform basic mathematical functions. Ability to use spreadsheets and reporting documents that assist with the computation of data.

 REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to solve problems effectively.  Ability to interpret and implement a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

 OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, colleagues, community members, staff and students.  Ability to speak clearly and concisely both in oral and written communication. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle and/or feel objects, tools or controls; and talk and hear.  The employee will frequently use hands and fingers to type/word process, file documents, manipulate papers, and use a copying machine. The employee frequently must squat, stoop or kneel, reach above the head and forward 0 -24 inches and on occasion up to 36 inches.  The employee continuously uses hand strength to grasp items.  The employee will frequently bend or twist at the neck and trunk while performing the duties of this job.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds 0 - 12 feet and occasionally up to 20 feet, such as office materials, desks, chairs, and boxes.  The employee will sometimes push/pull items such as tables and carts.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus while working with computers, written materials, reports, assessment data, etc.

 WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is often quiet but may become loud in large group settings.  The position requires the commitment of professional working hours that will require the employee arrive and leave as directed and may require the employee to extend beyond a typical 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. workday. The employee will usually work in indoor temperatures but will be required to work occasionally in outdoor environments.

 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

The Cedar Rapids Community School district is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.

Federal law obligates an employer to provide reasonable accommodation for the known disabilities of applicants, unless doing so would pose an undue hardship on the employer.  If you or someone you know requires accommodation in the hiring process, contact the Human Resources Department at 319-558-2747.