Executive Director of Finance

Job Title: Executive Director                                             Wage/Hour Status: Exempt 

Job Role: Finance                                                            Funding Source: Local 

Pay Grade: AD 10 

Department/School: Business 

Function: Finance 

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer                                    HR Date Approved: July 2025 

HR Date Revised: 

SUMMARY: 

The Executive Director of Finance provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for all finance functions within the school district. This role ensures that the business finance practices support the District’s mission, promote fiscal responsibility, and maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The Executive Director serves as a key advisor to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in overall management of the District’s finance function. 

The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties and responsibilities noted herein, however, this list represents examples only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description. 

• Model KISD core organizational beliefs and values; perform duties effectively and efficiently for the purpose of supporting and contributing to high student achievement. 

• Provide program support and service delivery; communicate effectively within and across teams and participate in cross-functional work groups. 

• Maintain a commitment to the District mission; model District expectations through personal leadership and actively support the efforts of others to achieve District goals. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES 

Fiscal Management  

• Assist in the development, administration, and monitoring of the District's annual budget and long-range financial plans.  

• Ensure accounting systems, financial practices, and reporting procedures comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and Texas Education Agency requirements, including the Financial Accountability System Resource Guide (FASRG).  

• Oversee budget administration and monitor revenues and expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility and cost-effective operations.  

• Prepare and manage budget amendments, adjustments, and transfers as necessary.  

• Assist with the preparation of financial forecasts, revenue projections, and financial impact analyses to support strategic decision-making.  

• Coordinate the annual audit process and serve as a liaison with internal and external auditors.  

• Evaluate and improve accounting procedures, financial systems, and internal controls to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and accountability.  

• Monitor district cash flow, investments, and banking activities to ensure adequate liquidity and effective treasury management.  

• Oversee monthly bank reconciliations and review vendor, payroll, and other financial clearing accounts.  

• Collaborate with district leaders to project enrollment, staffing, facility, operational, and capital needs and assess associated financial impacts.  

• Assist in the development of long-range financial strategies, capital planning initiatives, and debt management activities.  

• Conduct financial and operational analyses to identify efficiencies, cost-saving opportunities, and continuous improvement initiatives.  

• Ensure business operations support district goals and strategic priorities while maintaining sound fiscal stewardship. 

Purchasing and Inventory  

• Collaborate with the Director of Purchasing to ensure compliance with state purchasing laws, Board policy, administrative procedures, and financial regulations.  

• Review financial controls and operational processes related to procurement, contracts, and district expenditures to ensure sound fiscal stewardship.  

• Monitor the financial impact of major contracts, purchasing activities, and district initiatives.  

• Collaborate with district departments to ensure accurate accounting and reporting of fixed assets and capital expenditures.  

• Assist in the development and implementation of internal controls that safeguard district assets and promote accountability.  

• Support audit activities related to purchasing, contracts, inventory, and financial compliance.  

• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, operational efficiencies, and cost-effective practices throughout the district. 

Personnel Management  

• Provide leadership, supervision, and support for assigned finance department personnel.  

• Recruit, select, train, evaluate, and develop staff to ensure effective and efficient operations.  

• Establish performance expectations and provide coaching, professional development, and continuous feedback.  

• Recommend personnel actions including assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal in accordance with district policies and procedures.  

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, and continuous improvement.  

• Conduct regular staff meetings and promote effective communication within the department.  

Communication  

• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with district administrators, principals, staff, auditors, consultants, and community stakeholders. 

• Prepare and present financial reports, budget updates, enrollment analyses, and financial forecasts to district leadership, the Board of Trustees, and stakeholder groups. 

• Communicate complex financial information in a clear and understandable manner to diverse audiences. 

• Collaborate with campus and department leaders to provide financial guidance and support district initiatives.  

Policy, Reports, and Law  

• Maintain confidentiality of all district information in accordance with applicable laws and district procedures.  

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, Board policies, and administrative procedures related to financial operations.  

• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting public school finance and recommend operational adjustments as appropriate.  

• Assist in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), annual budget documents, financial disclosures, and required state and federal reports.  

• Oversee financial compliance activities related to grants and other restricted funding sources.  

• Develop and maintain systems for accurate collection, retention, retrieval, and reporting of financial information.  

• Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other required documentation.  

• Participate in professional development activities and ensure staff training aligns with district goals and best practices.  

• Follow all district safety procedures and emergency protocols. 

Other  

• Other responsibilities as assigned. 

• Participate in district strategic planning and organizational improvement initiatives. 

• Develop financial dashboards, reports, and performance metrics to support data-driven decision-making. 

• Support enrollment forecasting, facility planning, bond planning, and other districtwide financial initiatives. 

• Serve as the Chief Financial Officer's designee on assigned projects, committees, and responsibilities. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education/Certification:  

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Educational Administration, or a related field (required). 

• Master's degree (preferred). 

• Valid Texas Administrator Certificate (preferred). 

• RTSBA, CTSBS, CPA, or other relevant professional certification (preferred) 

Experience: 

• Minimum three (3) years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience, preferably in a Texas public school district or governmental organization. 

• Experience in budgeting, financial forecasting, auditing, financial reporting, treasury management, and school finance administration preferred. 

• Experience supervising staff and presenting financial information to executive leadership and governing boards preferred. 

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

• Comprehensive knowledge of public-school finance, governmental accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting. 

• Knowledge of Texas school finance, state funding formulas, property tax administration, and applicable federal and state regulations. 

• Knowledge of auditing standards, internal controls, treasury management, and risk management practices. 

• Ability to analyze complex financial data and develop strategic recommendations. 

• Ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and build collaborative relationships. 

• Ability to communicate financial information effectively to diverse audiences. 

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 

• Proficiency in financial systems, spreadsheets, data analysis, and business software applications. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Supervise, evaluate, and recommend hiring and dismissal of the Finance Department staff assigned. 

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 

• Work to be completed on-site from assigned school or building 

• No remote work 

• Frequent districtwide travel  

Mental Demands:   

• Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours 

INTENT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: 

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be.  It is not intended to limit, or any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision.  The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.