Executive Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Definition

Under limited supervision, the Chief Financial Officer provides strategic leadership and comprehensive oversight of all financial operations for Gaston County Schools (GCS). This position interprets, implements, and administers Board of Education (BOE) policies; ensures compliance with local, state, and federal fiscal regulations; and manages all financial planning, budgeting, accounting, payroll, risk management, internal controls, and reporting functions.

The employee develops long- and short-range plans, prepares the multimillion-dollar district budget, ensures adherence to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards, and provides guidance to district leadership, principals, fund managers, and external agencies. Work requires initiative, independent judgment, and an unwavering commitment to fiscal accountability, transparency, and integrity.

The position supervises all Finance staff and serves as the primary advisor to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and internal stakeholders on all financial matters.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Financial Leadership & Budget Management

Oversees the preparation, monitoring, and management of the BOE’s annual budget, ensuring accurate allocations and proper expenditure controls.

Monitors fund balances, program allocations, and financial activity to ensure compliance with budget limits and regulatory requirements.

Assists Cabinet members, principals, and district personnel with budget development, spending analysis, and financial planning.

Provides regular financial reports, forecasts, and presentations to the Superintendent and the Board of Education.

Financial Operations & Compliance

Directs all Finance functions, including accounting, budgeting, payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, grants management, fixed assets, and internal audit.

Ensures all operations comply with federal, state, and local laws; NCDPI regulations; GASB standards; and Local Government Commission requirements.

Provides the required pre-audit certificate and signs/authorizes checks, drafts, and warrants.

Oversees cash management, investments, and bank reconciliations, ensuring appropriate safeguarding of public funds.

Prepares and files financial condition statements as requested by the Superintendent and the Board of Education.

Accounting & Reporting

Directs preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) to meet GFOA and ASBO excellence standards.

Prepares GASB financial statements and ensures compliance with all GAAP and governmental accounting regulations.

Oversees grant accounting, reimbursement processes, and financial documentation to meet state, federal, and grantor requirements.

Interacts with external auditors and provides all necessary reports, documentation, and support.

Reviews budget expenditures for proper posting and determines if amendments are necessary.

Payroll, Benefits, and Employee Support

Establishes and maintains payroll systems that meet all state, federal, and IRS requirements.

Ensures accurate recordkeeping for payroll deductions, taxes, leave, direct deposits, garnishments, and benefits.

Responds to employee inquiries regarding payroll procedures, leave policies, insurance payments, and other financial matters.

Policy Development & Process Improvement

Communicates with the Attorney, Human Resources, and other leaders to recommend updates to finance-related policies.

Evaluates current procedures and implements necessary improvements to enhance efficiency, compliance and internal controls.

Recommends new accounting methods and financial management strategies.

Training & Support

Develops and delivers financial training sessions for principals, fund managers, district staff, and other stakeholders.

Provides guidance and interpretation on financial data, policies, and compliance requirements.

Leadership & Collaboration

Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars to remain informed of regulatory changes and best practices.

Supports long-range planning initiatives and provides financial insight to the Superintendent and to district leadership.

Other Responsibilities

Provides accurate response to public information requests.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or required by law.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of budgeting, governmental accounting, GAAP, GASB, fiscal management, grants, and internal controls.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing school finance operations.

Strong analytical ability to interpret financial data and develop accurate projections.

Expert proficiency in Excel and financial software; experience with Oracle Cloud ERP preferred.

Ability to communicate effectively, prepare clear financial reports, and present complex information to diverse audiences.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to supervise professional staff, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.

Ability to work collaboratively, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.

Minimum Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required.

CPA certification and/or NCASBO School Business Director certification preferred.

At least seven (7) years of managerial accounting experience, preferably in a governmental or educational setting.

Minimum two (2) years of direct budgeting or finance experience in government or a North Carolina LEA preferred.

Special Requirements

Valid North Carolina driver’s license and safe driving record.

Ability to be bonded as a Finance Officer.

Must obtain and maintain North Carolina School Finance Officer Certification.

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform light work requiring walking, standing, and the operation of office equipment.

Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and occasionally up to 50 pounds.

Ability to communicate effectively, operate computers and office machines, and maintain sustained attention to detail.

Other Items

This Position Reports Directly to: Superintendent

Classification: Exempt

Salary: Central Office Salary Schedule

Work Schedule: 12 months, Monday-Friday, 8 hours per day

Disclaimer 

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.

If offered a position, prospective employee must pass a required health exam, criminal records check, and drug test.