Days per Year: 226

Min: $158,690

Mid: $191,194

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Chief Financial Officer

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools             

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt   

PAY GRADE: AM 11         

PRIMARY PURPOSE: 

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a senior executive responsible for the strategic direction, oversight, and management of all district financial services. This includes budgeting, accounting, auditing, procurement, tax collection, financial reporting, financial systems management, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

The CFO ensures fiscal accountability, operational efficiency, and alignment of financial resources with district strategic priorities. This role provides guidance to the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and district leadership on financial planning, policy, risk management, and resource allocation.

The CFO supervises multiple departments including Business Systems/Financial Information Systems, Procurement and Distribution Services, Student Data and Compliance, and Tax Collection. This position also serves as a strategic partner to other district leaders to support data-driven decision-making, fiscal compliance, and long-term financial sustainability.

All employees of Spring ISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate clearly and respectfully, champion student and staff needs, and drive continuous improvement.

OUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited institution
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in school finance, accounting, or public sector financial administration, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Preferred: 

• Certified Texas School Business Specialist (CTSBS)
• Doctorate in Business, Finance, or Education
• Extensive experience in large, diverse urban or suburban school districts

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: 

• In-depth knowledge of public-school finance, accounting, budgeting, tax collection, and financial reporting practices
• Expertise in financial management software and enterprise systems, including ERP solutions, database management, and reporting platforms
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, including TEA reporting requirements, property tax code, truth-in-taxation provisions, and FERPA
• Strong understanding of PEIMS, student data compliance, TSDS Core Collections, and the connection between data integrity and funding/accountability
• Expertise in procurement, contracting, records management, and distribution operations
• Skilled in financial audit preparation, internal controls, risk management, and compliance monitoring
• Ability to oversee financial system design, implementation, and continuous improvement
• Proficiency in data analysis, financial modeling, forecasting, and performance reporting
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team-building skills to guide cross-functional finance and compliance teams
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and facilitation skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Strategic planning and operational oversight capabilities, including project management and resource allocation
• Ability to balance multiple high-stakes priorities and make sound decisions under pressure
• Aptitude for maintaining confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical standards
• Ability to foster a positive organizational culture focused on equity, inclusion, and employee growth
• Capacity to translate complex financial, regulatory, and technical information for diverse audiences
• Skilled in change management, continuous process improvement, and implementation of financial and compliance systems

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Executive Leadership and Strategic Financial Management

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all district financial services, ensuring alignment with district goals and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Advise Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and district leadership on financial planning, resource allocation, and fiscal policy
• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive financial strategies, including budgeting, accounting, auditing, risk management, procurement, and tax collection
• Foster a culture of financial accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement

Budgeting, Accounting, and Financial Reporting

• Oversee development, implementation, and monitoring of the district’s annual budget
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to TEA, federal agencies, Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders
• Implement robust internal controls and audit procedures to protect district assets
• Manage cash flow, investments, debt, and reserve funds to maintain fiscal stability

Financial Systems and Data Management

• Direct the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of financial and business information systems
• Oversee the Director of Financial Information Systems to ensure reliable, scalable, and secure financial software operations
• Ensure integration of student data and compliance reporting into financial planning and reporting processes

Procurement, Distribution, and Records Oversight

• Provide strategic direction for Procurement, including purchasing, contract administration, and records management, through the Executive Director of Procurement
• Oversee Distribution Services, inventory management, surplus property, and warehouse operations to ensure efficient use of district resources
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, state purchasing procedures, and best practices

Tax Collection and Compliance

• Oversee the Tax Collector and ensure accurate assessment, collection, and reporting of ad valorem taxes
• Maintain compliance with all state and federal tax laws, truth-in-taxation requirements, and property tax administration regulations
• Monitor delinquent accounts and coordinate with legal counsel on collection efforts

Student Data and Compliance Oversight

• Supervise Student Data and Compliance Officer to ensure accurate and compliant PEIMS reporting, enrollment, attendance, and CCMR metrics
• Collaborate with campus and district leaders to embed data integrity and accountability into daily operations
• Utilize student and financial data analytics to guide resource allocation and financial decision-making

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal departments, external agencies, auditors, financial institutions, and the community
• Represent the district in state and national finance, tax, and procurement networks, advocating for resources and best practices

Operational and Fiscal Oversight

• Develop and manage department budgets under CFO oversight
• Approve significant procurement and purchasing actions, ensuring alignment with budget and policy
• Oversee financial training and professional development for staff, fostering continuous improvement

Other Duties

• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in all financial matters
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Board of Trustees

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Leads management in the development, deployment and ongoing management of key initiatives covering multiple major disciplines with direct accountability for results in terms of effectiveness, costs, methods, and employees. Establishes operational objectives and assignments for multiple disciplines/functional areas and possibly departments. Evaluates recommendations of others, deciding on course of action in ambiguous situations, and oversees the deployment of innovative solutions. Collaborates with executive leadership to develop strategies and broad departmental objectives; establishes methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for projects, programs and people in the achievement of strategic objectives.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged sitting, standing, travel within the district, occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.

Mental Demands:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in high-pressure environments
• Interpret complex data, financial regulations, and policy requirements
• Maintain emotional control and professionalism under stress
• Flexibility for extended or irregular hours during peak financial cycles

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.