Chief Financial Officer

Role Summary

The Chief Financial Officer directs and manages the operations of all business and support service affairs of the District to ensure the maximum educational benefit from the expenditure of school funds. The position leads planning, evaluation, development, and implementation of accounting practices and business procedures, including payroll, PEIMS, purchasing, risk management, child nutrition, transportation, grants, maintenance, and operations. The Chief Financial Officer serves as the chief financial adviser to the Superintendent and Board of Trustees and as a member of the Superintendent's executive cabinet.

Key Responsibilities

Fiscal Management

Keep the Superintendent informed, verbally and in writing, regarding the business affairs of the District.

Lead the development, administration, monitoring, and adjustment of the District budget and prepare the budget in the format necessary to meet ASBO and GFOA standards and provide transparent financial information to the community.

Evaluate accounting procedures, systems, and controls across District departments; recommend improvements; maintain a continuous auditing program; and assist independent and internal auditors with annual and periodic audits.

Ensure accounting systems and business operations comply with applicable laws, regulations, Texas Education Agency requirements, State Board of Education rules, and local Board policy.

Direct cash-flow analysis, investments, bank reconciliations, budget adjustments, purchase orders, check requests, financial statements, grant reporting, and other required financial reports.

Coordinate long-range projections for student enrollment, staffing, facilities, energy, capital equipment, and other District cost drivers.

Administer the business office budget, promote cost-effective practices, and ensure business and support operations align with District goals and objectives.

Serve as the District liaison with appraisal districts on property tax matters and participate in legislative matters affecting the District's interests.

Provide executive oversight of accounting, payroll, PEIMS, purchasing, risk management, grants, child nutrition, transportation, maintenance, and operations.

Policy, Reports, and Law

Implement policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of business operations.

Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.

Prepare and evaluate monthly financial statements and related budget reports.

Develop semi-annual financial information for submission of data to TEA.

Oversee quarterly and final reports for all grant funds.

Oversee purchasing and competitive procurement activities, including bid specifications, bid openings, tabulations, written recommendations, and the disposal of surplus or salvage equipment.

Maintain accurate fixed and movable asset records and timely replacement-cost asset listings for insurance purposes.

Participate in legislative matters affecting the District's interests.

Oversee the time-clock system and related procedures to support compliance with state and federal requirements.

General Administration

Plan and conduct needs assessments for business operations and coordinate appropriate professional development for administrators and staff.

Attend Board meetings, make presentations, prepare timely and professional reports, participate in General Leadership Team activities, and represent the District positively in the community.

Attend educational conferences, workshops, and meetings related to professional growth and job performance.

Demonstrate awareness of District and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.

Maintain confidentiality, work collaboratively with supervisory, faculty, and peer personnel, support administrative and Board policy, maintain regular attendance, and perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent.

Success Measures

Financial systems, records, reports, audits, budgets, and required submissions are accurate, timely, transparent, and compliant.

District funds, investments, grants, assets, purchasing activities, and business office resources are managed prudently and cost effectively.

Business and support operations align with District goals and provide effective service to schools, departments, employees, students, and the community.

The Superintendent and Board of Trustees receive timely, clear, and actionable financial information for decision-making.

Internal controls, procedures, workflows, and service delivery are continuously evaluated and improved.

Departments within the Chief Financial Officer's area are effectively led, coordinated, supervised, and evaluated.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Certification

Bachelor's degree in a business-related field or educational management required

Master's degree in a business-related field or educational management preferred

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) preferred

TASBO Registered Texas School Business Administrator (RTSBA) certification preferred

Experience

Three to five years of experience in a central office or comparable leadership role preferred

Experience training adults at all levels of management

Special Knowledge & Skills

Advanced technical knowledge of school finance, budgeting, accounting systems, and economics

Working knowledge of financial applications and accounting practices

Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Ability to use computers and software to develop spreadsheets and perform data analysis

Ability to create and implement policies and procedures, interpret data and law, manage budgets and personnel, coordinate District functions, and meet established deadlines

Team-oriented and self-motivated

TxEIS or RSCCC experience preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervise and evaluate the performance of the Director of Child Nutrition Services, Coordinator of Grants and Community Outreach, Director of Operations and Transportation, Coordinator of PEIMS, Accounting/Purchasing Specialist, Payroll Specialist/Clerk, Accounts Payable Specialist/Clerk, Business Office Manager, and Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer.

Our Culture in Action

At Stafford MSD, we value employees who act with integrity, support district goals, communicate with professionalism and respect, prioritize the needs of students, and embrace continuous improvement.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment using standard office equipment, computers, and related technology.

This position requires high physical stamina, prolonged periods of sitting, repetitive hand motions, frequent computer use, and steady telephone interactions.

The role requires moderate standing, walking, reaching, and bending, with occasional lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds.

The position requires maintaining emotional control under stress, performing mathematical calculations, and working with frequent interruptions and deadlines.

Frequent districtwide and statewide travel may be required, along with occasional prolonged or irregular hours, nighttime activities, and periods of working alone.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Stafford Municipal School District is committed to fostering a workplace where all employees are valued, respected, and provided equal opportunities to succeed. The District provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.