Chief Financial Officer

Position Type:
Cabinet & Executive Director/Cabinet Level Position

Date Posted:
12/23/2020

Location:
Educational Service Center

Date Available:
07/01/2021

Closing Date:
Until Filled

Hours per Day:
8 hrs per day

Days of the Week:
Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday

Shift Times:
TBD

Days per Year:
260

First consideration for this position will be January 19, 2021

SALARY: Cabinet level: $175,716 (Non-Negotiable)

SUMMARY: The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) serves as an executive cabinet team member who reports directly to the superintendent and serves as an advisor to the Superintendent and District leadership team on the vision, leadership, design and implementation of the assigned responsibilities with a steadfast focus on accomplishing the goals within the strategic plan and must be a leader for equity and anti-racism. A key function of this position is to effectively use budgeting best practice to support all buildings in achieving established accountability targets for student achievement.

As a leader of the Department of Business Services, the CFO must work effectively with District leadership team and department leaders to provide advice, resources, excellent customer service in the planning and development of budgets to meet the needs of the district.

Areas of leadership include purchasing, grants management, ASB, payroll, benefits and enrollment projection and reporting; oversee the acquisition and financing of real property; assist with the development of levy and bond issues; directly supervises and evaluates Business Services management staff; ensures compliance with federal, state and local rules and regulations concerning the financial operations of the district; prepare short and long range financial forecasts; prepare and/or supervise the preparation of all federal, state and district financial reports and supervises district staff supporting federal and state financial audits, and leads related departmental software implementation and training

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This list is meant to be representative, not exhaustive, and incumbents are expected to perform all duties as assigned or directed. Some incumbents may not perform all the duties listed while in other cases related duties may also be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, consistent with applicable law.
Provides Leadership and Vision:

• Serves on the Superintendent's Cabinet and other committees for the purpose of addressing matters of District policies and procedures, budgeting, and financial reporting.Is a systems thinker who continually leads the team in the development of and refinement of systems to support the larger district vision, direction, and leadership in the areas of budget development, including long range forecast, position control, payroll, benefits, grants & fiscal compliance, accounting, ASB, debt administration, fixed assets, capital finance, contracts and audit response, risk management, workers compensation, and State legislative agendas.Serves as a member of various collective bargaining teams.Provides leadership in the administration of financial arrangements for the District for the purpose of selling bonds, financing construction, and other forms of ensuring resources are available in a timely manner.Develops, implements, and evaluates goals and objectives as they pertain to the areas of responsibility or the district as directed.Establishes a climate within the areas of responsibility that is conducive to appropriate conduct, performance, attitude, job satisfaction, and service orientation.Provides dynamic leadership in promoting a culture of responsiveness within the business services division through other leaders, including Human Resources, Teaching for Learning, Student Support Services, Office of Equity and Scholar Success Information Technology Services, and Support Services.Supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; interviews and selects employees, and recommends transfers, reassignments, terminations, and disciplinary actions; plans, coordinates, and arranges for appropriate training of subordinates; mentors and empowers others to assume leadership roles; sets clear objectives and measures; monitors process, progress, and results for the purpose of team building and succession planning; and provides leadership and direction for programs under the supervision of these employees.Develops a professional culture within Business Services for the purposes of 1) building trust, collaboration, and strong teams, and 2) providing exemplary services to District schools, programs, and departments.Exhibit cultural competency and the ability to lead others for equity and social justice.Directs the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports (including state and federal reports as required), records, and files; and prepares agendas and memos.Directs the development and approves the departmental budgets for assigned area of responsibilities.Directs the daily operation of business services in the district ensuring that the daily tactical operation of purchasing, payroll, accounting, and budgeting is aligned with the district's strategic plan.Directs the management of the cross-departmental software, including Business Plus (HR/Payroll and General Ledger software), on-line cash receipting and other relevant software platforms. Ensures documentation and training meets the needs of end-users including parents and staff.Directs the operations of enrollment reporting, manages the Choice enrollment process and other student related activities.Leads the development, implementation and management of targeted communications strategies that will contribute to an overall effort to build the branding and visibility of the organization while keeping in alignment with the district's strategic plan.Plans, examines, analyzes, and adapts through a continuous cycle of improvement the district's financial security, procedures, trainings, and personnel.Represents interests and presents concerns of division staff to Cabinet and Board of Directors.Follows a planned professional growth program, participates actively in local, state, and national professional associations/organizations; and studies local, state, and national guidelines for effective services in assigned areas of responsibility.Directs special projects as assigned by the Superintendent and serves on committees as appropriate or assigned by the Superintendent.Performs other departmental supervisory duties, as needed.Serves as an articulate, informed spokesperson for the district at both formal and informal speaking engagements and in the development of written documents describing district programs.Represents the district, when assigned, in social, organizational, ceremonial, political, or other functions and attends all Board of Directors meetings.

Directs Business Services Resources

• Responsible for annual budget development process, administration and long-range financial planning for the district.Responsible for ensuring district support services operates in a effective and efficient manner.Prepares financial and business reports for the superintendent, staff, school board, state and federal agencies.Assists the Superintendent in the development of business policies, procedures and programs to improve efficiency and service; directs business and accounting activities in accordance with principles of sound fiscal management.Administers the District's financial program within Federal, State and County legal requirements and budget limitations; assures timely and accurate financial reporting; assures proper internal controls, audit trails and records maintenance.Aligns resources with district goals and priorities through budget development and management.Directs and coordinates compilation, analysis, and consolidation of budget information; assures proper budgetary controls and transfer of funds to accomplish approved financial objectives; administers and directs the program of accounting for District funds.Leads and/or facilitates district committees pertaining to areas of responsibility.Administers and interprets statutes, regulations, and policies concerned with the responsibilities of business and finance.Assists with conducting studies on enrollment, staff projections, staff utilization, and budgeting needs for personnel.Assists the superintendent and staff to analyze financial and educational issues and develops solutions to problems, which ultimately improves daily operations.Assists with the development of levy and bond issues by providing financial information to the superintendent and developing processes, information and materials related to bonds and levies.Works with levy and/or bond committees as directed by the superintendent.Oversees and coordinates matters pertaining to bond sales and post-bond issuance requirements.Manages the finance and business function of the district including accounting, payroll, revenue, expenditure, and internal audit systems for all funds.Administrates the district's property and casualty insurance program to ensure that district's assets are adequately insured.Oversees the acquisition and financing of real property. Oversees the short-term facility rental program.Directs the review of all business-related contracts to ensure district and legal guidelines are followed.Reviews and updates administrative policies related to finance and operations to ensure current accurate and appropriate district practices.Directs, coordinates, and ensures implementation of all tasks related to selection and purchasing (e.g., RFPs, purchasing guidelines).Provides the overall coordination of the development and maintenance of the district's finances to assure that the district remains financially sound and compliant stewards of all resources. E enrollment.

• Supervises and evaluates the management of Accounting, Budget and Purchasing and Payroll, Enrollment and Choice
• Prepares and/or supervises the preparation and submittal of required federal and state financial reports and information.
• Oversees the district's auditing officer and approves all claims against the district for payment.
• Coordinates the investment of district funds with the Treasurer of King County and/or other appropriate financial institutions.
• Reviews and approves the preparation of monthly and annual financial reports regarding the financial status of the district.
• Provide long term fiscal planning for general and capital projects.
• Develops levy and property tax models to provide an appropriate base for regular and special, capital, levy decisions. Coordinates development of financial information for the district's bond issuances and issues and maintains all schedules relating to the district's bonded indebtedness.
• Oversees preparation of financial forecasts to provide for sound program and financial decision-making; monitors the district's financial performance to assure program continuity and compliance with the School Board's expectations.
• Monitors the department's internal control procedures and recommends revisions or new procedures as required to the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations.
• Prepares, and if requested, makes presentations on district fiscal matters to the board, leadership team, and other stakeholder groups.
• Directs and/or coordinates special projects as assigned by the Superintendent.
• Provides leadership in the implementation of new software, technology systems and procedures.
• Stays abreast of educational finance issues within the State of Washington and at the federal level.
• Interacts in a collegial way with peers to accomplish the position's responsibilities and to promote a team environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field.
Five (5) years progressively responsible experience in business management in an educational environment, including management of organizational budget preparation.
Any combination of education, experience, and training that provide the incumbent or applicant with the knowledge, skills, and ability required to perform the work, as determined by the district, may substitute for the minimum qualifications set forth above.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience working with collective bargaining agreements

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree in related field
Proven successful experience in serving as an executive cabinet-level administrator in urban public education
Proven successful experience in implementing, managing, and directing a variety of large-scale finance related programs and/or operations in an urban school district
Proven successful experience in an ethnically diverse public school district
Exceptional background in all areas related to the department's function
Experience in contract negotiations

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Criminal background clearance
Washington State driver's license and proof of insurance and automobile available for use
Must be willing to attend evening and weekend meetings

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Washington education codes
Washington state funding systems
Budget and accounting practices
Financial systems and related terminology
Enrollment projection methods
Benefits, Workers Compensation and risk management
Contract requirements and specifications
Budget development
Financial forecasting
Federal and State legislation and regulations that apply to school business management
Functions and operations of a large public school district
Best practices in school finance, budgeting, accounting, purchasing and payroll
School District policies
Union contracts and negotiations

ABILITY TO:
Plan, organize, and administer assigned areas of responsibility
Administer assigned budgets and allocate funds
Demonstrate leadership qualities and utilize motivational techniques and strategies in the development of an operational mode that is cost effective
Operate technology hardware and software necessary to perform assigned duties/responsibilities
Write/present in a clear and concise manner for broad public appeal and interpretation
Coordinate and supervise the work of others
Analyze complex situations and synthesize diverse information carefully and adopt an effective course of action
Interpret, apply, and explain administrative and board policies, laws, regulations, and collective bargaining agreements that pertain to areas of responsibility
Plan, organize, and prioritize work to meet multiple schedules and deadlines, and manage simultaneous tasks, with many interruptions
Work independently with minimum direction and supervision; work under pressure
Understand, analyze, and prepare comprehensive, narrative and statistical reports
Use effective customer service skills to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships in a multicultural and multiracial community of district personnel, community members, and external companies and agencies in the course of performing assigned duties
Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
This position is evaluated by and reports directly to the Superintendent
Position supervises assigned staff, including classified administrators and staff
Position interacts regularly with the Superintendent; Deputy Superintendent, Executive Director for Teaching for Learning; Chief Human Resource Officer, Chief of Communications and Strategy, ; Executive Directors; special education and general education directors; Program administrators; Building Administrators; Human Resources, Business Services, Communications, and Technology Services personnel; and administrative support staff. Position also interacts with various other certificated and classified staff throughout the district. Contacts with individuals outside of the district include but are not limited to parents, students, partner agency representatives, other school district representatives, and outside vendors; and occasional contact with local, state and federal government officials, outside social services organizations, and various community groups.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY:
Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.
Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools' commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future."
Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.

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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will constantly sit, stand and walk, bend neck and back, and use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling, hear and speak. The employee is frequently required to squat, kneel, use hands for fine manipulation, knee stand and push/pull. The employee will occasionally be required to climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, and lift/carry. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 10 pounds and must frequently lift /carry up to 20 pounds. The employee will occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 35 lbs. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum weight of 200 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor conditions and regularly works near video display. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee regularly deals with angry and upset students, parents, and community members. The employee must adjust to frequent interruptions in their work schedule. Evening and weekend work may be required. The employee may be required to travel (by car and/or plane) to a variety of locations.

REPRESENTATION: Non-Represented (Exempt) LEVEL OF COMPENSATION
Cabinet level: $175,716 (Non-Negotiable)

Disclaimer
All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY
Created: 12/2020

Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification. They cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible activity and task performed by every specific employee.