Chief Financial Officer

Ankeny Community School District•Ankeny, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD caters to over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the overall financial management of the school district, ensuring the efficient and effective use of resources to support educational goals. This executive position oversees budgeting, financial planning, accounting, investment, and financial reporting. The CFO collaborates with the Superintendent, School Board, and other stakeholders to ensure financial stability and transparency while promoting fiscal responsibility and strategic growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
State of Iowa SBO certification or willingness to obtain within two years of hire.
Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in financial management.
At least 3-5 years of experience in a senior leadership role.
Strong financial analysis and planning skills.
Proficiency in financial software and systems.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Ability to think strategically and solve complex financial problems.
Strong leadership and team management abilities.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CFA).
Experience in the public sector or educational finance.
Experience with Powerschool Efinance +.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage the district’s budget, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and educational priorities.
Forecast financial trends and provide recommendations to the Superintendent and School Board.
Design, establish, and maintain fund accounting systems for all funds and schools with adequate internal controls to properly record financial transactions in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Prepare and present financial reports, including budgets, forecasts, and financial analyses.
Oversee business services, including budget development, line item budget construction, general ledger, accounts payables and receivables, payroll, travel, grants management, construction accounting, workers compensation and unemployment costs, risk management and, fixed assets.
Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Manage annual audits and work with external auditors to ensure compliance and transparency.
Supervise the annual audit and maintain appropriate relationships with external auditors.
Develop and implement investment strategies to maximize returns on district funds.
Manage cash flow and liquidity to ensure sufficient funds for operational needs.
Oversee financial risk management and insurance programs.
Perform duties and responsibilities associated with the Treasurer to the Board of Education as defined by Iowa law.
Effectively collaborate and assist with the creation and evaluation of bid procedures and contract management.
Effectively collaborate and coordinate with appropriate district personnel in developing and monitoring short and long range facility plans, including the responsibility of site/land acquisition and collecting, analyzing, and evaluating requested data.
Ensure adherence to financial policies, procedures, and regulations.
Stay current with changes in financial regulations and reporting requirements.
Provide guidance on financial implications of policy decisions and strategic initiatives.
Collaborate with district leadership to develop long-term financial strategies and goals.
Analyze financial data to support decision-making and strategic planning.
Identify opportunities for cost savings and financial efficiency.
Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of professional development and accountability.
Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management of finance staff.
Promote effective communication and collaboration within the finance department and across the district.
Communicate financial information and updates to the School Board, parents, and community stakeholders.
Prepare presentations and reports for Board meetings and public forums.
Build and maintain positive relationships with financial institutions, vendors, and other external partners.
Serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, recommending, developing, and evaluating procedures for fiscally responsible operations within the district.
Proactively educate the Board and Superintendent on economic trends, legislative issues, and government regulations that could impact the district’s financial policies, procedures, and operations by networking, attending meetings and conferences, and reading publications.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders(e.g. other administrators, district staff, public agencies, community members, etc.) for implementing and/or maintaining services and programs.
Facilitate meetings, workshops, professional development and training, etc. (e.g. regulatory requirements, community or outside agencies, interdepartmental needs, etc.) for identifying issues, developing recommendations, supporting other staff, and serving as a District representative.
Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
Facilitates and oversees committee meetings, as assigned.
Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.
Demonstrates integrity and maintains confidentiality.
Works well with others, maintaining positive and effective communication with district personnel and works well with others on jobs that require more than one person.
Is respectful and appropriately interacts with staff, students, and visitors.
Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the Ankeny Community School District safety program.
Supports the goals and objectives of the school district and follows all district policies.
Demonstrates the ability to attend work on a regular and routine basis to avoid disruption to District operations.
Perform all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others.
Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing appropriate personnel for resolution.
Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.