Chief Financial Officer

LEAD Public Schools•Nashville, TN

9d•$133,000 - $200,000

About The Position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic leadership and executive oversight of financial operations for LEAD Public Schools and its affiliated entities. Responsibilities span financial planning and analysis, accounting, budgeting, reporting, cash management, procurement, vendor relations, capital planning, and long-term financial sustainability. The CFO ensures fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources in support of LEAD’s mission and strategic priorities. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO advises the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors, providing financial insights, risk assessments, and data-informed recommendations for organizational decision-making. The CFO establishes financial policies, internal controls, systems, and procedures that promote transparency, accountability, and alignment across school and network operations. Working with executive leaders, school leadership, and the Board’s Finance Committee, the CFO leads long-term financial planning, evaluates strategic investments and financing opportunities, and supports facilities planning, development, and organizational growth. The CFO also leads and develops the finance team and provides service-oriented financial support to school leaders, network departments, and other stakeholders. LEAD Public Schools is a nonprofit charter management organization in Nashville, Tennessee, building a network of public charter schools with the goal of doubling the college readiness rate of low-income students in Davidson County. The organization expects employees to demonstrate a deeply held belief in people’s ability to achieve at high levels and to support its mission of supporting, training, and educating the next generation of responsible citizens. This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation is competitive, based on experience, and includes full benefits.

Requirements

At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, or financial management, including significant leadership experience in a senior financial management role.
Experience overseeing financial operations, accounting, budgeting, internal controls, reporting, and long-term financial planning for an organization with an annual operating budget of at least $10 million.
Demonstrated ability to provide strategic financial leadership, manage financial risks, and translate complex financial information into actionable recommendations for executive leaders and governing boards.
Experience leading and developing finance teams, strengthening financial systems, and implementing processes that promote efficiency and fiscal accountability.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
Demonstrated expertise in financial policies, procedures, internal controls, and systems that support fiscal accountability, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, including the ability to develop financial plans, actionable strategies, and sustainable financial models.
Strong understanding of financial forecasting, capital planning, cash-flow management, financial risk assessment, and long-term organizational sustainability.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, financial management systems, and financial reporting and analytical tools; proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and executive-level financial presentations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain complex financial information to executives, governing boards, and diverse stakeholders.
Ability to build collaborative relationships, influence organizational decision-making, and provide solutions-oriented leadership across departments and school locations.
Strong organizational skills, sound professional judgment, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
Commitment to ethical leadership, confidentiality, transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
Collaborative, adaptable, service-oriented leadership approach, with commitment to developing others and advancing LEAD Public Schools’ mission and values.
Demonstrated commitment to the social sector and passion for LEAD’s mission to support student growth and success.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting a multi-site organization, preferably in public education, charter schools, or the nonprofit sector.
Experience managing federal and state funding, grants, audits, and regulatory compliance.
Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.
Knowledge of real estate financing, facilities development, construction financing, lease negotiations, or bond financing.

Responsibilities

Provide executive leadership and oversight of financial operations to ensure fiscal integrity, sustainability, and alignment with organizational priorities.
Develop, implement, and monitor annual operating budgets for schools and the network office, including capital expenditures, long-term projections, and multiyear plans.
Oversee accounting operations and the preparation of monthly financial statements, dashboards, budget-to-actual analyses, and performance reports.
Establish and maintain internal controls, financial systems, and accountability measures to safeguard organizational assets.
Monitor financial performance, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend strategies to improve efficiency and long-term financial health.
Present financial reports, forecasts, and recommendations to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Heads of Schools, and Board Finance Committee.
Advise the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on financial matters and organizational decision-making.
Lead financial planning and modeling for organizational growth, resource allocation, capital investments, and sustainability.
Collaborate with executive and school leaders to align financial resources with academic priorities, operational needs, and strategic initiatives.
Evaluate financial opportunities and risks related to facilities expansion, financing, major investments, and other initiatives.
Partner with development leadership on grant proposals, financial reporting, donor accountability, and restricted-fund management.
Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal and Tennessee laws and regulations, charter school financial requirements, and grant conditions.
Oversee annual financial audits, tax filings, regulatory reporting, and other compliance obligations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and appropriate corrective action.
Maintain financial policies, procedures, and controls that promote transparency, accountability, and compliance.
Direct cash-flow management and multiyear cash projections, and oversee restricted and designated funds.
Manage banking, lending, insurance, and other financial relationships.
Oversee payroll financial controls, accurate and timely processing, and applicable reporting compliance.
Improve financial policies, procedures, systems, and operating practices to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accountability.
Oversee procurement, financial aspects of contract administration, and vendor relationships.
Collaborate with operational leaders on facilities planning, leases, capital expenditures, and other significant financial commitments.
Use financial technology, reporting systems, and process improvements to strengthen effectiveness and decision-making.
Lead, supervise, coach, and develop finance team members; set performance expectations and support professional growth.
Build a high-performing finance function focused on accuracy, responsiveness, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Provide financial guidance to cross-functional teams and strengthen fiscal accountability across the organization.
Work with executive leadership to assess organizational needs and ensure financial operations support schools and network departments.
Provide timely, accurate, solutions-focused financial support to school leaders, network departments, and stakeholders.
Build collaborative relationships with executive leaders, Heads of Schools, the Board, and the Board Finance Committee.
Communicate financial performance, organizational risks, and strategic implications clearly to stakeholders.
Promote transparency, responsiveness, accountability, and partnership in support of the organization’s mission.