Chief Financial Officer

Dexter Community Schools•Dexter, MI

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will lead, plan, organize, and control all fiscal and business operations of a K-12 public school system. This role supports and advises the Superintendent, Board of Education, administration, district staff, community, suppliers, and colleagues in various financial and business areas. The CFO will serve on key committees, including the Superintendent’s Point Team, Board Finance Committee, and Board Facility Committee, attending board meetings and other relevant gatherings as an advisor. A key aspect of the role is to collaboratively identify, develop, plan, implement, and refine innovative procedures and solutions to ensure the district remains fiscally solvent, compliant, and in good financial standing. The CFO is expected to be responsible, ethical, and driven to uphold high standards in all actions. This position involves significant responsibility for budget and long-range financial trend development, advising on financial parameters set by the Superintendent and Board of Education, and preparing transparent, accurate, and timely financial reports. The role also includes evaluating, advising, planning, and executing capital debt plans, capital infrastructure, and bond projects. The CFO will act as the District’s liaison and advocate for various financial groups and initiatives, including the joint risk management pool (MAISL), Michigan Schools 403b/457 Retirement Group (MSRG), and the Washtenaw County School Recycling Project and Waste Management Consortium. Collaboration with fiscal services staff is crucial, acting as a leader, coach, mentor, problem-solver, manager, supervisor, and hands-on contributor. The CFO must accurately and professionally execute all financial, business, payroll, and employee benefit affairs within legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks. A leadership role in collaborating with and supporting the Director of Food & Nutrition and the Food Services Department is also expected. The CFO is encouraged to become an expert in all Business Office tasks to effectively coach staff, minimize risks, solve situations, evaluate results, identify and correct errors, maintain consistency and continuity, and assist with departmental tasks as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in business administration/management, accounting or related field.
Minimum five years’ experience as a business manager or related role (preferred).
Knowledge of current laws and regulations relating to public school accounting, including GASB.
Evidence of school and/or business leadership experience (preferred).
Excellent communication skills.
Executive Core Qualifications, including the ability to lead change and lead people, the ability to meet District goals with a focus on results, the possession of business acumen, and the ability to build collaborative teams.
Demonstrated skills in computer technology and financial / HR computer software applications.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Business Administration or CPA certification preferred.
Minimum five years’ experience as a business manager or related role.
Evidence of school and/or business leadership experience.

Responsibilities

Budget development, monitoring, and administration
Historical financial summary tracking
Cash flow forecasting and management
Financial benchmarking and analysis
Investment management
Capital project planning and financial oversight
Fund accounting
General accounting functions, including journal entries and bank reconciliations
Accounts payable, billing, and receivables
Revenue collection and receipting for all funds
Purchase orders and P-Card administration
Accounting software management, security, and system oversight
Fixed asset inventory and disposal of obsolete assets
Annual audits and audit compliance
State, federal, and local financial reporting
State Aid funding and reporting
Grant funding administration and reporting
Special education financial reporting
Transportation financial reporting
Instructional consortium funding and reporting
Food service financial reporting
E-Rate administration and reporting
Student accounting and student funding
Student activity financial management
Contracted staff financial management
Indirect cost calculations and reporting
Interfund transfers
Property tax levy administration and collection
Debt management, including bond issuance, reporting, collections, and payments
Unclaimed property reporting
Purchasing procedures and resource development
Competitive bidding processes and Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
Vendor contract evaluation and administration
Execution of financial agreements and benefit provisions within negotiated contracts
Payroll processing, paychecks, and employee withholdings
Payroll taxes and required filings
Staff benefits administration and reporting
403(b) and 457 retirement plan administration
Risk management programs and compliance
Workers’ compensation claims management
Unemployment claims management
Financial information webpage updates
Development and maintenance of financial resources and documentation
Continuous learning related to district initiatives, state and federal requirements, and educational trends
Engagement in district activities and external professional groups and resources
Active listening and collaborative participation
Creative and strategic thinking
Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent