Chief Financial Officer

RCSD•Rochester, NY

10d

About The Position

The Chief Financial Officer provides leadership, direction, and oversight of all district financial operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and alignment with strategic priorities. The CFO administers the district’s business affairs to provide the best possible educational services within available financial resources and maintains a financial management system that presents the Board of Education’s financial condition accurately and promptly. The role advises the Superintendent and Board on budgetary and financial matters and supports effective resource allocation for student success. It requires knowledge of public-school finance, urban district challenges, and state and federal compliance, while ensuring financial decisions uphold equity, sustainability, and long-term district stability. The CFO oversees budget planning, financial reporting, grants management, payroll, and procurement, and manages the Finance Business Unit, including Accounting, Accounts Payable, Budget, Grants Management, Procurement, Payroll, and Revenue Recognition.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Graduate or undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration, or a related field.
Certification as a New York State School District Business Leader (SDBL) or New York State Business Administrator (SBA).
At least eight years of public-sector management experience, including accounting and budget coordination related to school district financial/business operations or comparable experience with operating budgets exceeding $100 million annually.
At least three years of supervisory or administrative experience.
Experience preparing and monitoring budgets, including knowledge of federal and state grant guidelines and reporting requirements.
Comprehensive knowledge of budget procedures, accounting methods, expenditure monitoring, financial problem-solving, and debt and investment management.
Knowledge of business administration procedures, cost analysis, payroll operations, purchasing, and inventory practices.
Ability to plan, coordinate, and supervise others; identify and prioritize financial needs; interpret financial reports; and develop clear fiscal plans.
Ability to acquire familiarity with applicable laws, regulations, and policies; explain and defend budgets; and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively with school and community stakeholders and collaboratively with the Superintendent to meet district goals.
Strong judgment, thoroughness, dependability, leadership, organization, personnel supervision, ethics, professionalism, and active listening skills.
Physical and emotional capacity to perform duties in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment.

Nice To Haves

CPA certification.

Responsibilities

Maintain open communication with the Superintendent and assist with tasks needed to achieve the District’s mission.
Train and develop financial unit staff in sound financial practices; provide direction, evaluation, and professional development, and promote performance standards and succession planning.
Serve as the district’s financial liaison with external auditors, the New York State Education Department, and federal, state, and local government officials.
Work with the Superintendent and Executive Cabinet to implement the RCSD Strategic Plan and foster professional relationships at city, state, and national levels.
Ensure adequate procurement controls and documentation, and safeguard district assets through effective internal controls.
Produce and manage the annual district budget in support of the Superintendent’s academic initiatives; interpret guidance, distribute regulatory requirements, and monitor compliance.
Represent the Superintendent at District Finance Committee meetings; monitor banking activities and manage cash flow.
Maintain accounting systems and procedures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and governmental accounting standards, with transparent records and encumbrance accounting.
Oversee revenue-generating processes, grant expenditure accounting, and compliance and reporting for funding agencies.
Authorize fund transfers in accordance with Board policies and legal restrictions; maintain property classification and fixed-asset and supply inventory systems.
Supervise and transmit periodic financial reports to federal and state authorities, prepare special reports, oversee reliable monthly reports, and communicate relevant information to the Superintendent or Board.
Direct financial transaction studies and prepare cost analysis reports for the Superintendent or Board.
Prepare short- and long-term budgets and financial plans that account for educational needs, population projections, development plans, staffing needs, and revenue projections.
Review monthly cash flow statements and coordinate with the City of Rochester on temporary borrowing, investments, loan payment calendars, and long-term borrowing through capital notes or serial bonds.
Align budgeting and resource allocation with district equity goals and support fair distribution of resources and culturally responsive practices across schools.
Oversee fiscal, statistical, and business management information supporting state and federal grant applications.
Evaluate the impact of actual or potential changes in resources or appropriations and recommend budget reductions or additions to the Superintendent.
Communicate budget allocations to department heads, monitor spending limits, and recommend corrective actions when needed.
Prepare legal notices for publication of changes between the proposed and adopted budgets.
Coordinate with Legal Counsel on risk management, insurance coverage reviews, claims and loss reports, premium analyses, and insurance program renewals or revisions.
Perform other duties as defined by the Superintendent.