Chief Financial Officer

CCS Spokane • Spokane, WA

23d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as Spokane Colleges’ senior financial officer and a member of the Chancellor’s executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chancellor/CEO. The CFO provides strategic leadership for district finances and business operations, supporting the colleges’ educational mission and commitment to student success through collaborative, inclusive decision-making and responsible resource allocation.

The CFO establishes the strategic direction and priorities of the division and provides broad oversight of the district’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, treasury functions, payroll, purchasing, grants and contracts, investments, instructional support, and related administrative services. The role is accountable for fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, internal controls, accurate financial reporting, and long-term financial sustainability. The CFO serves as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees, advises executive leadership, and represents Spokane Colleges in state, community, and professional settings. The role also oversees risk management, public records, records management, and participation in labor relations, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and Board policies.

This is a contracted, exempt management position. Work is performed in an office environment and includes local or regional travel. The position requires a criminal background check and acceptable documentation of U.S. citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States. Spokane Colleges is a drug-free workplace and prohibits smoking in college buildings and state-owned vehicles.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a closely related field from an accredited institution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience demonstrating the required competencies.
• Five years of progressively responsible leadership experience overseeing business and financial operations, including experience with Washington State governmental accounting systems and practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Washington State and federal laws, regulations, and statutes related to budget development, finance, business administration, and fiscal management.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and higher education financial administration.
• Ability to communicate complex financial and operational information effectively, orally and in writing, and provide strategic consultation and recommendations to executive leaders and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and conflict-resolution skills, including the ability to address complex organizational and financial issues.
• Ability to represent the district effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including state agencies, community partners, governing boards, and professional organizations.
• Ability to lead, develop, motivate, and evaluate staff while fostering a collaborative, accountable, high-performing work environment.
• Ability to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment.
• Ability to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a senior finance leadership role within a Washington State community or technical college.
• Experience providing policy-level leadership and administrative oversight within a large, complex, multi-unit organization.
• Experience administering leases, grants, and contracts, including state and federal funding programs.
• Knowledge of or experience with higher education accreditation standards, processes, and compliance requirements.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level financial leadership, planning, stewardship, and governance for the district.
• Develop, implement, and oversee policies, procedures, and business practices for district financial operations and stewardship of district, state, federal, and other funds.
• Provide fiscal leadership and budget oversight to support accreditation compliance and the district’s long-term financial stability.
• Advise the Chancellor and executive leadership on operating budgets, financial forecasts, revenue and expenditure projections, tuition and fees, financial aid, purchasing, and capital financial matters.
• Serve as Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, present complex financial information, and ensure compliance with Board policy and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Direct the preparation and oversight of GAAP-compliant financial statements, including required disclosures, and serve as the primary liaison with auditors and accreditation agencies on fiscal compliance and internal controls.
• Establish and maintain internal controls that support legal and fiscal compliance, sound financial management, and effective financial reporting and analysis.
• Oversee tuition, fees, and tuition waiver programs, including collection and management of related revenue.
• Serve as the district’s designated Risk Manager, Public Records Officer, and Records Officer, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements.
• Collaborate with the assigned Assistant Attorney General on financial, contractual, regulatory, and operational matters.
• Direct and oversee Budget, Accounting, Foundation Accounting, Investments and Cash Management, Cashiering, Payroll and Benefits, Grants and Contracts, Lease Administration, Purchasing, Instructional Support, and Auxiliary Operations.
• Lead assigned personnel, including recruitment, supervision, performance evaluation, professional development, employee relations, and disciplinary processes, consistent with contracts, policies, and employment regulations.
• Represent the district in the community college system, state, and community organizations, and serve on labor negotiation teams and other committees as assigned.
• Model professional decorum and mutual respect in interactions.
• Comply with district policies, procedures, directives, applicable regulations and statutes, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Support and advance Spokane Colleges’ strategic plan and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• TIAA retirement plan or Washington State Department of Retirement Systems Pension Plan
• Vacation leave accrues at 14.67 hours per month (22 days per year)
• Sick leave accrues at 8 hours per month

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive