Deputy Executive Director, Finance/Chief Financial Officer

State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio•Columbus, OH

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) is seeking an experienced finance executive to serve as Deputy Executive Director, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position provides strategic leadership over all financial functions of STRS Ohio, including financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, accounting and tax, employer reporting, investment accounting, and investment performance measurement. STRS Ohio is one of the nation’s largest retirement systems, serving nearly 550,000 active, inactive, and retired public-school teachers, and university faculty members, managing approximately $96.3 billion as of June 30, 2025, in assets and paying more than $7 billion in benefits annually. STRS Ohio provides a competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package including on-site parking, educational assistance, subsidized medical insurance, fully paid dental and life insurance, vacation and sick leave, retirement benefits and on-site fitness center. At STRS Ohio, you can experience rewarding work in a professional, business casual work environment. We welcome, celebrate, and promote respect for everyone. We are continually seeking bright and talented individuals to join our team.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field required.
Ten or more years’ experience in accounting or finance required.
Exceptional knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in business or accounting preferred.
Advanced professional designation, e.g., certified public accountant, certified management accountant strongly preferred.
governmental accounting standards (GASB) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a strong enterprise leader and collaborative peer, building trusted relationships with fellow deputy executive directors and senior leaders to advance organizational priorities, promote shared accountability and constructive challenge, and reinforce a unified leadership culture aligned with STRS Ohio’s strategy.
Participate in the regular meetings of deputy executive directors and senior staff of the executive director and provide leadership and direction to the executive director, board members and stakeholders.
Communicate effectively with the ability to influence stakeholders, aligning with the overall business goals and objectives.
Provide executive oversight of investment accounting and financial reporting for all asset classes, including public markets, private equity, real estate and other alternative investments, ensuring valuation methodologies, controls and disclosures comply with applicable accounting standards and internal policy.
Oversee preparation of financial statements, ACFR (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report) and other financial reporting as required.
Provide oversight and leadership for annual external financial statement audit, Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) audits and investment performance verification.
Ensure investment performance and related financial information presented to the Retirement Board is accurate, timely and aligned with governing policies, adopted benchmarks and long-term funding objectives.
Oversee the organization’s annual operating and capital budget process and provide input during key department budget meetings.
Present and report on fiscal budgets to the Ohio Retirement Study Council (ORSC), Retirement Board and other groups as needed.
Monitor and report administrative operating and capital spending monthly throughout the fiscal year and review for proper compliance with administrative budgets.