Executive Director of Finance

Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools • Winston-Salem, NC

7d

About The Position

The Executive Director of Finance provides executive leadership for the financial operations of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and serves as a key strategic partner to the Chief Financial Officer. This role is responsible for setting direction, ensuring fiscal integrity, and leading systemwide financial functions in alignment with Board policy and district priorities. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Executive Director of Finance oversees core financial operations including accounting, budgeting, payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, and school funds. The position ensures strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, and transparent financial reporting, while driving continuous improvement in financial systems, processes, and staff capacity. The Executive Director of Finance assumes responsibility for financial operations in the absence of the Chief Financial Officer.

Requirements

• Comprehensive, executive-level knowledge of public school finance, including budgeting, general accounting, payroll, purchasing, and school funds.
• Thorough understanding of funding sources for North Carolina public schools, including state, federal, and local allotments and compliance requirements.
• Strong command of generally accepted accounting principles, internal controls, and fiscal risk management.
• Working knowledge of the North Carolina Public School Budget and Fiscal Control Act and applicable federal grant regulations.
• Knowledge of financial systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms; experience supporting system transitions preferred.
• Proven ability to provide executive leadership, supervise staff, and build organizational capacity.
• Ability to set strategic priorities, delegate effectively, and manage complex financial operations under strict deadlines.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, including advanced financial analysis and forecasting.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and related financial reporting tools.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex financial and regulatory issues to executive leadership, principals, and non-financial staff.
• Strong interpersonal, collaborative, and communication skills when working with internal stakeholders, auditors, and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, interpret, and implement fiscal policies and procedures.
• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance or Business (12 hours of accounting course work required)
• A minimum of five years in a related professional supervisory position (NC Public School experience preferred)

Nice To Haves

• CPA preferred

Responsibilities

• Provides executive leadership and direction for district financial operations, ensuring alignment with Board policy, district priorities, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Serves as a trusted advisor to the Chief Financial Officer on fiscal strategy, risk management, internal controls, and operational effectiveness.
• Leads, develops, and holds accountable program administrators and finance staff across accounting, budgeting, payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, and school funds.
• Establishes clear expectations, priorities, and performance standards; evaluates outcomes and drives continuous improvement.
• Fosters an inclusive, ethical, and high-performing finance organization focused on service, accuracy, and accountability.
• Oversee maintenance of the general ledger and general accounting systems to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and WSFCS policies and procedures.
• Reviews and prepares trial balances; identifies, corrects, and resolves discrepancies and errors.
• Monitors cash flow and cash needs for payroll and accounts payable; ensure compliance with all state and federal cash management requirements and deadlines.
• Oversee payroll-related reporting, withholdings, and compliance requirements for North Carolina public schools.
• Ensures compliance with the North Carolina Public School Budget and Fiscal Control Act and all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations, including federal grant requirements.
• Oversee the preparation, analysis, and submission of financial reports to local, state, and federal agencies.
• Reviews and analyzes monthly financial and allotment reports from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction; advises leadership on trends, risks, and required actions.
• Leads financial analysis of budgets, expenditures, and forecasts to support executive decision-making.
• Serves as the primary executive liaison for internal and external audits; ensures timely responses, corrective actions, and continuous strengthening of internal controls.
• Performs and oversees fiscal year-end close activities and the establishment of new fiscal year accounting structures.
• Coordinates the development, maintenance, and publication of financial procedures, processes, and internal controls.
• Supports financial system operations and improvements, including the district’s transition to the Tyler/Munis ERP system, with full implementation expected by July 2026.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support district financial operations and objectives.

What This Job Offers

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