Chief Financial Officer CFO

Job Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Supervisor:

Superintendent
Salary Schedule:

Administrative
Terms of Employment:

240 Day
Job Summary:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) plays a vital role in the strategic leadership team of Deming Public Schools, which serves approximately 5,000 students, ensuring the financial integrity, sustainability, and efficiency of the district's operations. Reporting directly to the Superintendent, the CFO is responsible for the overall financial health of the district, including budgeting, accounting, payroll, procurement, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The CFO is a collaborative leader who connects financial strategies with the district's education goals and empowers others to make informed decisions. This position emphasizes proactive problem-solving, clear communication, and fostering a supportive, solutions-oriented environment.
Qualifications:
Education & Certification:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
CPA, SBO (School Business Official), Level 2, or eligible to obtain.
Essential duties and Responsibilities:
Financial Leadership & Management:

Develop, oversee, and manage the district's annual budget, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and priorities.
Collaborate with district and school leaders to connect financial resources with instructional and operational initiatives.
Provide financial insights to support the design and sustainability of programs that address student needs.
Monitor and analyze financial performance, identifying opportunities for efficiency and improvement.
Prepare and present financial reports to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and other stakeholders in an accessible and understandable manner.
Ensure compliance with all applicable financial laws, regulations, and guidelines, including those related to state and federal funding.
Participate in public forums to share insights about district finances and address stakeholder feedback constructively.
Teaching & Capacity Building

Lead and mentor the Finance Department team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Mentor and train district leaders and staff on financial practices, policies, and decision-making processes.
Build capacity among stakeholders by explaining financial concepts clearly and offering guidance to empower informed decisions.
Foster a culture of continuous learning, emphasizing the connection between financial stewardship and educational outcomes.
Problem-Solving & Collaboration

Serve as a resource for resolving financial challenges, focusing on proactive and constructive solutions rather than blame or retribution.
Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to ensure financial decisions support district-wide goals.
Anticipate potential challenges and develop strategies to mitigate risks and optimize opportunities.
Accounting & Compliance:

Supervise accounting functions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger management.
Oversee annual audits, implementing recommendations and ensuring resolution of any findings.
Maintain robust internal controls to safeguard district assets and prevent fraud or mismanagement.
Manage district investments, debt service, and insurance programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Monitor and adapt to changes in state and federal education funding laws to maintain compliance. Provide district and school level support, training, and guidance when changes occur.
Procurement & Resource Allocation:

Develop and implement policies and procedures for purchasing and procurement to ensure transparency, efficiency, and compliance.
Manage contracts, vendor relationships, and capital expenditures to maximize value for the district.
Strategic Planning & Decision Support:

Collaborate with district leadership to forecast financial needs and develop long-term financial strategies.
Support and contribute to the development of a comprehensive project management plan, identifying and prioritizing funding sources to support long-term operational infrastructure goals
Support the Superintendent and Board of Education in decision-making by providing financial data and insights.
Assist in the evaluation and implementation of district programs, projects, and initiatives from a financial perspective.
Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in school finance or a related field.
Demonstrated knowledge of governmental accounting, school funding mechanisms, and financial reporting.
Experience managing multiple funds (state, federal, local, special grants, etc.) and properly accounting for revenue and expenditures.
Skills & Competencies:

Deep understanding of public-school finance, including state and federal funding mechanisms.
Proficiency in financial software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and systems relevant to public school operations.
Strong analytical, problem-solving abilities, and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
Expertise in connecting financial strategies with programmatic outcomes.
Proven ability to teach and mentor others in financial literacy and management.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
Ability to build trusting relationships with staff, board members, and community stakeholders by being approachable and transparent.
Commitment to equity, transparency, and the district's vision of student success.
Attributes:

Kind and respectful communicator who builds positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Solutions-oriented leader who focuses on addressing challenges constructively.
Proactive thinker with the ability to anticipate and solve problems effectively.
Collaborative team member who values input from others and fosters shared ownership of decisions.
Working Conditions:

Office environment with some travel to school sites, meetings, and/or training sessions.
Attendance at evening and weekend meetings will be required.
Compensation & Benefits:

Competitive salary in accordance with salary schedule and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities. Deming Public Schools pays 80% of employee health insurance costs.
Evaluation:

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of HB212 and Board policy.

THE DEMING PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, MARITAL STATUS OR HANDICAP IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE LAWS