Chief Financial Officer (Business Office)

$145,000 - $145,000/Yr

Billings Public Schools - Billings, MT

Full-time - Senior

Billings, MT

Educational Services

About the position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Lincoln Center provides strategic leadership in financial and budgetary matters, advising the Superintendent and School Board while overseeing all business and finance functions. This includes managing food service, transportation, insurance, risk management, budgeting, and grants management. The CFO is responsible for directing and supervising an operating budget of approximately $200,000,000 and ensuring that all accounting operations for Billings Public Schools are conducted effectively, supporting program implementation and accurate audits. The role requires close collaboration with district leadership to integrate key functions and drive improvements in educational outcomes. In this position, the CFO will establish, plan, and monitor both the Business Services budget and the overall District budget. They will manage liability insurance, oversee the District's transportation and food service departments, and ensure compliance with GAAP standards across all accounts and reporting systems. The CFO will maintain internal controls and safeguards for revenue, costs, and program budgets, while also ensuring accurate and timely preparation of accounts payable and receivable. Additionally, the CFO will collaborate with IT staff to modernize financial systems and improve performance, present financial reports to senior leadership, and manage cash flow forecasting and budgeting processes. The CFO will also be responsible for monitoring the performance of invested assets, ensuring compliance with GASB requirements, coordinating annual audits, and developing financial reports to support long-range planning. They will assist the Board of Trustees in formulating policies and developing accounting procedures, conduct performance reviews, supervise staff training, and implement changes to increase efficiency in financial and accounting procedures. The role requires strong leadership in labor relations and financial management, working closely with unions and human resources to align budgetary considerations with negotiated contracts and strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Establish, plan, and monitor both the Business Services budget and the overall District budget.
• Manage liability insurance, 403b savings plan, and self-funded health insurance.
• Oversee the District's transportation and food service departments.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP standards across all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems.
• Maintain internal control and safeguards for revenue, costs, and program budgets.
• Prioritize work, schedule staff, and ensure quality work products under tight timelines.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of accounts payable/receivable and implement effective monitoring, verification, and coding procedures.
• Collaborate with IT staff in system design, implementation, and modernization to gain efficiencies and improve financial performance.
• Present accurate and timely financial reports and statements; keep senior leadership informed about the financial status of the District.
• Manage organizational cash flow forecasting and oversee the budgeting process, working with a strategic planning team.
• Monitor the performance of invested assets.
• Oversee the District's compliance with GASB requirements, including GASB #73, 75, 87, 96.
• Coordinate information requested by independent external auditors for the District's annual audit.
• Develop financial reports and projections to support long-range financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Assist the Board of Trustees and district administration in formulating policies and developing appropriate accounting and fiscal procedures.
• Conduct performance reviews, approve time-off requests, supervise staff training, and handle general administrative functions.
• Review and implement changes to financial and accounting procedures to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work closely with unions and human resources on financial aspects of labor agreements.

Requirements

• Graduate/Master's degree in Business Administration or equivalent experience.
• Thorough knowledge of GAAP and FASB, with preference for knowledge of GASB.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience.
• At least 5 years of related experience in school district or local government accounting.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of accounting experience with progressively responsible financial leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large, diverse teams, including the ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff across multiple departments or functional areas.
• Proven ability to lead teams through complex projects and initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans that align team objectives with organizational goals.
• Strong capability in resolving conflicts and addressing employee concerns with tact and diplomacy.
• Leadership in guiding teams through organizational change.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB).
• Advanced analytical and project management skills.
• Proficient computer/technical skills for creating complex documents and spreadsheets.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of $145,000.00
• Full-time position with a twelve-month contract
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Supportive work environment with a focus on continuous improvement