CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER - BUSINESS

$145,000 - $145,000/Yr

Billings School District 2 - Billings, MT

Full-time - Senior

Billings, MT

About the position

Billings School District 2 is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide strategic leadership in financial and budgetary matters. The CFO will advise the Superintendent and School Board while overseeing all business and finance functions, which include food service, transportation, insurance, risk management, budgeting, and grants management. This role is critical as the CFO directs and supervises an operating budget of approximately $200,000,000 and is responsible for all accounting operations for Billings Public Schools. The CFO ensures that systems and procedures are in place to support effective program implementation and accurate audits. In this capacity, the CFO will work closely with district leadership to integrate key functions and drive improvements in educational outcomes. The position requires a strong leader who can manage large, diverse teams, set performance standards, conduct regular evaluations, and provide constructive feedback to ensure continuous professional growth and high performance. The CFO will also be responsible for leading teams through complex projects and initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, accountability, and results-oriented performance. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align team objectives with organizational goals, prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and make decisions that balance short-term needs with long-term vision. Additionally, the CFO will need to demonstrate strong conflict resolution skills and the ability to guide teams through organizational change, ensuring smooth transitions that maintain morale and productivity.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in financial and budgetary matters.
• Advise the Superintendent and School Board on financial issues.
• Oversee all business and finance functions including food service, transportation, insurance, risk management, budgeting, and grants management.
• Direct and supervise an operating budget of approximately $200,000,000.
• Ensure all accounting operations for Billings Public Schools are effective and compliant with regulations.
• Integrate key functions with district leadership to drive improvements in educational outcomes.
• Manage large, diverse teams, setting performance standards and conducting evaluations.
• Lead teams through complex projects and initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Develop and implement strategic plans that align team objectives with organizational goals.
• Resolve conflicts and address employee concerns with tact and diplomacy.
• Guide teams through organizational change, ensuring smooth transitions.

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.
• Extensive supervisory experience in managing large, diverse teams.
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams through complex projects and initiatives.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans that align with organizational goals.
• Strong capability in resolving conflicts and addressing employee concerns.
• Leadership in guiding teams through organizational change.