Chief Financial Officer.pdf

Socorro Independent School District - El Paso, TX

Full-time - Senior

El Paso, TX

Educational Services

About the position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) plays a critical role in overseeing and supervising the financial operations of the district. This position is essential for ensuring that the financial activities align with the instructional goals and objectives of the district and its campuses. The CFO is responsible for developing and maintaining a positive work environment within the finance department, fostering effective communication with staff, the community, and the Board. The role requires a commitment to improving the effectiveness of the finance department and ensuring that all financial operations support the district's educational mission. In addition to managing the finance department, the CFO is tasked with defining job performance expectations for subordinate staff, conducting evaluations, and providing necessary training to enhance the department's operations. The CFO will lead the financial services and records management, which includes accounting, payables, payroll, and fixed asset records. Establishing procedures for effective financial reporting and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations is a key responsibility. The CFO will compile and evaluate the district's budget, providing estimates of annual revenue based on various factors, and will prepare and review financial statements and reports. The CFO will also coordinate audits, oversee the investment program, manage bond transactions, and ensure that purchasing functions are conducted within legal frameworks. This position requires a high level of ethical conduct and professionalism, as well as the ability to articulate the district's financial goals to the public and stakeholders. The CFO is expected to participate in professional development and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the finance department through innovative approaches and ideas.

Responsibilities

• Ensures that finance operations of the district are supportive of the instructional goals and objectives of the district and campuses.
• Develops and maintains positive staff morale within the finance department.
• Communicates effectively with staff, community, and the Board.
• Demonstrates openness to staff and willingness to improve effectiveness of the finance department.
• Works with staff lending knowledge in financial management in improving efficiency and effectiveness in attaining the goals of the district.
• Defines job performance expectations of subordinate staff, evaluates job performance, conducts conferences, and develops training to ensure effective operation of the finance department and assists in the interview process of subordinate staff.
• Provides effective leadership and management for financial services and records of the district including accounting, payables, payroll, and fixed asset records.
• Establishes procedures for the effective recording, analyzing, and reporting of all district's financial matters.
• Implements policies established by federal law, state law, SBOE rule and local board policy in pertinent areas and offers constructive suggestions to ensure compliance within the finance department.
• Compiles and evaluates the district budget based on established current and long-term priorities for the allocation of the district's financial resources.
• Provides estimates of annual district revenue based on various factors such as state funding formulas and property values.
• Prepares and/or reviews the general financial statements of the district monthly and at year-end, as well as special reports.
• Coordinates audits by the Texas Education Agency and federal project auditors as well as the annual audit conducted by a certified public accounting firm, preparing and/or reviewing schedules and other accounting information as required.
• Prepares and reviews reports on construction projects as required to administer the proceeds effectively and efficiently from bond sales.
• Oversees the investment program of the district in a manner that optimizes use of district funds.
• Coordinates the tax collection effort assuring the best possible tax collection for the district.
• Handles bond transactions and appropriate debt management while following proper legal processes, ensuring the best interests of the district.
• Oversees the purchasing function of the district, assuring that all purchases are made in the best interests of the district within appropriate legal framework.
• Ensures equitable use of financial resources to support the teaching/learning process thereby promoting effective student management within the district goals.
• Articulates to the public the district goals and the way the business operations are supportive of these goals.
• Provides financial information to the board and public in a manner that demonstrates the district's commitment to meet its goals in the most economical and efficient manner possible.
• Participates in professional development programs to improve job performance.
• Develops and uses ideas and innovative approaches to improve the overall effectiveness of the finance department.
• Participates in professional organizations, disseminating ideas and information to other professionals and provides leadership in identifying trends as well as solving problems.
• Performs duties in a professional, ethical, and responsible manner.
• Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the SISD safety program.
• Supports the goals and objectives of the school district and follows all district policies.
• Supports the district's social media efforts that highlight the hard work of our students and staff as well as increase communication with all stakeholders.
• Demonstrates the ability to attend work on a regular and routine basis to avoid disruption to district operations.
• Demonstrates a high level of independent, ethical, and professional conduct.
• Performs other appropriate duties assigned by the appropriate supervisor.
• Provides optimal customer service to all students, employees, parents, community members and any other stakeholders of the district.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in appropriate field or CPA certification
• Superintendent's Certificate (preferred)
• Valid Driver's License
• Demonstrated ability in and knowledge of the functioning of public-school finance in Texas
• Seven years' experience in financial management with at least five years in a supervisory position.