Chief Financial Officer

Pawtucket School Department - Pawtucket, RI

Full-time - Senior

Pawtucket, RI

About the position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Pawtucket School Department is a pivotal role under the direction of the Superintendent, responsible for overseeing the financial and business operations of the school system. The CFO's primary objective is to ensure that the educational and operational services provided by the school department are optimized within the available fiscal resources. This position requires a strategic thinker who can effectively manage the complexities of school finance, including budget preparation, financial reporting, and compliance with federal and state regulations. In this role, the CFO will advise the Superintendent and the School Committee on all matters related to the business affairs of the School Department. This includes preparing the initial budget and subsequent financial reports, monitoring daily expenses and funding sources, and providing financial projections to assist in budget preparation and analysis. The CFO will establish and oversee standard operating procedures for financial and administrative matters, ensuring that cash management and collection functions are efficient and compliant with regulations. The CFO will also direct the procurement process, which involves coordinating and analyzing quotations, conducting evaluations, and recommending contract awards. This role requires a thorough understanding of the financial implications of contracts and the ability to prepare relevant bid specifications. The CFO will reconcile accounts with various stakeholders to maintain the accuracy of financial information and oversee student activity accounts to ensure compliance with accounting practices. Additionally, the CFO will manage the financial support staff, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grants management. This position also involves administering the school department's insurance programs and developing methods for monitoring liability and inventory control of fixed assets. The CFO will participate in contract negotiations, prepare state and federal financial reports, and present financial information to the public and School Committee as required. Overall, the CFO plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and operational efficiency of the Pawtucket School Department.

Responsibilities

• Advise and report to the Superintendent and School Committee on business affairs of the School Department.
• Prepare the initial School Department budget and subsequent financial reports.
• Monitor daily expenses and funding sources, preparing financial projections for budget analysis.
• Establish and oversee standard operating procedures for financial and administrative matters.
• Direct the procurement process, including advertising, analyzing quotations, and recommending contract awards.
• Advise on financial implications of contracts and prepare relevant bid specifications.
• Reconcile system-wide accounts with Principals and Directors to maintain financial accuracy.
• Oversee student activity accounts to ensure compliance with accounting practices.
• Manage financial support staff, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and grants management.
• Administer the school department's insurance programs and process liability claims.
• Develop methods for monitoring school department liability and inventory control of fixed assets.
• Participate in contract negotiations and grievance resolution.
• Prepare state and federal financial reports for the Superintendent's approval.
• Provide direction and supervision to office staff, including performance evaluations.
• Administer the school department lunch program and reconcile food service revenue and expenditures.
• Manage fiscal aspects of school construction projects in collaboration with the Facilities Director.
• Oversee business and financial transactions related to transportation services.
• Approve routine expenditures for goods, services, and salaries.
• Present financial information to the public and attend School Committee meetings.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Certified or certifiable as a School Business Administrator in Rhode Island.
• Graduate of an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or Accounting.
• Demonstrated ability in a leadership role requiring evaluation, supervision, negotiation, and management of fiscal operations.
• Familiarity with Federal and State reporting, data surveys, and auditing procedures.
• Knowledge of the statewide uniform chart of accounts (UCOA) is preferred.
• Strong math, analytical, and accounting skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to think conceptually and articulate ideas in written and oral communications.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and modify methods to meet objectives.
• Experience in evaluating information against measurable criteria.