Chief Financial Officer

$100,000 - $105,000/Yr

Great Prairie Area Education Agency - Ottumwa, IA

Full-time - Mid Level

Ottumwa, IA

About the position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Great Prairie Area Education Agency plays a pivotal role in the financial management and operational efficiency of the agency. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the various service areas within the agency, including their goals, needs, and priorities. The CFO will work closely with virtually every position in the agency, ensuring that financial practices align with the agency's mission and objectives. The role involves a thorough understanding of budgeting processes, purchasing, and inventory control, as well as compliance with local, state, and federal regulations that impact the agency's operations. The CFO is directly accountable to the Chief Administrator of the Area Education Agency and is responsible for developing and implementing sound business practices across all phases of the agency. This includes preparing meaningful financial reports for the Chief Administrator, Board of Directors, staff, and the public, as well as managing the preparation of monthly and annual financial reports. The CFO will assist in the development of the agency's budgets in accordance with Department of Education guidelines and will play a key role in audits of the agency. In addition to financial oversight, the CFO will evaluate and update the Business Department's programs, direct the work of personnel under their supervision, and establish priorities for staff. The role also involves managing the agency's accounting system to ensure accurate financial records for funding purposes, preparing bidding specifications for equipment and supplies, and assisting local school districts with their accounting and technology needs. Facilities management, cooperative purchasing programs, and participation in collective bargaining are also key responsibilities of the CFO. The position may require participation in local, state, and national professional organizations relevant to the role, and the CFO may be assigned additional duties by the Chief Administrator.

Responsibilities

• Develop and be responsible for good business practices in all phases of the Area Education Agency.
• Present to the Chief Administrator, Board of Directors, staff and public, meaningful and understandable financial reports.
• Prepare all monthly and annual financial reports for the Board of Directors.
• Assist in the development of the Area Education Agency budgets according to Department of Education guidelines.
• Assist in any audits of the Area Education Agency.
• Evaluate and update the program of the Business Department.
• Direct the work of the personnel under his/her supervision.
• Determine the priorities for the staff and make personnel recommendations to the Chief Administrator.
• Establish and support an accounting system to provide accurate financial records for local, state and federal funding.
• Prepare bidding specifications and standards when possible for the purchase of equipment and supplies.
• Assist local school districts in their accounting and computer-related needs.
• Responsible for facilities management including central office, satellite offices, and preschool handicapped facilities.
• Manage cooperative purchasing programs for the Agency.
• Participate in collective bargaining for the Agency.
• Participate in local, state, and national professional organizations pertinent to job responsibility.
• Assume such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Chief Administrator.

Requirements

• Must have a minimum of a BA degree in either Accounting or Business Administration.
• 5 years of related business experience.
• Must be able to obtain a current Iowa School Business Official Authorization License.
• Above average skills in the areas of supervision and communication.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated, reliable, organized, detail and quality oriented with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Computer experience, including Microsoft products and web-based tools, as well as the ability to learn new applications and resources.
• Knowledge and demonstration of cultural competence.
• Familiarity with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the agency.

Benefits

• IPERS
• Generous paid leave package
• Monthly cafeteria allotment of $2,000