Chief Finance Officer

Department: Finance

Reports To: Superintendent
Position Summary

The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) serves as the district's senior financial leader and strategic advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Education on all matters related to finance, budgeting, fiscal planning, and financial operations. The Chief Finance Officer is responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient management of the district's financial resources in support of Weldon City Schools' mission, strategic priorities, and educational goals.

The Chief Finance Officer provides leadership and oversight of all financial functions, including budgeting, accounting, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, grant and federal fund accounting, financial reporting, audits, risk management, and internal controls. The CFO ensures fiscal integrity, compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and transparency in the stewardship of public funds.

As a member of the Superintendent's leadership team, the Chief Finance Officer collaborates with district and school leaders to develop sustainable financial strategies that maximize resources and support student achievement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Serve as the district's chief financial advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Education.
• Provide strategic leadership for all financial operations and long-range financial planning.
• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls that promote fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency.
• Advise district leadership regarding the financial implications of strategic initiatives, programs, and organizational decisions.
• Lead financial forecasting and multi-year budget planning efforts.
• Ensure the district's financial practices align with Board policies, North Carolina General Statutes, and federal regulations.
• Promote transparency, accountability, and sound stewardship of public funds.

Budget Development and Management

• Direct the development, implementation, and monitoring of the district's annual operating, capital, and grant budgets.
• Collaborate with district administrators and school leaders in budget planning and resource allocation.
• Monitor expenditures and revenues to ensure fiscal stability and compliance with approved budgets.
• Prepare budget amendments and provide fiscal recommendations to the Superintendent and Board of Education.
• Analyze financial trends and provide reports that support informed decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to maximize available funding sources and improve operational efficiencies.

Financial Operations

• Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger maintenance, payroll, accounts payable, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Ensure timely and accurate processing of financial transactions and reports.
• Monitor purchasing and procurement activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls to safeguard district assets and financial information.
• Ensure proper management of district investments and cash flow.
• Oversee school-based financial operations to ensure consistency and compliance throughout the district.

Leadership and Supervision

The Chief Finance Officer directly supervises:

• Payroll Specialist
• Accounts Payable Clerk

The Chief Finance Officer indirectly supervises:

• School Bookkeepers (in collaboration with school principals)

Supervisory responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership, coaching, mentoring, and annual performance evaluations for Finance Department personnel.
• Collaborating with school principals to provide functional oversight and support for school bookkeepers.
• Ensuring school bookkeepers adhere to district financial procedures, internal controls, and state and federal financial requirements.
• Developing and implementing departmental procedures that promote fiscal accountability and operational excellence.
• Monitoring workloads and ensuring appropriate segregation of duties within district and school-based financial operations.
• Providing training and professional development opportunities for finance personnel and school bookkeepers.
• Establishing departmental goals aligned with district priorities and strategic initiatives.
• Fostering a culture of professionalism, customer service, integrity, and fiscal responsibility throughout the Finance Department.

Compliance and Auditing

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate and oversee the district's annual independent financial audit and state financial reviews.
• Implement recommendations resulting from audit findings and monitoring activities.
• Prepare and submit all required financial reports in an accurate and timely manner.
• Maintain appropriate financial records and documentation in accordance with applicable record retention requirements.

Federal and Grant Fund Management

• Collaborate with district leaders regarding the fiscal management of federal programs and grants.
• Monitor grant expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets and funding requirements.
• Assist departments in developing grant budgets and financial reports.
• Ensure appropriate accounting procedures for all restricted and federal funds.
• Support program administrators in maximizing funding opportunities while maintaining fiscal compliance.

Payroll and Human Resources Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Human Resources Department regarding salary schedules, staffing allocations, supplements, and employee compensation.
• Ensure compliance with payroll reporting requirements, retirement contributions, and applicable employment regulations.
• Assist with financial analyses related to personnel costs and employee benefits.
• Support strategic workforce planning initiatives through fiscal analysis and recommendations.

Board and Community Relations

• Prepare and present financial reports, budget recommendations, and fiscal analyses to the Superintendent and Board of Education.
• Attend Board of Education meetings and provide financial information and recommendations as requested.
• Communicate complex financial information in a clear and understandable manner to stakeholders.
• Respond to inquiries regarding district financial matters from employees, auditors, and community stakeholders.
• Promote public confidence through transparent and responsible financial management practices.

Other Duties

• Serve as a member of the Superintendent's Cabinet and leadership team.
• Participate in district strategic planning and organizational initiatives.
• Serve on district committees and special projects as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Qualifications
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field required.
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible financial management experience required.
• Experience in public school finance or governmental accounting preferred.
• Experience developing and managing organizational budgets and supervising financial personnel required.
• Experience with North Carolina public school finance practices preferred.

Licensure and Certifications

• North Carolina School Business Administrator Certification preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), or other related professional certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting principles and public-school finance practices.
• Knowledge of North Carolina public school funding allotments, budget codes, and financial reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of federal grant management and compliance requirements.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Ability to interpret and apply financial regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to establish collaborative relationships with district leaders, school administrators, auditors, and stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with financial management systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Working Conditions

• Office-based environment with regular travel to district schools and offices as necessary.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required for Board meetings, audits, budget presentations, and district events.
• Ability to perform duties requiring prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and computer use.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with district expectations, Board of Education policies, and applicable North Carolina Department of Public Instruction requirements.