Chief Financial Officer

JOB DEFINITION:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides long- and short-term leadership and strategic vision while playing a pivotal role in the financial management and strategic planning of Bend-La Pine Schools. Reporting directly to the Superintendent, the CFO is responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, procurement, and compliance to ensure the financial health and stability of the district. A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion permeates all aspects of the CFO's work, guiding efforts to allocate resources equitably and address systemic disparities. The CFO collaborates with various invested parties, including the Superintendent, Board of Directors, Budget Committee, and others to ensure fiscal responsibility, transparency, and alignment with the district's mission and goals. By engaging stakeholders in financial planning processes and articulating the rationale behind financial decisions, the CFO cultivates a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for the district's financial health.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the Superintendent and executive leadership to develop, implement, and evaluate the district's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with district goals and priorities.
• Financial Planning and Budgeting: Develop, implement, and monitor annual operating budgets in alignment with the district's strategic objectives. Provide guidance and support to schools and operational departments in budget preparation and expenditure control.
• Financial Oversight: Develops and implements district accounting practices and policies to affirm that all financial records are maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, district policies, and federal, state, and local laws or regulations.
• Enrollment Projections and Staffing Allocations: Collaborate to develop enrollment projections and staffing allocations based on demographic trends, student enrollment data, and educational programming needs. Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support decision-making related to hiring, staffing levels, and resource allocation to ensure alignment with budgetary constraints and educational priorities.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Mitigate financial risks by ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures. Oversee internal controls and audits to safeguard district assets and maintain financial integrity.
• Resource Allocation and Procurement: Optimize resource allocation by identifying cost-saving opportunities and efficient utilization of funds. Manage procurement processes to ensure transparency, fairness, and value for money.
• Nutrition Services Leadership: Provide strategic direction and oversight for the Nutrition Services Department, operating on an enterprise model, to ensure the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals that comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Financial Management: Proficient in budgeting, accounting principles, financial analysis, and forecasting techniques. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement financial strategies to achieve organizational objectives.
• Budget and Resource Management: Possess advanced budgeting and financial management skills. Collaborate in the development of the district's budget, demonstrating the ability to allocate resources judiciously to maximize student achievement while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and the ability to analyze complex financial data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions. Proven ability to solve problems creatively and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Communication and Transparency: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences. Commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct.
• Policy Formulation: Assist in the formulation of policies for consideration by the Board of Directors, including the revising of existing policies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge

• Equity and Inclusivity: Knowledge of strategies to promote equity and inclusivity in educational programs, policies, practices, and services, including an understanding of systemic inequities and methods for addressing them.
• Financial Management: Comprehensive understanding of budgeting principles, accounting standards, financial analysis techniques, and forecasting methodologies. Proficiency in developing and implementing financial strategies to achieve organizational objectives, including cost containment, revenue optimization, and risk mitigation.
• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of local, state, and federal financial regulations governing public sector entities, particularly in the realm of education, including Oregon budget law. Familiarity with compliance requirements related to financial reporting, internal controls, procurement processes, and grant management.
• Educational Finance: Understanding of the unique financial challenges and funding mechanisms inherent in the public education sector. Knowledge of educational finance laws, policies, and funding formulas, including state aid, property taxes, and federal grants.

Skills and Abilities

• Strategic Planning: Proven ability to think strategically and develop long-term financial plans aligned with organizational goals and priorities. Skill in translating strategic objectives into actionable financial strategies, performance metrics, and resource allocation priorities.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Strong leadership skills with the capacity to inspire, motivate, and lead multidisciplinary teams towards common objectives. Demonstrated ability to foster a collaborative work environment, build consensus among stakeholders, and effectively communicate financial concepts to diverse audiences.
• Analytical Thinking: Proficiency in utilizing quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to solve problems, make data-driven decisions, and optimize financial performance.
• Communication and Transparency: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders. Commitment to transparency, openness, and ethical conduct in all financial dealings, fostering trust and accountability within the organization.
• Cultural Competence: Sensitivity to cultural differences, diversity, and inclusion issues, with a commitment to promoting equity and cultural competence in financial decision-making processes. Ability to recognize and address systemic biases, advocate for marginalized groups, and ensure equitable access to financial resources and opportunities.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills to develop trust, provide direction, inspire teams, and make strategic decisions with a focus on equity and inclusivity.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related area
• Minimum of five years’ financial management and leadership experience
• In-depth knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and Oregon Budget Law
• Experience leading and supervising financial teams and processes
• Proven experience in applying an equity lens to educational programs and services

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual Spanish
• Master’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related area
• Certified Public Accountant license