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Chief Financial Officer

  • Business Services
Chief Financial Officer

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the district's executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing and directing the financial operations of the school district. The CFO ensures fiscal integrity, efficiency, and alignment of the budget and financial planning with the district’s educational goals and strategic initiatives. The CFO provides leadership in financial planning, budgeting, accounting, procurement, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Directly supports the superintendent in the effective execution of significant strategic and operational initiatives aligned with the district’s vision with a focus on and commitment to excellence in service delivery, safety, and continuous improvement. The Chief Financial Officer reports to the superintendent and works collaboratively as a member of the superintendent’s executive team. 

Key Responsibilities

  1. Financial Leadership & Strategy
    1. Develop and implement long-range financial strategies aligned with district goals.
    2. Advise the Superintendent and School Board on financial planning, fiscal policies, and budgetary priorities.
    3. Analyze financial data and provide forecasting, modeling, and risk analysis.
  2. Budgeting & Financial Planning
    1. Lead the preparation, presentation, and management of the district's annual budget.
    2. Monitor revenue and expenditure trends to ensure budget compliance and financial sustainability.
    3. Coordinate with departments to ensure budget alignment with instructional and operational goals.
  3. Accounting & Financial Reporting
    1. Oversee all accounting functions including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and general ledger maintenance.
    2. Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
    3. Prepare and present financial reports to the Superintendent, School Board, and stakeholders.
  4. Audit & Compliance
    1. Coordinate annual audits and respond to audit findings.
    2. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding public school finance.
    3. Maintain internal controls and safeguard district assets.
  5. Procurement & Contract Management
    1. Supervise purchasing and procurement activities, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and district policies.
    2. Review and negotiate contracts for services, materials, and capital projects.
    3. Successfully negotiate agreements on behalf of the district.
  6. Grants & Funding
    1. Oversee management of state, federal, and private grants.
    2. Ensure appropriate use and reporting of grant funds.
    3. Monitor changes in school finance legislation and funding formulas.
  7. Leadership & Team Management
    1. Supervise finance department staff including accounting, payroll, and purchasing personnel.
    2. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth within the finance team.
    3. Foster a culture of openness and cross-functional collaboration across all departments and between departments and schools
    4. Provide training and support to district leaders on budget management and fiscal responsibility.
  8. General Leadership
    1. Interact successfully and positively with a wide range of constituents including representatives from business, governmental agencies and university partners.
    2. Find creative solutions to operational challenges on behalf of student achievement.
    3. Proactively pursue best-in-class tools and practices and initiate and lead change that will benefit the district
    4. Interpret and apply provisions of state statute and various regulatory agencies.
    5. Use program and project management techniques to effectively deliver results.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Education
    1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
    2. Master’s degree or CPA designation preferred.
  2. Experience
    1. Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in financial management, preferably in a public school district or governmental organization.
    2. Strong understanding of public-school or governmental finance, budgeting, and reporting.
  3. Skills and Competencies
    1. Knowledge of governmental accounting standards and school finance laws.
    2. Proficiency in financial software and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
    3. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
    4. Ability to build relationships with a variety of stakeholders.

Working Conditions

  1. Full-time, year-round position.
  2. Office environment with occasional attendance at evening board meetings and district events.

Salary

  1. 260 Day
  2. 213A  on Supervisor/Administrative Salary Schedule Link to the Salary Schedules

Salem Keizer School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.