Chief Financial Officer

Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Chief Financial Officer shall have the responsibility for administering the business and financial affairs of the school system to provide the best educational and operational services with the fiscal resources available.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Advises and/or reports to the Superintendent and School Committee as appropriate on all matters relating to the business affairs of the School Department.
• Prepare the initial School Department budget and subsequent reports as necessary.
• Monitors expenses and funding sources on a daily basis and prepares financial projections for the Superintendent and the School Committee to assist in the preparation and analysis of the budget.  
• Establishes and oversees standard operating procedures and controls for all financial and administrative matters throughout the school department, including cash management and collection functions.
• Directs the procurement process by coordinating, advertising, analyzing quotations, conducting evaluations and recommending awards, as well as negotiating service contracts.
• Advises on financial implications of all contracts and contract proposals.
  Responsible for preparing relevant bid specifications. Reviewing and awarding contracts after approval of the School Committee.  
• Review, as appropriate, bid contracts after approval of the School Committee. 
• Reconciles system-wide accounts with Principals, Directors, and others responsible for expenditure control to maintain the accuracy and integrity of financial information.
• Oversees all student activity accounts to ensure revenue collection and expenditure controls are in compliance with acceptable accounting practices as well as local policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Oversees all activities of financial support staff, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, employee benefits, and grants management.
• Administers the school department's insurance programs.
• Delegates responsibility for processing liability claims.
• Serves as a liaison with insurance carriers and risk management trust representatives to maintain ongoing communications.
• Develops appropriate methods of monitoring school department liability to ensure that accidents involving personal injury and/or property loss are reported accurately and in a timely manner.
• Develops and maintains with current data a system-wide process for inventory control of fixed assets.
• Participates as required in contract negotiations and grievance resolution.
• Prepares for the Superintendent’s approval of all State and Federal financial reports to ensure that the School Department receives all reimbursable expenses.
• Provides direction, supervision, and annual written performance evaluations of office staff.
• Administers the school department lunch program.  Records and reconciles all food service revenue and expenditures.
• Fiscal management of school construction; works in conjunction with the Facilities Director on projects.
• Oversees all business and financial transactions related to school department transportation services.
• Approves routine expenditures for goods, services, and salaries.
  Presents information to the public concerning the financial operation of the school district.
• Attends School Committee and other meetings as required.
  Performs other tasks and duties as required by the Superintendent.

SKILLED AT:

• Ability to think conceptually and articulate ideas and recommendations in written communications, reports, and oral presentations to diverse audiences.
• 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.
• Ability to apply principles of rational systems.  
• Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic .
• Ability to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.
• Exercising judgment, decisiveness, and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
• Tasks that require visual perception and good oral communication.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS: 

• 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.
• Any combination of education and/or acquired experiences that meet all stated requirements may be considered appropriate for the position.