Chief Finance Officer

Catawba; Newton (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Catawba County Schools District Wide in Newton, North Carolina seeks a Chief Finance Officer with a strong track record in public school finance. The role involves managing fiscal affairs, directing an integrated accounting system, and ensuring compliance with state, federal, and local regulations.

Reports to the Superintendent and leads the business office staff.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in finance; public school system finance preferred.
• Baccalaureate degree with accounting coursework or CPA.
• State-level LEA school finance officer certification required/prior for eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Develop short and long term budgets for the superintendent and board with clear explanations of needs.
• Maintain and oversee an accounting system detailing assets, liabilities, revenues and expenditures.
• Certify requisitions and oversee deposits of school system funds.

Skills

Public finance

Budgeting

Financial reporting

Leadership

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree with accounting coursework

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

LEA school finance officer certification

Job description

Chief Finance Officer

Catawba County Schools District Wide - Newton, North Carolina Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Catawba County Schools Jobs Board , and North Carolina School Jobs

Job Details

Job ID: 5945382

Application Deadline: Oct 09, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Posted: Sep 30, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Dec 1, 2026

Job Description

JOB TITLE: CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

SALARY: NC & LOCAL SALARY SCHEDULE

REPORTS TO: SUPERINTENDENT

MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

• Five years of experience in finance – Experience in a public school system finance is strongly preferred with one of the following:
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a minimum of 15 semester hours in accounting, or
• A licensed Certified Public Accountant.
• Certified by the State Board of Education as an LEA school finance officer prior to July 1, 2023

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Qualify for certification as a North Carolina School Business Administrator according to policy of the State Board of Education. NC State Board Policy FINO-000
• Qualify for a performance bond.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

An employee in this class is responsible for managing the fiscal affairs of a school system using an integrated accounting system to plan fiscal needs, to ensure valid disclosure of receipts and disbursements, and to make sound investments of any cash balances. This employee interprets and follows regulations prescribed by the State, Federal and Local governments, funding agencies and the board of education. The employee exercises discretionary judgment in the resolution of operational problems and correction of the resulting effects of these. Errors may cause significant disruption of the school system’s operations and/or loss of considerable funds. The employee receives general direction and the work is evaluated through accomplishments and the reports of official audits. Direct supervision is exercised over the staff in the business office.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Develops, for the superintendent and board, short and long term budgets and amendments with concise explanation of needs and reasons for change
• Establishes and maintains an accounting system to detail assets, liabilities, equities, obligations, expenditures, and current and projected revenues
• Certifies the requisition of operational funds
• Receipts and oversees the deposit of all money accruing to the school system
• Allocates funds to programs and schools with conditions governing their use
• Conducts pre-audits of all obligations to ensure appropriation and unencumbered balances
• Approves or disapproves necessary disbursements for fiscal claims against the school system
• Audits accounts of employees collecting or receiving taxes or other monies
• Ensures the timely and accurate preparation of all required and requested reports
• Invests all idle cash as directed by the local board
• Maintains liaison with other departments to serve as the financial advisor
• Prepares the annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for submission to ASBO
• Manages insurance programs (liability, property, auto, student accident, athletic, etc)
• Performs other duties as assigned by the superintendent, board, Dept of Public Instruction

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of public school administration
• Considerable knowledge of administrative, managerial and supervisory practices and techniques
• Considerable knowledge of computer operations and capabilities
• Ability to analyze and synthesize data
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to plan, organize and direct work of subordinate personnel
• Ability to communicate clearly regulations and practices
• Collaborate and work cooperatively with all staff

DISCLAIMER

This job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within the classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees in this job. It is not a contract or guarantee of employment, salary or benefits.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Categories: Administration > Business/Finance

Job Requirements

• At least 5 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Bachelor degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Email: [e-mail]

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