Chief Financial Officer

Finance; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools seeks a Chief Financial Officer to oversee the district's financial operations, reporting to the Superintendent and serving on the Executive Cabinet. This role coordinates budgeting, accounting, payroll, audits, and treasury functions with emphasis on accuracy, transparency, and compliance.

The CFO will supervise finance staff, develop multi-year financial plans, ensure GAAP adherence, and provide strategic financial guidance while communicating with stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Accounting or related area required.
• Ability to obtain/hold NC School Business Officer Certification.
• CPA certification preferred.
• Equivalent combination of experience and education.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures.
• Lead, manage and supervise assigned programs in the district.
• Manage the school district’s financial affairs including budgeting, purchasing, accounting, payroll, accounts payable, internal audit, fixed assets, and treasury functions.
• Confer with representatives of private firms, other governmental agencies, legal authorities, and the public regarding matters affecting district financial services.
• Establish and maintain a payroll system that satisfies federal laws and regulations.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Public finance

Spreadsheet software

Financial software

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or accounting

NC School Business Officer Certification

CPA preferred

Equivalent combination of experience and education

Tools

Public sector accounting software

Job description

Chief Financial Officer

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools - Charlotte, North Carolina Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5918321

Application Deadline: Jan 01, 2027 4:59 AM (UTC)

Posted: Sep 08, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

General Definition of Work

The Chief Finance Officer (CFO), under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision-making discretion coordinating and directing the financial operations of the district in a manner that complies with all applicable laws and regulations and represents a high degree of efficiency, effectiveness, and transparency. The CFO also serves as a resource to the management team and other stakeholders when decisions have a fiscal impact. This employee is a member of the Superintendent’s Executive Cabinet. Employee performs advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures related to finance under the direction of the Superintendent.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status

PG 16/Full-time, 12 months

Reports To

Superintendent

Place of Work

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Lead, manage and supervise assigned programs in the district
• Manage the school district’s financial affairs including budgeting, purchasing, accounting, payroll, accounts payable, internal audit, fixed assets, and treasury functions
• Confer with representatives of private firms, other governmental agencies, legal authorities, and the public regarding matters affecting district financial services
• Establish and maintain a payroll system that satisfies federal laws and regulations such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Internal Revenue Service Code
• Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly
• Conduct pre-audits of all obligations to ensure budgeted appropriations and unencumbered balances are accurate
• Develop short/long-term budgets/amendments with concise explanation of needs/changes
• Select and maintain financial software for both centralized operations and individual schools to process transactions in accordance with applicable requirements
• Establish and monitor procedures to assure timely reconciliation of bank accounts
• Establish and maintain an internal audit program for the funds of individual schools
• Ensure compliance with the Chart of Accounts mandated for school district use by the Local Government Commission and the Department of Public Instruction
• Establish procedures to ensure compliance with financial laws, regulations, and requirements and to assure adherence to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and standard business practices
• Oversees and monitors the preparation of annual budgets for all funds operated by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to assure compliance with the School Budget and Fiscal Control Act, the Local Government Commission, and the Department of Public Instruction
• Implement and maintain an accounting system adequate to record transactions in accordance with the requirements of GAAP, the North Carolina Local Government Commission, the North Carolina State Board of Education, the North Carolina Uniform Education Reporting System (UERS) and other relevant state and federal agencies
• Advises internal stakeholders on how to best maximize monetary resources
• Ensures that district administrators/staff are educated on the financial, procedural, and related implications of changes in laws, rules, policies, and procedures
• Make projections on the financial impacts of decisions, both locally and at the State and National levels
• Facilitate and implement multi-year financial planning for the operating budget and assist in preparation of multi-year facilities plans
• Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly
• Participate in professional development workshops and leadership training
• Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations
• Facilitate the development of the department’s improvement plan
• Perform related work as assigned or required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Comprehensive in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public school system financial policies
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to school system finances
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and principles of public administration, particularly as they relate to units of local government
• Knowledge of State statutes, policies, and regulations regarding financial transactions and of federal laws and rules impacting financial operations
• Skilled in technology with demonstrated ability to use spreadsheet software and word processing software
• Ability to use computer-based financial software packages to include experience with database search and retrieval both through query functions and typical web-based reporting in order to answer questions or to detect errors
• Thorough knowledge of county and school board policies, procedures, and standards regarding funding, position control, and allotments
• Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress
• Ability to reflect appropriate response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor
• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs
• Ability to develop, monitor, and implement a fiscally sound budget
• Ability to direct and evaluate the work of others
• Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums
• Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
• Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategy
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement
• Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Accounting or related area required
• Ability to obtain/hold/maintain a NC School Business Officer Certification required
• CPA certification preferred
• Equivalent combination of experience and education

Special Requirements

• Possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License or ability to provide own transportation
• Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings

Position Type: Not provided

Contact Information

• CMS Staff
• 600 E. Fourth Street
• Fifth Floor
• Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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