Chief Financial Officer

Grand Rapids Public Schools; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 149,000 - 198,000; Full time

Job summary

Grand Rapids Public Schools seeks an executive-level financial leader reporting to the Superintendent. The role oversees financial operations across the district, including Business Services, Payroll, and Purchasing, while coordinating with cabinet and district leaders on financial strategy.

The position requires a high level of leadership, strategic budgeting, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders and the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to lead teams, plan, and manage multiple projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all financial and business aspects of District operations (Accounting, Payroll, Purchasing).
• Monitors financial conditions and recommends strategies for fiscal stability.
• Leads the district budget process and multi-year planning with stakeholder input.
• Presents to the Board of Education and other audiences.
• Ensures internal controls and GAAP compliance; coordinates audits.
• Oversees purchasing, procurement, payroll administration and related compliance.

Skills

Attendance & punctuality

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

MBA or CPA

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

This is a high-level executive position reporting directly to the Superintendent and serving as a pivotal member of the Superintendent’s executive leadership team. This position oversees the financial operations of the District and requires regular interaction with the Board of Directors and District stakeholders. This position provides leadership, manages, and supervises the Director of Financial Services and the Director of Purchasing.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience:

• Master of Business Administration or Certified Public Accountant.
• Seven to ten years successful experience in operational management in a business setting, including financial and accounting management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Consistently demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to be a team leader, plan and manage multiple projects.
• Highly developed written and oral communication skills including ability to facilitate group discussions and deliver superior customer service to diverse audiences.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Oversees all financial and business aspects of District operations, including directly, Business Services (accounting, accounts payable and accounts receivable), Payroll and Purchasing. Works collaboratively with cabinet level and district leaders, as well as school leaders on financial and business issues that impact their areas of responsibilities.
• Monitor financial conditions and recommend strategies to maintain fiscal stability and sustainability.
• Oversees development and implementation of the district’s budget process, including alignment with the district’s strategic goals and facilitating stakeholder input. Provide leadership in financial forecasting and multi-year budget planning.
• Leads presentations for multiple audiences, including the board of education.
• Monitors District’s cash flow, develops and implements cost saving measures and maximizes resource utilization and investment income. Direct investment activities in accordance with Board policy and Michigan law.
• Oversees debt issuance, bond programs, and capital financing activities.
• Collaborate with financial advisors, bond counsel, auditors, and banking institutions.
• Ensure the timely completion of annual financial statements and audits.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard district assets.
• Ensure compliance with Michigan School Accounting Manual requirements and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Ensure compliance with local state and federal grant requirements, relating to the district’s finances and budgeting.
• Analyzes proposed and existing legislation in area of responsibilities to assess implications to District and communicates impact to District leadership, appropriate legislators, and community and professional groups.
• Participates in District’s negotiation team with employee groups to represent district financial considerations.
• Maintains knowledge of current and emerging financial trends, strategies and regulations and communicates same to District Superintendent, managers, and staff.
• Oversee purchasing and procurement functions. Ensure competitive bidding requirements and purchasing procedures are followed.
• Provide oversight for payroll administration. Ensure compliance with tax regulations and retirement reporting requirements.
• Maintains positive, cooperative, and mutually respectful relationship with all administrative and instructional staff and community stakeholders.
• Consistently demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Performs other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time.

SALARY RANGE:

$149,000 - $197,600

Compensation is based on the candidate’s years of verified and relevant experience, as determined by Human Resources.