Chief Financial Officer

Illinois Education Job Bank; Richton Park (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Matteson School District 162 and Southland College Prep Charter High School seek a seasoned Chief Financial Officer to lead financial operations, budgeting, and reporting for two distinct governing bodies. The role directs business office and HR staff, advising superintendents on financial and personnel decisions.

The CFO ensures GASB/FASB compliance, oversees audits, tax levy management, debt service, and long-range planning while coordinating with boards and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Illinois Chief School Business Official endorsement or credential for this position
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field with strong command of financial statements and the general ledger
• At least seven years of progressively responsible finance or accounting experience, including leadership in a school district, charter school, nonprofit or similar complex organization
• Proficiency in GASB governmental accounting and FASB nonprofit accounting, including fund accounting, revenue recognition and audit support
• Strong analytical, written and oral communication skills; ability to explain financial issues to governing boards and nonfinancial colleagues
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, financial systems, payroll and reporting tools; ability to lead a diverse team

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgets, budget amendments, forecasts, cash flow planning and financial statements for each entity
• Oversee accounting ledgers, reconciliations, year-end close and internal controls; apply GASB and FASB standards
• Coordinate external audits, financial statement prep and required reporting
• Oversee tax levy, property tax revenue estimates, investments, debt service and long-range planning
• Supervise business office staff and coordinate HR matters and vendor relationships

Skills

Analytical skills

Written & verbal communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

CPA / MBA or related graduate degree (preferred)

Tools

Spreadsheets

Financial systems

Payroll systems

Job description

The Chief Financial Officer leads the financial and business operations of Matteson School District 162 and Southland College Prep Charter High School. The CFO maintains sound accounting, internal controls, long range planning and clear reporting for each organization, while recognizing their distinct governing boards, funding arrangements and financial reporting requirements. The role supervises business office and human resources staff; advises the Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer on financial and personnel decisions.

Financial management and reporting

• Lead annual budgets, budget amendments, forecasts, cash flow planning, financial statements and regular reports for each organization and its governing board.
• Oversee Business Managers in each entity to insure accurate general ledgers, reconciliations, year end close processes and internal controls. Apply governmental accounting and GASB standards to the District and nonprofit accounting and FASB standards to Southland, as applicable.
• Coordinate annual external audits, financial statement preparation, required state and federal reporting, and corrective actions when applicable.
• Oversee District tax levy, property tax revenue estimates, investments, debt service, bond issuances, credit matters and long range capital and enrollment projections; oversee Southland financing, liquidity and long range financial planning.
• Oversee state aid, charter payments, transportation and other reimbursement claims, including supporting documentation and timely submissions.

Business operations and stewardship

• Responsible for the accuracy of payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable that is prepared by Business Office staff and reviewed by Business Managers.
• Directs purchasing, contracts, bidding, procurement and asset inventory for both organizations.
• Oversee grant budgets, applications, accounting, reimbursement requests, monitoring and compliance in collaboration with program leaders.
• Procure and manage property, liability, workers compensation, unemployment, student accident and other insurance coverage; evaluate risk and claims.
• Oversee employee benefits administration, including health, dental, life, deferred compensation and employee assistance programs, and coordinate HR matters involving leave, retirement and workers compensation.
• Participate in District collective bargaining and financial analysis of labor proposals; support contract negotiations and vendor relationships for both organizations.
• Recommend the hiring of personnel in the business and human resources department.

Leadership and organization specific duties

• Supervise and evaluate business office personnel, including business management, payroll, accounts payable, grants and personnel staff, as assigned; establish clear processes and accountability.
• Coordinate with the Superintendent and CEO to explain financial results, risks and recommendations to the District Board of Education, Southland Board of Directors, leadership teams and external stakeholders.
• Oversee preparation of District 162 Board of Education meeting agendas and Board member meeting material packets, and collaborate with General Counsel regarding Board meeting agendas and materials to be provided to Board members.
• Provide documents required to respond to FOIA requests seeking information regarding areas overseen by the Chief Financial Officer/CSBO.
• Support Southland charter renewal, authorizer reporting and the annual enrollment lottery in coordination with school leadership.
• Perform other duties consistent with the position as assigned by the Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer.

Qualifications

Required qualifications

• Illinois Chief School Business Official endorsement or credential required for this position, as applicable to the District appointment.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field; substantial formal accounting preparation and demonstrated command of financial statements and the general ledger.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible finance or accounting experience, including leadership responsibility and experience in a school district, charter school, nonprofit or comparable complex organization.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of both GASB governmental accounting and FASB nonprofit accounting, including fund accounting, revenue recognition, financial statement preparation and audit support.
• Strong analytical, written and oral communication skills; ability to explain financial issues clearly to governing boards and nonfinancial colleagues.
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, financial systems, payroll and reporting tools; ability to lead and develop a diverse team.

Preferred qualifications

• Ten or more years of relevant experience, including direct responsibility for both governmental and nonprofit financial reporting.
• CPA, MBA or graduate degree in accounting, finance or a related field.
• Experience with Illinois school finance, charter school funding, federal grants, audits, debt financing and employee benefits.

Salary/Benefits

Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Additional Notes

Matteson ESD 162 is an equal opportunity employer.