Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

KIPP Delta Public Schools; Helena-West Helena (AR); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

A charter school organization is seeking a Chief Financial Officer to oversee financial strategy and compliance. This full-time role requires significant experience in financial leadership within a public-sector environment. The ideal candidate will manage operations and report financial data to stakeholders, ensuring fiscal integrity aligned with regulations. Competitive salary based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• Expert understanding of public-sector accounting and finance.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex financial regulations.
• Public-sector accounting and nonprofit/charter school finance knowledge.
• Experience with DESE rules, APSCN/eFinance, and federal grants.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial strategy, planning, compliance, reporting.
• Ensure sound fiscal management aligned with Arkansas DESE requirements.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly finance reports for the Board of Directors.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly finance reports for the Board and executives.
• Direct finance staff and implement efficient financial systems.

Skills

Strategic financial planning

Regulatory compliance

Leadership & team development

Data analysis & financial modeling

Clear communication

Clear communication & presentation

Problem solving & decision making

Accuracy & accountability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration

Master’s degree (preferred)

CPA or CGFM preferred

Job description

Join to apply for the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role at KIPP Delta Public Schools.

KIPP Delta Public Schools operates tuition‑free, open‑enrollment college‑preparatory charter schools in the Arkansas Delta, serving over 1,200 students in Helena and Blytheville. Through a rigorous PreK‑12 program and an asset‑based approach, KIPP empowers students to discover their purpose and expand regional opportunities.

Job Description

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the senior financial leader for KIPP Delta Public Schools, overseeing all financial strategy, planning, compliance, reporting, and stewardship of district resources. The CFO ensures sound fiscal management aligned with Arkansas DESE requirements, the LEARNS Act, federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), APSRC best practices, and local board policies.

The CFO is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and reports directly to the Executive Director. The CFO leads the Finance Department, providing transparent, timely, and accurate financial information to the Board of Directors, Executive Director, state agencies, auditors, and community stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as the Executive Director’s senior advisor on all fiscal matters, long‑range financial planning, and resource allocation.
• Develop multi‑year financial models, cash flow projections, and sustainability analyses to ensure the long‑term fiscal health of the district.
• Lead annual budget development for all funds (Foundation/SOE, Federal, State Categorical, Food Service, Athletics, Grants, Capital Projects).
• Ensure budgets align with board priorities, academic goals, and compliance requirements.
• Monitor monthly financial performance and identify variances, risks, and corrective actions.

Financial Operations & Compliance

• Oversee all accounting, procurement, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, grants, fixed assets, and financial reporting functions.
• Ensure full compliance with Arkansas DESE Financial Accounting Handbook, APSCN/eFinance coding rules, procurement thresholds, LEARNS Act requirements, ADE federal programs, IDEA, NSLP/Child Nutrition, and Uniform Guidance.
• Manage district cash flow, bank accounts, reconciliations, debt obligations, and investment practices.
• Ensure timely submission of all state and federal reports, including:
  • DESE Financial Cycle Reports (Cycle 1–9)
  • Annual Financial Report (AFR)
  • Budget Approval & Legal Balance Notifications
  • Indirect cost rate documentation
  • Grants and reimbursement claims (Title, ESSER, IDEA, Child Nutrition, etc.)
• Maintain and improve internal controls, segregation of duties, and fraud‑prevention safeguards.

Audit, Risk Management & Oversight

• Serve as primary liaison to external auditors (Legislative Audit and APSRC), submitting all required documentation and responding to findings.
• Address prior‑year audit findings and implement corrective‑action plans.
• Oversee risk‑management programs, insurance, liability protections, and business office policies.
• Manage compliance with federal and state program requirements, including time & effort, procurement, inventory, and allowable cost rules.

Leadership & Team Management

• Directly supervise finance staff (accountants, payroll, accounts payable, grants, procurement, and business office support).
• Implement systems that support accuracy, efficiency, and cross‑training.
• Provide ongoing training to principals, directors, and budget owners on financial processes and compliance.
• Establish clear performance metrics for finance staff and ensure timely, high‑quality customer service to all campuses.

Board Relations & Governance

• Prepare monthly and quarterly finance reports for the Board of Directors, including cash positions, YTD performance, grant utilization, and spending projections.
• Present complex financial information to the Executive Director, board committees, and stakeholders in clear, accessible terms.
• Support the Executive Director in developing board resolutions related to finance, procurement, contracts, federal programs, and budget approvals.

Procurement & Contract Management

• Ensure compliance with Arkansas procurement laws and thresholds (commodities, bids, RFQs, RFPs).
• Review and approve contracts, vendor agreements, and MOUs.
• Oversee financial due diligence on major purchases, grants, and partnerships.
• Maintain accurate records for all contracts and purchasing processes.

Grants & Federal Programs Coordination

• Oversee the financial side of federal and state grant management in collaboration with program directors.
• Ensure accurate budgeting, allowable use verification, documentation, and on‑time submission of reimbursement requests.
• Monitor grant spending deadlines and ensure compliance with carryover limitations and spending requirements.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• Licensure: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 5–7 years of progressive financial leadership experience and/or charter school finance in Arkansas.
• Expert understanding of public‑sector accounting and nonprofit/charter school finance.
• Strong knowledge of Arkansas DESE finance rules, APSCN/eFinance, and federal grants (Title I/II/IV, IDEA, Child Nutrition, ESSER).
• Ability to interpret and apply complex financial regulations.
• Demonstrated success leading teams and improving financial systems.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to organizational mission.
• Experience working with Legislative Audit, APSRC, and DESE.
• Familiarity with school operations, HR/payroll systems, and procurement frameworks.

Key Competencies

• Strategic financial planning
• Regulatory compliance
• Leadership & team development
• Data analysis & financial modeling
• Project management
• Clear communication & presentation skills
• Problem‑solving and decision‑making
• Accuracy, organization, and accountability

Work Environment & Additional Requirements

• Full‑time, year‑round position.
• Based in Helena or Blytheville with travel between campuses required.
• Extended hours during budget season, audit season, and board cycles.
• Must pass background checks as required by Arkansas law.

Chief Officer salaries will be based on individual experience and within the SY 2025‑26 Salary Schedule range.

KIPP Delta Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.