Executive Director of Finance

Abilene ISD; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Abilene ISD seeks an Executive Director of Finance to lead the district's financial operations within the Business and Finance division. The role reports to the Chief Financial Officer, directing budgeting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and related functions while ensuring compliance and sound fiscal management across the district.

The position requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and collaboration with administrators to support district initiatives and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field or 10+ years in fiscal operations management in education.
• 0) Master’s degree preferred or CPA.
• 2) TASBO certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee budgeting, accounting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable and related financial operations.
• Assist in planning and monitoring the operating budget and long-range financial plans.
• Coordinate financial reporting, including annual financial reports and budget documents.
• Ensure compliance with laws, board policies, internal controls, and TEA requirements.
• Provide financial guidance to campus and department leaders and support district initiatives.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Public relations

Budgeting

Accounting awareness

Analytical ability

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Master's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

CPA preferred

TASBO certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Google Workspace

Job description

The Executive Director of Finance serves as a key strategic leader within the District's Business and Finance division, providing executive-level leadership, direction, and oversight of the District's financial operations in support of the Chief Financial Officer. This position is responsible for assisting in the planning, coordination, administration, and evaluation of the District's accounting and financial functions, including Budget, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and related financial operations. The Executive Director of Finance ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, Board policies, and internal control standards while promoting sound fiscal management, operational efficiency, and cost-effective practices across the organization. The position works collaboratively with executive leadership, as well as campus and department administrators to support strategic financial planning, implementation of district initiatives, and continuous improvement of financial systems, procedures, and services.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's degree in a Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or Business-Related Field from an accredited university or college; or 10 plus years of successful progressive experience in management of fiscal operations in education, minimum
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or Business-related field from an accredited university or college; or CPA preferred
• TASBO certified (preferred)

Special Knowledge/ Skills:

• Strong organizational, communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of budgeting, accounting systems, and payroll processing
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Governmental Fund Accounting.
• Knowledge of salary administration
• Knowledge of the entire district's operations and programs, TEA Financial Accountability Resource Guide, public school law, board policy, insurance and investments
• The ability to:

analyze data and make viable recommendations.

work under a deadline.

read and interpret manuals, various publications, legal data, correspondence and literature; and

use a personal computer along with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Power Point, and Google products.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of successful progressive experience in fiscal operations management is required.

Performance Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Management

• Oversee the District's financial and business operations, including budgeting, accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other assigned functions to support the instructional program and operational goals of the District.
• Assist in the planning, preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the District's annual operating budget and long-range financial plans.
• Ensure business and financial operations support the District's strategic plan, campus objectives, and organizational priorities.
• Coordinate with campus and department leadership to provide financial guidance, budget support, and operational assistance for District initiatives and programs.
• Support Director of Purchasing to assist in ensuring procurement and purchasing practices comply with all federal, state, and local laws, Board policy, and ethical standards while supporting efficient District operations.

Administration and Fiscal Management

• Assist the Chief Financial Officer in all areas of financial administration, operational oversight, and strategic financial planning.
• Develop, implement, and maintain sound accounting systems, financial procedures, and internal controls in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, TEA requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Oversee and coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis of revenues and expenditures, including the summary of finance state revenue template.
• Coordinate the preparation and timely submission of the District's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, budget documents, financial statements, investment reports, and other required reports.
• Monitor cash flow, investments, and treasury operations to ensure prudent financial management and compliance with applicable laws and Board policy.
• Establish operational standards, procedures, and workflows to improve efficiency, consistency, accountability, and service throughout Business and Finance operations.
• Evaluate financial systems, operational processes, and internal procedures and implement improvements to increase effectiveness and cost efficiencies.
• Analyze complex financial data, operational issues, and organizational needs and provide recommendations to support informed decision making.
• Develop and monitor short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, priorities, and operational plans aligned with District strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate departmental reporting calendars, workflows, deadlines, and assignments to ensure timely completion of responsibilities and compliance requirements.
• Keep the Chief Financial Officer informed regarding financial operations, organizational risks, compliance matters, and significant business issues affecting the district.
• Serve as the Chief Financial Officer's designee for assigned financial functions and operational matters as directed.

School/Organization Climate

• Provide leadership in developing a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and customer service throughout the Business and Finance division.
• Maintain effective working relationships with administrators, employees, auditors, vendors, governmental agencies, and the public.
• Communicate financial information, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences.
• Attend and participate in Board meetings, administrative meetings, planning sessions, and professional activities as assigned.
• Support continuous improvement efforts and promote operational practices that enhance efficiency, service, and fiscal responsibility across the District.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate assigned staff and department leaders in accordance with District expectations and performance standards.
• Provide leadership, coaching, technical guidance, and professional support to staff regarding accounting practices, budgeting, payroll, financial compliance, and operational procedures.
• Assign responsibilities, establish priorities, monitor workflow, and ensure accountability for assigned departments and personnel.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration, professional conduct, and high performance expectations within the department.

Professional Growth and Development

• Maintain current knowledge of school finance, accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices through ongoing professional development.
• Observe professional and ethical standards consistent with the Texas Educators' Code of Ethics and District expectations.
• Utilize feedback, performance evaluations, professional learning, and industry resources to improve leadership effectiveness and operational performance.
• Provide leadership in identifying and addressing emerging financial, operational, and regulatory challenges impacting public education.

Personal Work Relationships

• Maintain commitment to the District's mission, vision, values, and strategic goals.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, confidentiality, and ethical conduct in all work activities and interactions.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal, communication, and problem solving skills while maintaining positive and productive working relationships.
• Provide high quality customer service and respond appropriately and professionally to inquiries, concerns, and challenging situations.
• Promote collaboration, respect, teamwork, and effective communication throughout the organization.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent, or designee in support of District operations and organizational effectiveness.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student and coworker information and as required by FERPA.

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made if necessary.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional districtwide and statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise and evaluate accounting staff which includes making recommendations for hiring and firing to the Chief Financial Officer. Coordinate with the Chief Financial Officer to oversee any other positions in the Financial Services department as assigned.

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Pay Grade: Administrative Professional 8

The Abilene ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, experience, and abilities.

The foregoing statements describe the general role and responsibilities assigned to this job. I understand this is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned; other duties may be assigned as needed.