Chief Financial and Support Services Officer

CHIEF FINANCIAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES OFFICER (CFSSO) Reports To: Superintendent of Schools Supervises: Assigned Business and Support Services Personnel per the Organizational Chart Employment Status: Full-Time, 12-Month, Exempt, 260 Day, Contractual POSITION SUMMARY Under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, the Chief Financial and Support Services Officer is responsible for the overall administration, supervision, and coordination of the District's financial, business, and designated support-service operations. The CFSSO serves as the District's Chief Financial Officer and provides leadership in budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, payroll, purchasing, grants, tax administration, investments, debt, capital planning, facilities, transportation, food services, insurance, risk management, and other assigned business functions. The CFSSO serves as a principal financial and operational advisor to the Superintendent and Board of School Directors and is responsible for ensuring that District resources are managed efficiently, accurately, transparently, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, Board policies, and sound business practices. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Financial Management and Budgeting Direct and coordinate the District's annual operating, capital, and long-range budget processes. Prepare financial projections, analyses, and recommendations for the Superintendent and Board. Monitor revenues, expenditures, fund balances, and budget performance and recommend corrective action when necessary. Develop and maintain short- and long-range financial plans. Advise administration and the Board regarding the financial impact of programs, staffing, contracts, capital projects, and other initiatives. Accounting and Financial Reporting Direct the District's accounting and financial reporting functions in accordance with applicable Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements and governmental accounting standards. Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, reconciliations, payroll accounting, and financial records for all District funds. Prepare or supervise monthly, annual, and required state and federal financial reports. Maintain appropriate internal controls and financial procedures. Coordinate annual audits and respond to audit findings and recommendations. Cash, Tax, Banking, and Debt Administration Oversee District banking, cash management, investments, tax revenue, and financial institution relationships. Monitor tax collections and coordinate with appropriate tax collection entities. Manage debt service, bonds, loans, and related financial reporting and compliance. Oversee capital reserve, capital project, and other designated funds. Purchasing, Contracts, and Grants Direct purchasing and procurement activities in accordance with Board policy and applicable law. Coordinate bidding, quotations, contracts, and vendor relationships. Oversee the financial administration of federal and state grants and special revenue programs. Ensure expenditures are properly authorized, documented, budgeted, and reported. Payroll, Benefits, and Personnel Support Oversee payroll processing, employee deductions, taxes, retirement contributions, and employee benefit accounting. Assist the Superintendent and administration with salary, benefit, staffing, and personnel-related financial matters. Provide financial analysis and support for collective bargaining and negotiations. Assist with personnel administration, compensation, job classifications, and related business functions as assigned. Support Services Provide administrative and financial oversight of transportation, food services, facilities, maintenance, insurance, and risk management. Monitor budgets, contracts, staffing, expenditures, and operational performance within assigned support services. Work with appropriate administrators to promote safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. Facilities and Capital Planning Develop and maintain long-range capital improvement and facilities plans, including five-year and longer-term capital needs. Oversee the financial planning and administration of construction, renovation, maintenance, and capital projects. Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, financial advisors, and legal counsel as appropriate. Maintain appropriate records relating to District property, contracts, deeds, insurance, plans, and capital projects. Board, Administration, and Community Relations Serve as the principal financial and business advisor to the Superintendent and Board. Prepare and present financial reports, analyses, budgets, and recommendations to the Board. Attend Board and administrative meetings as required. Serve as a liaison with auditors, governmental agencies, financial institutions, tax officials, attorneys, insurance representatives, vendors, and professional organizations. Communicate financial and operational information clearly to administrators, Board members, employees, and other stakeholders. Promote fiscal responsibility, accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. Supervision and Leadership Supervise, direct, evaluate, and develop assigned Business Office and support-service personnel. Establish procedures, priorities, and performance expectations for assigned operations. Promote effective communication, teamwork, professional development, and efficient business practices. Maintain confidentiality of financial, personnel, student, and other protected information. Compliance and Professional Responsibilities Ensure District business operations comply with applicable federal and Pennsylvania laws, regulations, PDE requirements, Board policies, and administrative procedures. Remain current regarding school finance, governmental accounting, school business practices, and regulatory requirements. Participate in appropriate professional development and organizations. Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of school district finance, governmental accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and internal controls. Knowledge of Pennsylvania school district accounting and reporting requirements. Knowledge of purchasing, payroll, grants, taxation, debt, investments, capital projects, and support services. Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to prepare and interpret budgets, financial statements, projections, and reports. Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively. Ability to supervise and work collaboratively with employees, administrators, Board members, governmental agencies, vendors, and community members. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines. Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality. Proficiency with financial/accounting systems and standard business technology. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, education, or a related field. Master's degree preferred. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, school business administration, governmental finance, or a related field. Supervisory or management experience preferred. Experience with Pennsylvania school district accounting and financial reporting preferred. Pennsylvania school business administration certification and/or CPA preferred. Valid Pennsylvania driver's license and required clearances. PHYSICAL AND WORKING REQUIREMENTS Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to work extended periods at a computer and perform routine office activities. Ability to travel between District facilities and attend meetings, conferences, and Board meetings, including occasional evening meetings. Ability to work under deadlines and manage multiple priorities. Occasional travel and exposure to varied conditions associated with District facilities, transportation, maintenance, construction, and other operations. GENERAL STATEMENT This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Duties may be modified or expanded as necessary to meet the needs of the School District, changes in law or regulation, and operational requirements. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. The School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.