Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or Educational Leadership or related field required.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible financial management experience.
• Business operations leadership in public education, higher education, government, nonprofit, healthcare, or similarly complex organization.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing large public-sector budgets in public education, educational service agencies, school districts, intermediate units, or governmental entities preferred.

• Demonstrated understanding of  public sector operations, public education finance, and education programs, with the ability to balance sound fiscal stewardship, while advancing high-quality educational services for students.

Compensation, Timeline, & How to Apply

• A regionally competitive salary and benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate.

• Preferred start date within 60 days of offer acceptance.

• Applications must be received no later than 11\:59pm on July 12, 2026.

• Please submit the following materials during the application process.

  • Letter of Interest

  •  Resume

  • Educational transcripts confirming degree completion.

  • Background clearances (if available) 

• Finalist candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background and executive screening search conducted by an independent third-party firm.

Inquiries and Additional Information

Questions may be directed to the Bucks IU personnel below: 

Karen L. Sandone, MSHR, PHR, Director of Human Resources

KSandone@BucksIU.Org

215-348-2940 Ext. 1520

Lori McShane, Human Resources Senior Recruiter

LMcshane@BucksIU.Org

215-348-2940 Ext. 1533

Job Description:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic financial and operational leadership for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU), serving as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director, Bucks IU Board of School Directors, and Division Head Leadership team. As a member of the Division Head Leadership Team, the CFO leads the business and transportation departments, overseeing all financial operations, budgeting, accounting, procurement, risk management, capital planning, and regulatory compliance. The CFO ensures the integrity and sustainability of the organization's financial resources. The CFO drives data-informed decision-making, develops innovative business strategies and partnerships, and leads initiatives that improve operational efficiency, strengthen services, and create value for member school districts.

This position also serves as Board Treasurer, represents the Bucks IU with governmental agencies and stakeholder groups, supports labor negotiations through financial analysis, and fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and organizational excellence.

The CFO is expected to demonstrate the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and public stewardship while providing innovative and transparent financial leadership that supports educational excellence, organizational effectiveness, and long-term fiscal sustainability.

Level of Authority: 

This is a Division Head level position.

Executive Leadership and Organizational Strategy:

• Provide strategic executive and financial leadership as a member of the Executive Director's Division Head Leadership Team, serving as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director, Board of School Directors, and Division Head and Cabinet Leadership Teams while advancing organizational strategy and long-range planning.
• Develop high-performing teams, driving innovation and continuous improvement, and building strategic partnerships that strengthen services and create value for the Bucks IU and its member school districts.

Financial Leadership and Fiscal Management:

• Serve as Board Treasurer and provide executive oversight of the Bucks IU's financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, investments, cash management, debt management, and financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Uniform Guidance, and applicable federal and state grant regulations by applying expert knowledge of governmental accounting standards in financial management and reporting.
• Ensure fiscal integrity through strong internal controls, regulatory compliance, audit oversight, and effective stewardship of public finds and financial resources. 

Business Operations and Program Administration:

• Lead procurement, purchasing, contracts, and business operations while ensuring compliance with public procurement laws, financial regulations, and organizational policies. 
• Oversee billing, financial administration, and shared business services that support Bucks IU programs and provide value to member school districts

Data Analytics and Performance Management:

• Advance data-informed leadership by developing forecasting models, financial analysis, and long-range planning tools that support decision-making across enrollment, staffing, revenues, expenditures, and service utilization.
• Lead the design and use of financial dashboards, performance measures, and business intelligence systems to improve transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency through actionable insights.

Risk Management, Compliance, and Capital Planning:

• Lead enterprise risk management, including evaluation of insurance programs, workers’ compensation, employee benefits, fraud prevention, and coordination with legal counsel to identify and mitigate financial and operational risks. 
• Ensure regulatory compliance and support capital planning, facilities initiatives, financing strategies, and long-term asset management aligned with organizational priorities.

Board, District, and Community Relations:

• Present financial reports and strategic business information to the Board of School Directors, Cabinet, Superintendents Advisory Council, and other stakeholder groups while serving as the primary financial liaison to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), member districts, and governmental agencies
• Support labor negotiations and fiduciary responsibilities, including financial analysis, cost projections, and representation of Bucks IU in key financial and governance matters.