Chief Financial Officer / Director of Finance

Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance

Location: South Kingstown Administration Building Reports to: Superintendent of Schools Status: Exempt/Salary

Date: August 11, 2026

Job Summary:

The Chief Financial Officer serves as a key member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for the overall financial management of the School Department. This includes the development, implementation, and oversight of the annual operating budget, long-term financial planning, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The CFO provides oversight of several operational areas, each led by experienced staff who also serve as a strong source of support in the day-to-day operations, including accounting, payroll, human resources/benefits, and food services. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with school and district leadership to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

•Responsible for all financial accounting systems, including financial forecasting and reporting, budget preparation, cash flow reporting, invoicing, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, bank reconciliations, year-end financial reports, Federal and State reports (including UCOA), data surveys, and auditing. •Maintains internal auditing controls of all school accounts and financial procedures and acts as the budget control officer. •Coordinates the preparation of and oversees the annual operating and Capital Improvement Program budgets of the District. •Works collaboratively with the Rhode Island Department of Education. •Annually prepares and monitors, in coordination with the Facilities Director, R.I. Department of Education Housing Aid forms, and as needed, Necessity of Construction Application •Functions as the District’s liaison with all local, regional, State, Federal, and private funding and financial oversight authorities. •Supervises the collection, safekeeping, and distribution of all funds. •Maintains all required statistical data for the preparation of the budget, strategic long-range planning, and decision making. •Prepares and submits a monthly financial statement to the School Committee through the Superintendent of Schools. •Prepares financial and statistical reports as required by State, Federal, and local agencies. •Initiates applications and/or activities considered necessary for securing State/Federal financial aid, grants, and distribution of surplus property. •Assumes responsibility for the entire procurement cycle, including the bid process, in accordance with existing procurement procedures and policies. •Administers the District's insurance and asset protection programs. •Conduct ongoing preparation for annual audits and review final drafts of findings with the auditing firm. •Works collaboratively with the Town Offices, including but not limited to the Town’s Finance Department. •Supervises and evaluates all Business Office personnel; assists in the recruiting, screening, and hiring of personnel for positions in the Business Office and district-wide. •Participates in the labor contract negotiations, analyzes proposals, and prepares fiscal impact statements. •In consultation with the HR Coordinator, maintains and administers all personnel data reports and benefits administration, including medical, dental, and life insurance, pension, disability, and workers’ compensation, and record keeping of sick leave and absences. •Supports, through the Director of Facilities, the operation of the school plant. •Administers, through local staff and the Food Service Company, the cafeteria services and school lunch program. •Supervises data processing systems to provide management information as required for budget forecast and long-range planning. •Plans, organizes, and controls the overall activities of electronic data processing, including system analysis, programming, and computer operation activities as related to the District's business operations. •Oversees the district’s record retention requirements. •Represents the Superintendent in all phases of District operations and on commissions, councils, and committees, as assigned. •Performs related work as required by the Superintendent of Schools.

Minimum Qualifications

•Hold or eligible to hold a School Business Administration Certification (as required by the RI Department of Education). •Advanced degree in business management, accounting, or education. Preference to those holding a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate or a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). •Five years of experience in high-level administration is desirable. •Experience with and in an educational organization (preferred). •Experience with and in a municipality (preferred) •Strong oral and written communication skills. •Proven ability in financial management. •Demonstrated knowledge of digital data processing systems. •Strong knowledge of Google Apps for Work, MS Office, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint •The ability to work effectively with others at all levels of an organization, including colleagues, parents, students, and administrators •The ability to identify challenges and be flexible to actively work to find solutions •Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills •Openness and responsiveness to feedback •Demonstrate exemplary oral and written communication and listening skills. •Successful interview •Evidence of supporting a vision that reflects ALL STUDENTS •Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and School Committee may find appropriate.