Chief Financial Officer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description.

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the district’s senior executive responsible for the strategic leadership, integrity, and stewardship of Fayette County Public Schools’ financial operations. The CFO provides vision, direction, and oversight for all financial management functions including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, procurement, debt management, payroll, and internal financial controls. This position serves as the chief financial advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Education.
The CFO ensures the district’s financial practices promote transparency, accountability, compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, and alignment with the district’s strategic priorities. The CFO plays a critical role in safeguarding the district’s financial health while supporting the Superintendent and Board of Education in making informed fiscal decisions that advance student success.
This position oversees the financial operations of a complex public organization serving tens of thousands of students, managing hundreds of millions of dollars in public funds, and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

 Financial Strategy and Leadership

• Serve as the district’s chief financial advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Education.
• Lead the development and implementation of long-range financial planning strategies aligned with district priorities and enrollment projections.
• Ensure financial decision-making supports student outcomes, operational sustainability, and responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Provide financial modeling, forecasting, and scenario analysis to inform policy decisions and strategic initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategies to maintain structural budget balance and long-term fiscal stability.

Budget Development and Management

• Direct the development of the district’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor and manage the district’s multi-hundred-million-dollar budget to ensure fiscal accountability and compliance.
• Implement processes to improve transparency, clarity, and accessibility of financial information.
• Provide regular financial updates and reports to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee budget monitoring and ensure timely adjustments when necessary.

Financial Operations and Reporting

• Ensure accurate and efficient accounting, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and grant accounting processes.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.
• Maintain effective financial systems and reporting processes to support sound decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements required by the Kentucky Department of Education and other regulatory bodies.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Establish and maintain strong internal controls and financial governance practices.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee the district’s response to audits, including those conducted by external auditors and the Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans related to audit findings when necessary.
• Monitor financial risk and implement mitigation strategies.

Debt and Capital Finance

• Oversee the management of district debt, bonds, and capital financing.
• Work with financial advisors, bond counsel, and rating agencies to maintain strong credit ratings and favorable borrowing conditions.
• Provide financial oversight for major capital projects and facilities initiatives.

Procurement and Contract Management

• Oversee district procurement and purchasing operations.
• Ensure procurement processes are transparent, competitive, and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
• Establish procedures that promote fiscal responsibility and value in purchasing.

Leadership and Department Management

• Provide leadership and supervision for finance and business services staff.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement within the finance department.
• Ensure staff are trained in best practices in school finance and public-sector financial management
• Establish clear expectations and performance standards for department personnel.

Stakeholder Communication

• Present financial information and recommendations to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and community stakeholders.
• Communicate complex financial information in a clear and accessible manner.
• Serve as a key resource for financial transparency and public accountability.

Other Duties

• Serve as a member of the Superintendent’s executive leadership team.
• Collaborate with district departments to ensure financial alignment with programmatic goals.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate in more than one language or the willingness to learn to communicate in more than one language at the novice level of proficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular attendance.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Financial Leadership

• Deep knowledge of governmental accounting and school finance.
• Ability to develop long-term financial strategies and maintain fiscal sustainability.

Governance and Compliance

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing public education finance.
• Expertise in internal controls, financial governance, and audit processes

  
Analytical Skills

• Strong financial modeling, forecasting, and analytical abilities.
• Ability to interpret complex financial data and translate it into actionable insights.

Communication

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to present financial information clearly to diverse audiences.

Leadership

• Ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
• Strong organizational and management skills.

Integrity

• Commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical financial practices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Education
Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.

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Experience
Required:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible financial leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex budgets and financial systems.

 
Preferred:

• Experience in public-sector finance, preferably within a large school district or government organization.
• Experience managing budgets exceeding $250 million.
• Experience working with school boards, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Experience with bond financing, capital planning, and debt management.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified School Business Official (CSBO), or similar professional certification.

Special Requirements:
N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing
• Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations
• Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching
• Requires the ability to lift, carry, push or pull light weights

The Fayette County Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Superintendent shall adhere to a policy of equal employment opportunity in all personnel matters. No person shall be subjected to discrimination in regard to employment, retention, promotion, demotion, transfer or dismissal because of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), genetic information, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, age or disabling condition or limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.