Chief Financial Officer

Monument Academy

Chief Financial Officer Job Description

Who We Are 

Monument Academy is a free public charter school established in 1996 dedicated to providing a challenging and content rich education. The consistent philosophy that carries our students from preschool to high school graduation sets Monument Academy apart from other educational institutions. The seven tenets of success are the foundational pillars upon which our philosophy exists. We embrace a traditional approach to classical education. This is reflected in the fidelity we keep in grades pre-k through eight with the Core Knowledge scope and sequence that bridges seamlessly to our classical high school curriculum. Both fosters our commitment to being caretakers of the language through classical and informational literature. The unwavering commitment of our staff to model exceptional character lays the foundation for our young learners to grow into future leaders. Monument Academy is passionate about teaching the arts to develop well-rounded, engaged members of society. We are unapologetic about our American patriotism, and as part of our deep appreciation for our founding fathers' independent thinking, we believe in being caretakers of the mind by fostering Socratic dialogue and inquiry-based learning; these are the hallmarks of classical education. Monument Academy is committed to cultivating influential thinkers and lifelong learners that will ensure our students are ready for a bright future.

Job Summary:

The CFO partners closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Director to oversee the financial operations of the school and ensure fiscal integrity, compliance, and transparency. This leadership role is responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, accounting operations, audits, grants administration, debt and bond reporting, payroll oversight, and internal controls. The CFO prepares and presents financial information to the Board of Directors, supports long-range financial planning, monitors compliance with Colorado school finance regulations, and collaborates with school leaders to provide financial guidance and strategic decision-making support. The position also serves as a key liaison with auditors, bondholders, regulatory agencies, and other external stakeholders while helping to develop and maintain sound financial policies, procedures, and forecasting models.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Registrar
• Business Manager

Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Monitors and remains familiar with the Colorado School Finance laws, regulations, legislative proposals, and government accounting practices
  • CO League of Charter Schools
  • Charter School Institute
  • CO Dept of Education
  • Cohorts
• Participate in meetings regarding financial matters 
• Meets regularly with the business manager to update/advise on financial matters
• Assists schools/departments with accounts/balances
• Prepares bank reconciliations for all accounts and performs check reconciliation
• Prepares and posts monthly journal entries
• Prepares monthly General Ledger reconciliations
• Prepare board agenda items related to budget activities and makes presentations to the BOD and other external and internal groups
• Principal financial reports
• Coordinates Finance Committee Meeting
• Attends the monthly board meeting and is prepared to present financials and answer questions
• Creates financial reports for presentation to BOD 
• Submits financial report updates to Executive Director prior to the BOD meetings
• Oversees the Financial Transparency website
• Prepares and reviews quarterly financial reports for presentation to BOD 
• Report findings to Bond Holders
• Develop the annual budget to include the mid-year supplemental budget, proposed budget, and adopted budget. 
• State Audit - liaison with external auditors
• Bond Audits/Reports
• Bond Surveillance
• Rating Agency
• Prepare Cash flow analysis as needed
• Monitors internal controls and safeguarding of assets.
• Assists with internal audit practices and school financial training
• Implement and maintain accounting/finance related policies and procedures 
• Develop the budget calendar, budget development guidelines, budget training, and budget monitoring control, reporting systems, and procedures for adoption of the budget. 
• Preparation of budget requests, projects, or program proposals, spending, and revenue projections
• Helps with the preparation, publication and distribution of budget documents
• Develops policy recommendations regarding budget and planning issues
• Provide recommendations for improving the financial and business management, including budget development methods, format and presentation
• Coordinate, process, and control transfer of budget within the constraints of the policy and administrative regulations
• Develop finance modules to support long-range planning efforts and maintains a 3-5 year budget forecast 
• Manages bonds (refinance) and any debt/lease transactions

Required Skills & Abilities:  

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Thorough understanding of chief financial offer principles, practices, and procedures.
• Experienced in service center related technologies.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Google Suite or related software.  

Education & Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field required. Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline preferred.
  Candidates must possess and maintain one of the following professional certifications:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in good standing; or

School Finance Officer (SFO) certification, or the ability to obtain SFO certification within a specified timeframe after hire.
A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, accounting, budgeting, or school finance is required, with experience in charter school finance strongly preferred. Knowledge of governmental accounting standards, fund accounting, budgeting, audits, grants management, and financial reporting is required.

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. 

An Equal Opportunity Employer 

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. We intend all qualified applicants to be given equal opportunity and selection decisions based on job-related factors.