Treasurer / Chief Financial Officer

EAST CLEVELAND CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

East Cleveland, Ohio

Treasurer / Chief Financial Officer

ABOUT THE DISTRICT

The East Cleveland City School District serves the students and families of East Cleveland, Ohio. The district is committed to strong stewardship of public resources, transparency with the community, and fiscal decisions that put student achievement first. The Board of Education seeks an experienced, ethical, and collaborative financial leader to safeguard the district's resources and support its long-term stability and growth.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Treasurer/CFO is the chief fiscal officer of the district and secretary to the Board of Education. The Treasurer oversees all financial operations, ensures compliance with state and federal law, and gives the Board, Superintendent, and community accurate, timely, and understandable financial information. The Treasurer works as a partner to the Superintendent and leadership team so that financial planning supports the district's educational goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES ALIGNED TO THE OHIO STANDARDS FOR SCHOOL TREASURERS

STANDARD 1  Fiscal Accountability and Financial Management

• Direct all district accounting, budgeting, payroll, purchasing, and cash management functions in accordance with Ohio law, Auditor of State requirements, and GAAP/GASB standards.
• Prepare and present the five-year financial forecast (ORC 5705.391) and required updates, along with annual appropriations and the tax budget.
• Prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report or annual financial report and coordinate the annual audit with the Auditor of State.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting through EMIS, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, and other state and federal agencies.
• Manage and account for all federal, state, and local grants, including compliance with Uniform Guidance requirements.
• Invest district funds prudently and in compliance with the district's investment policy and ORC Chapter 135.

STANDARD 2  Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Serve as a key member of the district leadership team and advise the Board and Superintendent on the financial impact of decisions.
• Develop long-range financial plans that align resources with the district's strategic and academic priorities.
• Advise on revenue strategies, including levies, bond issues, and state funding formula impacts.
• Lead, supervise, evaluate, and develop Treasurer's Office staff.

STANDARD 3  Communication and Collaboration

• Serve as secretary to the Board of Education, including maintaining official Board minutes and records.
• Present financial information to the Board, staff, and public in clear, accessible language.
• Build productive working relationships with the Superintendent, administrators, bargaining units, auditors, state agencies, county officials, and community stakeholders.
• Provide financial data and analysis to support collective bargaining.

STANDARD 4  Internal Controls, Risk Management, and Compliance

• Establish and maintain strong internal controls to protect district assets and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Oversee insurance, risk management, and bonding programs.
• Ensure compliance with public records, open meetings, and ethics laws.
• Implement audit recommendations and monitor corrective action plans.

STANDARD 5  Ethics and Professional Conduct

• Model the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical behavior in stewarding public funds.
• Comply with Ohio Ethics Law and professional codes of conduct.
• Pursue ongoing professional development and maintain licensure requirements.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION

• Valid Ohio School Treasurer License, or eligibility to obtain one before the start date, as issued by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Ohio school finance, including the state funding formula, school district budgeting, forecasting, and tax levies.
• Ability to be bonded as required by Ohio law.
• Successful completion of BCI and FBI background checks.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in business, finance, accounting, or public administration.
• CPA or Certified Public Finance Officer designation.
• At least five years of experience as a school treasurer, assistant treasurer, or in public-sector financial management.
• Experience in an urban district or a district working through fiscal recovery or oversight.
• Proficiency with Ohio school financial software (such as USAS/USPS or Redesign) and EMIS reporting.
• Record of clean audits and credible, effective five-year forecasts.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Strategic thinking, analytical rigor, clear communication with non-financial audiences, sound judgment under pressure, collaborative leadership, and an unwavering commitment to transparency and student-centered decisions.

HOW TO APPLY

Application materials may be subject to Ohio public records laws. Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A letter of interest
• A current r�sum�
• A copy of Ohio School Treasurer Licensure (or proof of eligibility)
• Three professional references with current contact information 

ANTICIPATED SEARCH TIMELINE

• Begin advertising and recruiting                                                       September 21, 2026
• Application deadline                                                                          October 21, 2026
• Board Interviews                                                                               October 26, 2026
• Board finalist interviews and performance exercise                         November 9, 2026
• Target Board appointment. Dates may be adjusted by the Board     November 23, 2026
• New Treasurer begins                                                                        Negotiable, subject to Board approval

The East Cleveland City School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, military status, or any other legally protected status in its programs, activities, or employment practices.