Job Description
Title:Chief FINANCIAL OFFICER
Qualifications:
- Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Public Administration or related field
- DESE Licensed as a School Business Administrator
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably in a school district or public sector environment; Considerable knowledge of school administration, school law, finance, facilities, procurement, planning, operational principles and techniques is
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from administrators, staff and the general public, School Committee and City Officials
- Strong knowledge of governmental accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting standards.
- Experience with school finance, state funding formulas, and grant management.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and lead complex financial projects
- Must have ability to learn and utilize new software programs as systems are upgraded
- Ability to perform duties in full compliance with all district requirements and School Committee Policies
- Such alternatives to the above qualifications in accordance with district needs as the Superintendent of Schools or designee may deem appropriate
Reports to: Superintendent of Schools
Job Goals: The Chief Financial Officer is a key leadership position responsible for the financial management, planning, and oversight of the Fall River Public Schools. This role ensures the district's financial stability, compliance with state and federal regulations, and alignment of financial resources with educational priorities. The Chief Financial Officer will work collaboratively with the Superintendent, School Committee, Business Office* and administrative leadership to develop and implement sound fiscal policies and procedures.
(*Business Office considered to be as follows: Accounts Payable, Accounting, Budget, Payroll, Purchasing and Grants Coordinator).
Performance Responsibilities:
- Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of the district's annual budget.
- Manage accounting, auditing, payroll, purchasing, and financial reporting functions.
- Provide accurate and timely financial analysis, forecasts, and reports to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and School Committee.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations and reporting requirements.
- Develop long-term financial strategies to support district goals.
- Supervise and mentor finance department staff, promoting professional growth and effective performance.
- Review and approve contracts, agreements, and financial transactions to mitigate risk and ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Collaborate with school principals, district administrators, and external partners to align resources with educational priorities.
- Support audits and serve as the primary contact for external auditors and regulatory agencies.
- Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard district assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Maintains responsibility for all aspects of purchasing, accounts payable and receivable and payroll.
- Prepares all reports as outlined by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education regulations.
- Develops and implement financial plans of action that assure compliance with district regulations and procedures, as well as State and Federal law.
- Directs internal budget control procedures to guarantee a balance between budgeted allotments and actual expenditures.
- Coordinates with the Superintendent the development and implementation of an approved financial and facilities plan which supports the District's Mission and Goals.
- Responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive plans for Pupil Transportation, Procurement, Maintenance and Operations, and Business Services.
- Preparation and presentation of all Business Services financial agenda items to the School Committee.
- Shall design prepare and present financial reports to the School Committee.
- Shall assure that expenditures do not exceed approved budget amounts.
- Shall periodically meet with appropriate staff to review the status of the budget.
- Shall supervise purchasing and see that quotes, bids and Request for Proposals (RFPs) are prepared and released according to State Statutes and District Policy.
- Shall see that all business-related contracts are fulfilled.
- Shall maintain fair and impartial attitude for the distribution of approved funds following the guidelines set forth by the policies and procedures of the district.
- Shall report outside Audit to the School Committee and Administration
- Maintain confidentiality and unquestionable integrity in job responsibilities.
- Assume responsibility for the evaluation and supervises of all staff members associated with Finance and/or Business Office
- Performance of additional duties as designated by the Superintendent of Schools in accordance with district needs
Terms of Employment:
- Non-Union; Individual Contract
- 12 Month Position
- Salary $160,000-$200,000
Evaluation:
- Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the School Committee's Policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel
The Fall River Public School District is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status or active military status, mental illness, political affiliation, genetic information or disability. All candidates are encouraged to apply.
