Chief Financial Officer - Business Office Lincoln Center Full-time; Twelve-months Salary: $145,000.00 - $167,260
Supervises: - Executive Director of Finance - Transportation Director - Director of Business Services/Board Clerk - Accounting Manager
Purpose/Distinguishing Characteristics The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic leadership in financial and budgetary matters, advising the Superintendent and School Board while overseeing all business and finance functions, including food service, transportation, insurance, risk management, budgeting, and grants management. The CFO directs and supervises an operating budget of approximately $200,000,000 and is responsible for all accounting operations for Billings Public Schools, ensuring that systems and procedures support effective program implementation and accurate audits. In this role, the CFO works closely with district leadership to integrate key functions and drive improvements in educational outcomes. Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned) 1. Budget Oversight & Strategic Planning: - Establish, plan, and monitor both the Business Services budget and the overall District budget. 2. Risk Management: - Manage liability insurance, 403b savings plan, and self-funded health insurance. 3. Departmental Oversight: - Oversee the District’s transportation and food service departments. Oversight of payroll, accounts payable/receivable, accounting, and other business operations functions. 4. Risk Management: - Liability insurance, self-funded health insurance, 403b savings plan 5. Compliance: - Ensure compliance with GAAP standards across all accounts, ledgers, and reporting systems. 6. Internal Controls: - Maintain internal control and safeguards for revenue, costs, and program budgets. 7. Staff Management: - Prioritize work, schedule staff, and ensure quality work products under tight timelines. 8. Accounts Payable/Receivable: - Ensure accurate and timely preparation of accounts payable/receivable and implement effective monitoring, verification, and coding procedures. 9. Technological Evaluation: - Collaborate with IT staff in system design, implementation, and modernization to gain efficiencies and improve financial performance. 10. Financial Reporting: - Present accurate and timely financial reports and statements; keep senior leadership informed about the financial status of the District. 11. Cash Flow & Budgeting: - Manage organizational cash flow forecasting and oversee the budgeting process, working with a strategic planning team. 12. Investment Tracking: - Monitor the performance of invested assets. 13. GASB Compliance: - Oversee the District’s compliance with GASB requirements, including GASB #73, 75, 87, 96. 14. Audit Management: - Coordinate information requested by independent external auditors for the District’s annual audit. 15. Long-Range Financial Planning: - Develop financial reports and projections to support long-range financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting. 16. Policy Support: - Assist the Board of Trustees and district administration in formulating policies and developing appropriate accounting and fiscal procedures. 17. Employee Supervision: - Conduct performance reviews, approve time-off requests, supervise staff training, and handle general administrative functions. 18. Continuous Improvement: - Review and implement changes to financial and accounting procedures to increase efficiency and effectiveness. 19. Labor Relations and Financial Management: - Work closely with unions and human resources on financial aspects of labor agreements, ensuring that budgetary considerations align with negotiated contracts and long-term strategic goals.
Knowledge Of:
Comprehensive understanding of financial theories, GAAP, and FASB. Billings Public Schools policies and procedures.
Administration and management principles.
Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB).
Skills In:
Advanced analytical and project management skills.
Proficient computer/technical skills for creating complex documents and spreadsheets.
Strong written and oral communication.
Professional and interpersonal communication.
Ability To:
Solve complex, varied, and often non-recurring problems creatively.
Persuade, negotiate, and resolve conflicts.
Handle sensitive issues and facilitate high-level collaboration.
Minimum Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
Graduate/Master’s degree in Business Administration or equivalent experience. Thorough knowledge of GAAP and FASB, with preference for knowledge of GASB.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred.
Minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience.
At least 5 years of related experience in school district or local government accounting.
Minimum of ten (10) years of accounting experience with progressively responsible financial leadership roles.
Extensive Supervisory Experience: Demonstrated experience in managing large, diverse teams, including the ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff across multiple departments or functional areas. Responsible for setting
performance standards, conducting regular evaluations, and providing
constructive feedback to ensure continuous professional growth and high performance.
Team Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams through complex projects and initiatives, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, accountability, and results-oriented performance. This includes delegating tasks, managing workloads, and ensuring that team members have the resources and support needed to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
Strategic Oversight: Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans that align team objectives with organizational goals. Ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and make decisions that balance short-term needs with long-term vision.
Conflict Resolution: Strong capability in resolving conflicts and addressing employee concerns with tact and diplomacy, maintaining a positive and
productive work environment.
Change Management: Leadership in guiding teams through organizational change, including the ability to communicate effectively about changes, address resistance, and ensure smooth transitions that maintain morale and productivity.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk and listen. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit.
Go to www.billingsschools.org and click on "Departments" and then click on "Employment Opportunities" for either the online application for external applicants or the internal application for internal applicants (currently employed by BPS in a regular or temporary position). "AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: This employer does not knowingly discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin."
Situated next to the beautiful Yellowstone River and framed in by the Rimrock Bluffs, Billings, MT, the largest city in Montana and a stone throws away from Yellowstone National Park, various mountain ranges and ski towns not only offer lots of adventure, but is a growing city with a small town feel. Inspired by the majestic beauty of the surrounding landscape and our involved and supportive community we strive to motivate our students to be innovative global citizens. Billings Public Schools offers diverse educational opportunities, in cooperation with many community partners, with a focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) as well as the Arts, Sports and Health and Wellness. We encourage our students to participate in their communities, providing a well-rounded educational experience.