The CFO reports directly to the Principal and serves as a member of the senior leadership team, and is responsible for managing the business/financial function of Colorado Springs School District (CSS) as well as providing management and oversight of financial operations. The CFO will plan and implement strategies to support and lead initiatives related to driving business and management best practices throughout CSS. Working closely with the Headteacher, Board of Trustees and senior leadership team, the Finance Director will play an active role in day-to-day operations and management.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position of CFO:

A bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or any related field is required. A Master’s degree and 10+ years of progressive financial and management experience in an educational institution or non-profit organization are highly desirable. Advanced knowledge of appropriate software tools (Microsoft, Blackbaud Financials, Google products) is required. CPA or CMA certification is preferred. The CFO must pass a background check and can sit or stand for long periods of time. They will also need the ability to lift supplies and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

The CFO candidate will:

• Maintain a system of internal controls and approvals to monitor resource costs to ensure integrity and efficient processes for ordering, purchasing, delivery and reimbursement.

• Prepare and review financial budget statements, investment, and capital project reports for review and approval by the School Principal, Treasurer, Finance Committee, and/or Board of Directors.

• Participate in all Board and committee meetings as required

• Preparing the initial annual budget after consulting with the school principal and submitting the proposed budget to the Finance Committee.

• Recommend annual tuition rates, financial aid budget, and salary scale/benefits plan increases.

• Ensure that expenditures are consistent with the approved budget and that deviations from budget are explained and approved in advance.

• Manage accounts receivable, financial aid, and parent-staff contracts. Supervising all accounting functions

• Supervising the collection of old accounts receivable.

• Working with parents on financial issues related to enrolling their children in school.

• Analyze, review, and approve financial aid awards in collaboration with the school principal and director of enrollment management

• Manage the tuition refund insurance program, including filing claims and distributing funds.

• Provides reports to the Finance Committee and/or Board of Directors on significant financial matters as requested or appropriate

Preferred qualifications for the job:

• Strong business acumen and ability to think strategically. Outstanding financial planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a high degree of intellectual curiosity and the ability to make informed decisions based on data and analytics.

• Demonstrated ability to build excellent credibility/trust, positively influence relationships, and ability to deal effectively with the Headteacher, the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees.

• Superior written/verbal communication/listening skills with outstanding interpersonal qualities and a natural and effective consultative style. Someone who is sought out for their opinions and advice and who can establish and maintain close relationships internally and externally.

• Proven experience in managing annual and long-term planning processes as well as endowments and pension funds.

• Strong ability to manage control, treasury and financial operating functions and excellent people, leadership and management experience. Demonstrated passion and experience in training and developing employees to assume higher levels of responsibility.

• Knowledge and experience in using technology to enhance and measure the results of financial and accounting programs and processes. Experience managing IT functions with system implementation experience is a plus.

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