Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

CFO (Chief Financial Officer)

The CFO provides vision-driven, strategic leadership to ensure Grain Valley Schools' financial operations align seamlessly with our core commitments, reporting directly to the Superintendent as a cabinet-level executive (with authority equivalent to an Assistant Superintendent). Operating in direct alignment with the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP), the CFO oversees multi-year financial budgeting, capital facility funding, debt service portfolios, procurement, payroll, and accounts payable. The ideal candidate possesses an authoritative command of Missouri public school laws, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) accounting codes, and the compilation and submission of the Annual Secretary of the Board Report (ASBR). By translating complex fiscal analytics into actionable strategy, the CFO ensures transparent, audit-ready stewardship and long-term financial sustainability across the district.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategically oversee the annual budget process, ensuring alignment with the Superintendent's and Board of Education's fiscal goals
• Lead the development of financial insights and forecasts to inform and support the district's long-term strategic vision
• Collaborate closely with district administration, department heads, and school principals to align operational budgets with instructional goals and promote fiscal responsibility
• Prepare and present necessary budget amendments throughout the fiscal year to accurately reflect changing district needs
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal financial guidelines, district policies, and established internal control procedures.
• Analyzes financial information to identify potential budget variances, perform cost projections, and analyze statistical information
• Invests and monitors district fund balances to ensure adequate resources are available for the operation of the district
• Evaluates financial operations continuously to identify efficiencies, streamline department-wide workflows, and implement process improvements
• Reviews purchase orders ensuring compliance with the fund accounting standards and alignment with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) coding guidelines
• Administers the district purchasing card program
• Performs financial processes (bank reconciliation and financial reports)
• Compiles financial and statistical data for the purpose of providing third-party reporting
• Ensures transparency and fiscal accountability by presenting regular monthly and quarterly financial updates to the Board of Education.
• Oversees audit and internal controls, as well as ensures compliance with all financial laws, guidelines, and required filings
• Compiles financial information for annual reporting to State and Federal agencies, including the Annual Secretary of the Board (ASBR) and Final Expenditure (FER) reports
• Manages the year-end payroll process, ensuring the timely and accurate generation and filing of W-2s in accordance with IRS regulations
• Oversees the maintenance and optimization of financial management and electronic timekeeping systems for the purpose of ensuring data integrity
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Required Experience, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required; Master's degree preferred
• Progressive professional experience with demonstrated team leadership is required
• Experience in school finance is preferred
• Knowledge of standard accounting procedures, payroll, audit, and budgeting
• Ability to do basic mathematical calculations, apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations, and apply financial concepts
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization, including professional and support staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to maintain professional, collaborative relationships with district staff, administration, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to handle information with utmost confidentiality.

Work Environment

• 12-Month Position
• 1 year initial contract
• Minimum Salary: $134,406 (higher placement based on prior relevant experience)