Chief Financial Officer

Position: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Supports: Heads of Schools, Chiefs, Principals, Network Support Team, and Board of Directors

LEAD Public Schools, a nonprofit charter management organization in Nashville, Tennessee, is building a network of public charter schools with the goal of doubling the college readiness rate of low-income students in Davidson County. All positions at LEAD Public Schools require a deeply held belief in the ability of all people to achieve at very high levels, with regularly demonstrated thoughts and actions in support of our mission: supporting, training, and educating the next generation of responsible citizens.

Scope of Responsibility

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic leadership and executive oversight of all financial operations for LEAD Public Schools and its affiliated entities. This includes financial planning and analysis, accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, cash management, procurement, vendor relations, capital planning, and long-term financial sustainability. The CFO is responsible for ensuring sound fiscal management, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and the effective stewardship of organizational resources in support of LEAD's mission and strategic priorities.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO serves as a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors, providing financial insights, risk assessments, and data-informed recommendations that guide organizational decision-making. The CFO establishes and maintains effective financial policies, internal controls, systems, and procedures that promote transparency, accountability, and alignment across network and school-level operations.

Working collaboratively with executive leaders, school leadership, and the Board's Finance Committee, the CFO leads long-term financial planning, evaluates strategic investments and financing opportunities, and supports facilities planning, development, and organizational growth. Through strong financial leadership and cross-functional collaboration, the CFO ensures LEAD Public Schools maintains the financial stability, operational capacity, and resources necessary to deliver exceptional educational opportunities for students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Oversight

• Provide executive leadership and oversight of all financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity, financial sustainability, and alignment with LEAD Public Schools' mission and strategic priorities.
• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of annual operating budgets for schools and the network office, including capital expenditures, long-term financial projections, and multiyear financial planning.
• Oversee accounting operations to ensure the timely and accurate preparation of monthly financial statements, financial dashboards, budget-to-actual analyses, and financial performance reports.
• Establish and maintain effective internal controls, financial management systems, and accountability measures to safeguard organizational assets and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.
• Monitor financial performance, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and recommend proactive strategies to strengthen operational efficiency and long-term financial health.
• Present financial reports, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Heads of Schools, and Board Finance Committee.

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Serve as a strategic financial advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors, providing data-informed recommendations to support organizational priorities and decision-making.
• Lead long-term financial planning and modeling to evaluate organizational growth, resource allocation, capital investments, and financial sustainability.
• Collaborate with executive and school leaders to align financial resources with academic priorities, operational needs, and strategic initiatives.
• Evaluate financial opportunities and risks associated with facilities expansion, financing arrangements, major investments, and other organizational initiatives.
• Partner with development leadership to support grant proposals, financial reporting, donor accountability, and the fiscal management of restricted funding.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable federal and Tennessee laws and regulations, public charter school financial requirements, and grant funding conditions.
• Oversee annual financial audits, required tax filings, regulatory reporting, and other financial compliance obligations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and appropriate corrective action when necessary.
• Maintain comprehensive financial policies, procedures, and internal controls that promote transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
• Direct cash flow management, multiyear cash projections, and oversight of restricted and designated funds to ensure sufficient liquidity and responsible financial stewardship.
• Manage banking, lending, insurance, and other financial relationships to protect organizational interests and support financial stability.
• Oversee financial reporting and compliance associated with federal and state grants, including allowable expenditures, documentation, reimbursement requests, and applicable fiscal requirements.

Operations and Administration

• Provide financial oversight of payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing, appropriate financial controls, and compliance with applicable reporting requirements.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve financial policies, procedures, systems, and operational practices to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accountability.
• Oversee procurement, financial aspects of contract administration, and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and responsible use of organizational resources.
• Collaborate with operational leaders on facilities planning, lease agreements, capital expenditures, and other significant financial commitments.
• Leverage financial technology, reporting systems, and process improvements to strengthen organizational effectiveness and support informed decision-making.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop finance team members, establishing clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Build a high-performing finance function characterized by accuracy, responsiveness, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide financial leadership and guidance to cross-functional teams, strengthening fiscal accountability and financial decision-making throughout the organization.
• Partner with executive leadership to assess organizational needs, strengthen financial management capacity, and ensure financial operations effectively support schools and network departments.

Customer Service and Collaboration

• Foster a service-oriented finance function that provides timely, accurate, and solutions-focused support to school leaders, network departments, and other stakeholders.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with executive leaders, Heads of Schools, the Board of Directors, and the Board Finance Committee.
• Communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively, ensuring stakeholders understand financial performance, organizational risks, and strategic implications.
• Promote a culture of transparency, responsiveness, accountability, and partnership in support of LEAD Public Schools' mission and organizational success.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, or financial management, including significant leadership experience in a senior financial management role.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing financial operations, accounting, budgeting, internal controls, financial reporting, and long-term financial planning for an organization with an annual operating budget of $10 million or more.
• Proven ability to provide strategic financial leadership, manage organizational financial risks, and translate complex financial information into actionable recommendations for executive leadership and governing boards.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing finance teams, strengthening financial systems, and implementing processes that promote operational efficiency and fiscal accountability.
• Experience supporting a multi-site organization, preferably within public education, charter schools, or the nonprofit sector, is strongly preferred.
• Experience managing federal and state funding, grants, audits, and regulatory compliance is highly desirable.

Education, Skills, and Attributes

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field required; Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Finance, Accounting, or a related field preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing, implementing, and evaluating financial policies, procedures, internal controls, and systems that promote fiscal accountability, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to translate organizational priorities into comprehensive financial plans, actionable strategies, and sustainable financial models.
• Strong understanding of financial forecasting, capital planning, cash flow management, financial risk assessment, and long-term organizational sustainability.
• Knowledge of real estate financing, facilities development, construction financing, lease negotiations, or bond financing preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, financial management systems, and financial reporting and analytical tools; proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and executive-level financial presentations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and effectively to executive leadership, governing boards, and diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships, influence organizational decision-making, and provide solutions-oriented leadership across multiple departments and school locations.
• Strong organizational skills, sound professional judgment, and exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Proven commitment to ethical leadership, confidentiality, transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• A collaborative, adaptable, and service-oriented leadership approach, with a demonstrated commitment to developing others, strengthening organizational culture, and advancing the mission and values of LEAD Public Schools.

Mission Alignment

• Demonstrated commitment to the social sector and passion for LEAD's mission to support student growth and success.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation is competitive, based on experience, and includes full benefits.

Application Process

To apply, please complete the online application at LEAD Public Schools.

LEAD Public Schools Non-Discrimination Policy

LEAD Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion,

ancestry, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical

condition, national origin, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information,

or veteran status in admission to, access to, or operation of its programs and activities.

LEAD Public Schools does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices and

complies with applicable federal and state regulations, including those implementing Title

IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Title VI, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of

1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990.