Deputy Executive Director, Finance/Chief Financial Officer

Deputy Executive Director, Finance And Chief Financial Officer

The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) is seeking an experienced finance executive to serve as Deputy Executive Director, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position provides strategic leadership over all financial functions of STRS Ohio, including financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, accounting and tax, employer reporting, investment accounting, and investment performance measurement.

Established in 1920 and serving Ohio's educators, STRS Ohio is one of the nation's largest retirement systems, serving nearly 550,000 active, inactive, and retired public-school teachers, and university faculty members, managing approximately $96.3 billion as of June 30, 2025, in assets and paying more than $7 billion in benefits annually.

Compensation: $241,874 - $314,436

Work Schedule: 8:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday (Onsite)

Under the direction of the executive director, responsible for leading a high-performing finance organization and all financial matters affecting State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) including financial analysis and reporting, budgeting, accounting and tax, employer education and reporting, investment accounting, investment operations and investment performance measurement and reporting.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Serve as a strong enterprise leader and collaborative peer, building trusted relationships with fellow deputy executive directors and senior leaders to advance organizational priorities, promote shared accountability and constructive challenge, and reinforce a unified leadership culture aligned with STRS Ohio's strategy.
• Participate in the regular meetings of deputy executive directors and senior staff of the executive director and provide leadership and direction to the executive director, board members and stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively with the ability to influence stakeholders, aligning with the overall business goals and objectives.
• Provide executive oversight of investment accounting and financial reporting for all asset classes, including public markets, private equity, real estate and other alternative investments, ensuring valuation methodologies, controls and disclosures comply with applicable accounting standards and internal policy.
• Oversee preparation of financial statements, ACFR (Annual Comprehensive Financial Report) and other financial reporting as required.
• Provide oversight and leadership for annual external financial statement audit, Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) audits and investment performance verification.
• Ensure investment performance and related financial information presented to the Retirement Board is accurate, timely and aligned with governing policies, adopted benchmarks and long-term funding objectives.
• Oversee the organization's annual operating and capital budget process and provide input during key department budget meetings. Present and report on fiscal budgets to the Ohio Retirement Study Council (ORSC), Retirement Board and other groups as needed. Monitor and report administrative operating and capital spending monthly throughout the fiscal year and review for proper compliance with administrative budgets.

The above list of duties is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this classification. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties performed by the persons so classified, nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision.

Summary of Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field required.
• Master's degree in business or accounting preferred.
• Advanced professional designation, e.g., certified public accountant, certified management accountant strongly preferred.
• Ten or more years' experience in accounting or finance required.
• Exceptional knowledge and understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) required and governmental accounting standards (GASB) strongly preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Statement

State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, or caregiver status, in making employment-related decisions about an individual.

Visa/Sponsorship

To be offered a position with STRS Ohio, you must be either a U.S. citizen or possess proper legal authorization to work in the U.S. for the type of job you are seeking. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

ADA Statement

STRS Ohio is committed to ensuring access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodations across all its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Posting Drug-Free Workplace Statement

The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS Ohio) is a drug-free workplace. The use of recreational marijuana and non-medical cannabis is strictly prohibited.

Pre-Employment Drug Testing

All final candidates tentatively selected for employment will be required to undergo a urinalysis drug screening prior to appointment. This screening includes testing for illegal substances, including marijuana. A positive test result will disqualify the applicant from employment unless valid medical documentation is provided for legally prescribed medications or a physician's recommendation for medical marijuana.

Pre-Employment Background Investigation

The final candidate selected for this position will be subject to a criminal background check. STRS Ohio will conduct an individualized assessment of any prior criminal convictions before making a determination regarding employment eligibility