Chief Financial Officer

Location: Spokane Colleges - District Office Spokane

Department: District Business Office

Starting salary for this position is: $211,442 (Annually)
The salary range represents the earning potential for this position, through training, evaluations and years spent working in this position with Spokane Colleges.

About Us

Spokane Colleges is comprised of two accredited colleges, Spokane Community College (SCC) and Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) serving Spokane, Stevens, Whitman, Ferry, and Pend Oreille Counties, as well as portions of Lincoln County.

Both colleges are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and governed by the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges.

About theChief Financial Officer

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the district's senior financial officer and a key member of the Chancellor's executive leadership team. Reporting directly to the Chancellor/CEO, the CFO provides strategic leadership and direction for district finances and business operations. The position plays a critical role in shaping institutional strategy, stewardship, and ensuring operations effectively support Spokane Colleges educational mission and commitment to student success. The CFO will foster a collaborative, service-oriented environment in which institutional decision-making and resource allocation are informed by a holistic and inclusive approach to supporting students and the broader district community.

The CFO has responsibility and authority for establishing the strategic direction and priorities of the division, and provides vision, broad oversight, and leadership for the district’s financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, treasury functions, payroll, purchasing, grants and contracts, investments, instructional support, and related administrative services. The CFO is responsible for ensuring fiscal integrity, regulatory compliance, effective internal controls, accurate financial reporting, and the long-term financial sustainability of Spokane Colleges.

The position serves as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees, advises executive leadership on financial and business matters, and represents Spokane Colleges in state, community, and professional settings. The CFO also oversees risk management, public records, records management, labor relations participation, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, and Board policies while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Financial Leadership & Governance

Provides executive-level financial leadership, planning, stewardship, and governance for the district.

• Develop, implement, and oversee policies, procedures, and business practices that ensure the effective administration of District financial operations and the proper stewardship of District, State, Federal, and other funds. *
• Provide fiscal leadership and budget oversight to support compliance with accreditation standards and ensure the long-term financial stability of the district, as prescribed by the Northwest Accreditation Commission. *
• Serve as the Chancellor's chief financial advisor by developing and presenting operating budgets, financial forecasts, and revenue and expenditure projections; advise executive leadership financial, budgeting, tuition and fee management, financial aid, purchasing and capital financial matters. *
• Serve as Treasurer of the Board of Trustees, presenting complex financial information and ensuring compliance with board policy and fiduciary responsibilities. *

Financial Management, Reporting & Compliance

Ensures fiscal integrity through financial reporting, internal controls, regulatory compliance, and risk management.

• Direct the preparation and oversight of GAAP compliant financial statements including required disclosures and serve as the primary liaison with auditors and accreditation agencies on fiscal compliance, internal control matters. *
• Establish, and maintain comprehensive internal controls to ensure legal and fiscal compliance, sound financial management practices, and effective financial reporting and analysis. *
• Oversee the development, implementation, and administration of tuition, fees, and tuition waiver programs, including the collection and management of related revenues. *
• Serve as the District's designated Risk Manager, Public Records Officer, and Records Officer, ensuring compliance with public records, records retention, risk management, and applicable state requirements. *
• Collaborate with assigned Assistant Attorney General on financial, contractual, regulatory and operational matters affecting the district. *

Operational & Administrative Leadership

Provides oversight of business operations, administrative services, and financial support functions.

• Direct and oversee operations, staff and activities of Budget, Accounting, Foundation Accounting, Investments and Cash Management, Cashiering, Payroll and Benefits, Grant and Contracts, Lease Administration, Purchasing, Instructional Support, and Auxiliary Operations. *

Organizational Leadership & External Relations

Leads personnel, fosters organizational effectiveness, and represents the district with internal and external stakeholders.

• Lead and manage assigned personnel, including recruitment, supervision, performance evaluation, professional development, employee relations, and disciplinary processes, while ensuring compliance with the faculty Master Contract, classified Collective Bargaining Agreement, district policies, and employment regulations. *
• Represent the District in the community college system, state, and community organizations and serve on labor negotiation teams and other committees as assigned. *
• Model professional decorum and mutual respect in all personal interactions. *
• Comply with district policies, procedures and directives, state and federal regulations, orders and statutes and collective bargaining agreements. *
• Support and advance Spokane Colleges' strategic plan and perform other duties as assigned. *

* Indicates this is an essential duty.

COMPETENCIES

• Financial Acumen
• Strategic Mindset
• Decision Quality
• Ensures Accountability
• Optimizes Work Processes
• Communicates Effectively
• Drives Results
• Courage
• Collaborates
• Manages Complexity
• Inclusive Leadership

Learn more about our competencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the competencies required for this position.
• Five years of progressively responsible leadership experience overseeing business and financial operations, including experience with Washington State governmental accounting systems and practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Washington State and federal laws, regulations and statutes related to budget development, finance, business administration and fiscal management; governmental accounting principles, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); and higher education financial administration.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex financial and operational information effectively, both orally and in writing, and to provide strategic consultation and recommendations to executive leaders and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to address complex organizational and financial issues.
• Ability to represent the district effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including state agencies, community partners, governing boards, and professional organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate, and evaluate staff while fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high performing work environment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience serving in a senior finance leadership role within a Washington State community or technical college.
• Experience providing policy level leadership and administrative oversight within a large, complex multi-unit organization.
• Experience administering leases, grants, and contracts, including state and federal funding programs.
• Knowledge of, or experience with, higher education accreditation standards, processes, and compliance requirements.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in an office environment.
• Work is sedentary.
• Frequent use of computers.
• Work directly with clients.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Position is exempt from Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
• Requires local or regional travel.
• Criminal background check is required.

Person hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of U.S. Citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States. This is an absolute condition of employment. An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the district to sponsor an H1-B visa. In addition, the Spokane Colleges maintain a drug-free work environment and prohibit all smoking in the college buildings and state-owned vehicles. Must be able to successfully work in and promote a multicultural work and education environment.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.Once an applicant is chosen for a position, they are required to complete and submit a declaration regarding sexual misconduct and investigation per state law.

Benefits Information

This is a contracted, exempt management position. Medical, dental life and long term disability insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under the Public Employees Benefits Board; TIAA retirement plan or WA State Dept. of Retirement Systems Pension Plan. Vacation leave accrues at the rate of 14.67 hours per month (22 days per year) and sick leave accrues at the rate of 8 hours per month, effective upon employment. (For positions that are less than full time, leave accruals will be prorated to the percentage of the position.

Public Employees Benefits Board

Additional benefits information

Equal Opportunity Institution

Spokane Colleges provides equal opportunity in education and employment. We comply with applicable federal and state civil rights laws, and prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in programs, activities, and employment based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, disability, veteran or military status, service-animal use, or other legally protected status.

To report a concern or ask about Title IX or access, contact Frederick Davis, Chief Human Resource Officer / Title IX Coordinator, at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io.