Job Description

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the primary executive overseeing all financial, business, and operational fiscal functions for the school district. This role ensures long-term financial stability, regulatory compliance, and fiscal transparency while directly supporting the district's educational goals. The CFO acts as a key financial advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Education and ensures full compliance with Iowa school finance laws and reporting requirements.

Expected Salary: $186,000

Essential Performance Responsibilities

1. Strategic Financial Planning & Budgeting

• Lead the multi-year financial forecasting and annual budget development process in collaboration with the Superintendent and executive leadership team.
• Oversee the execution of the district's Certified Budget, budget amendments, Aid & Levy calculations, and unspent spending authority management.
• Provide financial modeling and cost-benefit analysis for collective bargaining, compensation matrixes, capital projects, and district initiatives.
• Advise the Superintendent and Board of Directors on state funding dynamics, legislative changes, enrollment trends, and property valuation impacts.

1. Accounting, Audit & Financial Reporting

• Maintain fund accounting systems across all district funds (General, Management, SAVE, PPEL, Activity, Capital Projects, Debt Service) following GAAP and Iowa Uniform Financial Accounting Standards.
• Ensure accurate, timely submission of state and federal reports, including the Certified Annual Report (CAR), Special Education Supplement (SES), and Annual Transportation Report via the Iowa Education Portal.
• Oversee external annual financial audits, internal controls, and general ledger maintenance.
• Prepare and present monthly financial statements, fund balances, and expenditure reports to the Board of Education.

1. Operations, Treasury & Risk Management

• Direct cash flow management, banking relationships, local deposits, and short-/long-term investments compliant with Iowa code.
• Oversee debt administration, including bond issues, principal and interest payments, and regulatory debt compliance.
• Supervise the administration of accounts payable, accounts receivable, student activity accounts, purchasing card programs, and district fee structures.
• Manage risk management strategies, liability, property/casualty, worker's compensation coverages, and benefit plans (e.g., medical, dental, 403b/457).

1. Leadership & Governance

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate finance department staff (accounting, payroll, and purchasing).
• Perform duties and responsibilities associated with the Treasurer to the Board of Education as directed by Iowa law.
• Provide training and guidance to principals and department leaders on spending management and financial procedures.

Qualifications & Educational Requirements

• License / Certification (Required): Possess or be eligible to immediately obtain the Iowa School Business Official (SBO) Authorization issued by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (BOEE).
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field with significant accounting coursework required. Master's degree (MBA, M.Ed.) or CPA preferred.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 3�5 years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in K�12 public education or governmental accounting.
• Demonstrated experience in state reporting systems, fund accounting software, and financial forecasting tools.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth understanding of Iowa school finance (unspent spending authority, maximum authorized budget, Secure an Advanced Vision for Education / SAVE, Physical Plant and Equipment Levy / PPEL).
• Ability to present complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial audiences, including school boards, district staff, and community members.
• Strong leadership, conflict resolution, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting, standing, and walking required to move around district offices and travel between school facilities.
• Must be able to occasionally lift, move, or push items of 15 lbs.
• Sufficient visual acuity to read detailed financial documents, spreadsheets, and screens, along with clear speech and hearing capabilities for communicating with staff, board members, and the public.
• Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, and climbing stairs to access files and travel across multi-level school facilities.
• Ability to drive or travel locally across district sites and attend evening board meetings or community presentations.

Work Environment

• Full-time, standard business hours. Long hours are routine during key periods such as annual budget creation, state audit seasons, contract negotiations, and fiscal year-end closes.
• Frequently involves attending and presenting at evening school board meetings, public budget hearings, union bargaining sessions, and community forum presentations.
• High level of direct interaction with the Superintendent, School Board members, building principals, department heads (facilities, HR, IT), state auditors, and labor union representatives.
• Fast-paced environment with strict deadlines driven by state reporting mandates, public accountability, taxpayer transparency, and unpredictable budget shifts.

DCSD is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.