Chief Financial Officer, Office Of Financial Management (C123-2425)

REPORTS TO: Deputy Superintendent for Administration and Finance (Primary)/Superintendent of Schools (Secondary)
SUPERVISES: Office of Financial Management
POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the Hartford Public Schools. The CFO will ensure fiscal stability, promote financial transparency, and drive strategic financial planning to support the district's educational mission and $450 million plus budget. Additionally, the CFO will perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Hartford Public Schools' policies and applicable laws.
The Chief Financial Officer will have a laser focus on accelerating equity and organizational excellence by achieving the overarching priorities of the Hartford Public Schools' multi-year strategic plan and annual operating plan.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to the following:
Advises and counsels the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent regarding district financesMaintains a comprehensive understanding of key instructional activities and establishes and implements goals to maximize performance of non-instructional functions in support of the educational goals of the districtDevelops and implements short- and long-term budget plans based on the district's strategic objectivesClearly and effectively communicates with, and presents information to, governing bodies, policy makers, federal and state law making bodies, local community districts, parental districts, news media, and other interested parties upon request of the SuperintendentDevelops and maintains positive working relations with local, state, and federal government and community partnersEliminates workflow bottlenecks and streamlines processes and protocols by serving as point person between leadership and departmentsDevelops and institutes a customer-based approach to district's financial operations to serve students in the most effective and cost-efficient mannerServes as strategic leader and thought partner for Superintendent and Superintendent's CabinetSupports Superintendent in driving district accountability and responsiveness to student, educator, and community needsCreates a culture of engagement and expectations with principals and other administratorsProvides guidance and direction to managers toward their professional development to ensure and maintain a skilled department staffAssists in ensuring district compliance with local, state, and federal policies, laws, and regulations; analyzes and interprets government regulations and statutesOversees compilation, preparation, and distribution of statistical and other data for federal, State Department of Education, and local reportsCreates presentations as necessary when required by the SuperintendentEnsures the implementation of district policies and procedures throughout the school systemAlong with the Deputy Superintendent, leads the implementation of the annual budget process which includes a stakeholder engagement strategyDirects fund management, position management, accounts receivable, annual budget preparation and monitoring, procurement of equipment and supplies, and payroll within the boundaries established by the Superintendent and Board of EducationDevelops and maintains long-range financial forecasts of revenues and expendituresParticipates, as needed, in collective bargaining and provides cost estimates of Board and union proposalsDevelops and implements procedures and processes for the efficient management, use, monitoring, and reporting of expenditures for general and special fundsApproves payments, requisitions, and budgetary transfers as neededWorks with the Director of Budget and Grants Management to identify funding sources for unbudgeted itemsAssists in the production of the annual Educational Financial System (EFS) for the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the City of HartfordAs needed, testifies before the Board of Education, City Council, Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB), City administration, and committees of the State General Assembly on financial mattersParticipates in the effective negotiation of contracts that enhance the educational environment for schools in a cost-effective waySupports the financial goals of the DistrictAssures financial compliance with City, State, and Federal laws and regulationsEnsures staff assists principals and other leaders in implementing and monitoring their budget expendituresReviews budget estimates for grant applications and other initiativesProvides for regular training of central office and school staff on financial management systems and processesReviews potential legislative changes in State and Federal education fundingPartners with Office of Talent Management (OTM) in selection and oversight of the district's benefit plansWorks cooperatively with the City of Hartford's Department of FinancePerforms other duties as directed by the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, or designeeSKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Empathy and Commitment to Cause: Deeply understands the urban school system environment and commitment to improving student achievementPassionately believes that all students can achieve at high levelsDemonstrates cultural competence and a deep understanding of and empathy for issues facing urban familiesCommunication, Interpersonal and Team Skills: Builds and maintains strong relationshipsWorks successfully alone or on a teamCoaches, coordinates, and leads teamsStrong verbal and written communication skills, tailors message for the audience, context, and mode of communicationActively listens to others and effectively interprets others' motivations and perceptionsBuilds consensus and resolves conflicts; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversationsSkillfully navigates existing political structures/systemsProblem Solving and Systems Thinking: Understands how various systems/departments interact to achieve the long-term goalUnderstands systematic continuous improvement processesMakes decisions using data and technological resourcesTakes initiative to solve problems and create stakeholder buy-inIdentifies and prioritizes mission critical issues with alignment of people, time and resourcesOffers innovative solutions to seemingly intractable problemsExhibits strong focus on goals and results; sets clear metrics for successThrives in achievement-oriented and fast-paced environmentRemoves barriers or obstacles that make it difficult for principals to achieve their goals and ensures that school leaders have the resources they need to succeedDemonstrates excellent execution and project management skills, including attention to detail, organizational skills, ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach the end goal, and ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlinesLeadership Skills: Motivates, inspires, and moves other adults to action to achieve ambitious goalsSkilled at re-envisioning, building, and managing a team, especially in a time of growth and change; excellent at identifying talent and taking advantage of each person's skills and contribution to team effortBuilds and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groupsMoves groups to consensus and resolves conflicts; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversationsBuilds coalitions and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and/or advocacy groupsEstablishes clear expectations, deliverables, and deadlinesSets clear agendas and facilitates effective meetingsAbility to train, supervise, and evaluate staff from different cultural backgrounds and skill setsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, education, or related field; advanced degree (JD, MBA, MPA, or CPA) preferredExtensive (over 10 years) relevant work experience and knowledge of business, finance, schools/district management, personnel management, information technology, ancillary services, and operationsAt least five (5) years of senior level experience working directly with superintendents, executive cabinet leaders, school board members, nonprofits, or community representatives preferredEvidence of successful experience leading major change management efforts, preferably in public schools/education or a similar organizationEvidence of successful experience developing and implementing efficient systems and processesDemonstrated ability to oversee large and complex budgetsExperience with state and/or federal grants managementFamiliarity with MUNIS accounting software is a definite advantageEvidence of successful experience in an urban school district, nonprofit organization, or public institutionExperience with bargaining unit contract administration and negotiation preferredAbility to maintain strict confidentiality and strong judgmentProfessional demeanor, customer service orientation, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environmentStrong, effective oral and written communications skills, as well as interpersonal skillsOrganizational skills, including follow-up and meticulous attention to detailSelf-starter with the ability to work independentlyService orientation towards supporting schools, the Superintendent, and the City of HartfordOperate with proficiency a computer and assigned software programs, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn to use new software related to job responsibilitiesCERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Connecticut certification in School Business Administrator (085) or the ability to acquire such certification is strongly preferred; though, Connecticut Intermediate Administration or Supervision Certification (092) may be considered.
SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: This non-bargaining position has a 12-Month work year. Salary will be in accordance with an individual employment contract, based on a salary range of $170,000 - $190,000.
EVALUATION: Evaluated annually
UNION AFFILIATION: Not applicable
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools' online application, which can be accessed through our Applicant Tracking System, Nimble, at https://app.hirenimble.com/jobs/hartford. Internal applicants should use a personal email address when applying. Please do not use your hartfordschools.org email. Candidates' application and supporting documents will be reviewed. Candidates will be contacted directly by the hiring manager for interviews.
Hartford Public Schools (Hartford, Connecticut) is a diverse community of educators and approximately 16,000 students attending 39 distinctive magnet, community, and neighborhood schools, located in the capital city of Connecticut. We are committed to being a leader in innovative urban education, cultivating equity and excellence for all of our students, closing the opportunity gap, and preparing students for college and life.
HPS recruits and selects diverse educators, who are committed to our instructional vision to develop students' individual, academic, social, and emotional capacities and growth within the classroom and beyond. Highly talented and qualified candidates with a passion for urban education, a commitment to our Hartford students, families, and community are strongly encouraged to apply immediately!
Why Should You Choose Hartford Public Schools? Hartford Public Schools is seeking excellent candidates and wants to provide the best experience for you. We have put together a comprehensive package of benefits and incentives, including:
Loan forgivenessLife insuranceDIVERSITY AMONG US: Hartford Public Schools is a diverse community of scholars and staff; racially, socioeconomically, culturally, and more. Among our approximately 16,000 students, there are 88 languages spoken; 21% of our student population are multilingual learners. Over 85% of the population are students of color. At Hartford Public Schools, we work deliberately to recruit and hire staff of various backgrounds.
REPRESENT HARTFORD: The state of Connecticut is seated on the northeastern seaboard. Hartford is within an hour's drive of the coastline and is centrally located between New York City and Boston. Hartford is one of America's oldest and most historic cities, made up of 17 unique neighborhoods rich in history and diversity. It is commonly known as the "insurance capital" due to its prominence beginning in the 19th century as home to many of the most prestigious insurance companies in the U.S., many of which still call Hartford home today.
An Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/V/D Note: This posting does not necessarily reflect vacancies in the respective subject area and is solely intended to generate a talent pool for current and future certified teaching opportunities. The above description covers the principle duties and responsibilities of the position. The description should not, however, be construed as a complete listing of all duties or as a contract. In all cases, these relationships, functions, and their applications are subject to change by the superintendent of schools. Follow Us:
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