24-25 Chief Financial Officer - Somerville Public Schools

JOB GOAL:

The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for managing and administering the financial and business affairs of the Somerville Public Schools in such a way as to maintain the integrity of District finances and maximize financial and related resources in a manner that promotes the highest level of educational services and educational experience for the students of the Somerville Public Schools.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Manages the business affairs of the District in compliance with the municipal, state and federal government and agencies and within the policies set by the Somerville School Committee.
2. Directs the financial accounting activity and functions (i.e. budget, accounts payable, payroll, contract services, etc.) for all fiscal affairs of the District.
3. Creates, revises and maintains financial systems and processes to ensure accurate accounting, analysis and projections, and overall integrity of District financials.
4. Prepares and administers the annual budget under the supervision and guidance of the Superintendent of Schools and works with District, municipal and community stakeholders to develop an annual budget (revenues and expenditures) that is consistent with District strategies, obligations and state and federal mandates.
5. Develops and delivers annual budget presentation.
6. Analyzes District financials on a regular basis and advises the Superintendent and School Committee on District finances; produces monthly, quarterly and annual financial analysis, reports and projections including but not limited to budget to actual.
7. Directs the procurement, management and accounting of revenue streams and expenditures associated with all District programs funded and/or administered by the Federal and State governments, private grants, revolving funds and other sources.
8. Acts as the official purchasing agent for the District and ensures compliance with all municipal regulations, processes and MGL 30B; develops appropriate standards, specifications, and scope of services for District vendor contracts; manages the bid and contract process for procurement of District goods and services.
9. Plans and supervises systems and processes for maintaining accurate inventory of supplies, equipment, and property inventory with appropriate inventory controls.
10. Works along with the Technology Director to manage the Technology Attrition Plan.
11. Monitors all school department expenditures to ensure fiscal integrity; signs all encumbrances and approves invoices for payment; approves bills and schedules to city auditing department.
12. Acts as District liaison to the municipal Finance Department for all work related to fiscal management.
13. Assists the School Committee and the Superintendent in long-range planning for the effective utilization of buildings and building space.
14. Acts as District liaison to the municipal Department of Public Works to ensure proper building maintenance, custodial services and facility improvements.
15. Supervises and evaluates the District supporting services, including School & Nutritional Services, transportation services, and building rentals.
16. Develops annual Capital Improvement Plan and Capital Equipment Plan for the District.
17. Supervises and evaluates District finance staff, including payroll, purchasing, accounts payables, and grants management.
18. Collaborates with Department Directors and programmatic leads responsible for grant oversight and implementation to ensure compliance and effective grant management.
19. Provides fiscal oversight to ancillary programs including School Food & Nutritional Services, Community Schools Program, Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experience (SCALE), all summer programs and student activities.
20. Attends and participates in regular and special meetings of the School Committee, as directed by the Superintendent and/or School Committee.
21. Prepares the annual DESE End of Year Financial Report (EOYRPT) and EOYRPT Compliance Audit and other such local, state, and federal reports as required by law or regulation.
22. Reviews all state and federal grant applications and ensures that applications are consistent and aligned with District needs and goals.
23. Oversees financial management of grants, and ensures that all reporting requirements are met.
24. May participate in the collective bargaining process as required.
25. Performs such other duties as the School Committee/Superintendent may assign.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Certification as School Business Administrator required; candidates with all other qualifications are still encouraged to apply; commitment to securing appropriate licensure within 1 year required.
2. Bachelor’s degree required - Master’s degree preferred.
3. Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a School Business Administrator or similar position engaged in supervising all aspects of school finance functions, including but not limited to accounts payable, payroll, procurement, grant/revolving fund management, maintenance, facilities, food services and transportation.
4. Experience in comprehensive school/municipal budget planning, development and management.
5. Excellent analytical skills; ability to analyze and interpret complex financial and statistical data.
6. Knowledge of and experience administering municipal/school finance laws and regulations including all federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to school finance and a broad working knowledge of municipal business practices and finances.
7. Excellent communication skills including public speaking and writing skills.
8. Able to work successfully in a team environment and successfully develop and manage stakeholder relationships.
9. Certification as a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Officer (MCPPO) preferred; if not certified, willingness to become MCPPO certified.
10. Eligible for employment in the United States (Form I-9 certifiable).
11. MUNIS accounting experience highly preferred.
12. Acceptable background check, employment references, and ability to be bonded.

REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools

The Somerville Public School does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment of educational opportunities based on race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals' group or interferes with their ability to learn or work.