Chief Financial Officer - NOLA Public Schools

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Develops finance organizational strategies by contributing financial and accounting information, analysis, and recommendations to aid the Superintendent and Board on financial matters, budgetary issues, and policy decisions;
• Serves as Ex Officio member of the Orleans School Facilities Foundation, a public benefit corporation of the Orleans Parish School Board whose purpose is to assist in facilitating tax credit financing for the construction and renovation of school buildings;
• Oversees the management and coordination of all fiscal reporting activities for the organization including but not limited to the annual audit, the annual financial report (AFR), EMMA reporting, Revenue Anticipation Note (RAN) compliance, IRS, Louisiana Legislative Auditor, funding agencies and others;
• Monitors and reports on financial status by measuring and analyzing results and providing transparency and accountability.;
• Oversees and supports charter and district schools' compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations;
• Analyze and local tax collections and project multi-year fiscal impact on district funding models and passthrough funding through the District Level Funding Allocation (DLFA);
• Oversee all treasury and investment decisions of NOLA-PS in order to maintain healthy fund balance and cash utilization strategies to maximize investment returns;
• Create and track the adopted annual budget for the general fund, special revenue fund, passthrough fund, enterprise fund, and proprietary fund and prepare periodic budget reviews for submission to the Superintendent, Cabinet members and the Orleans Parish School Board;
• Ensures the compliant management of the School Facilities Preservation Program (SFPP) created in legislation to maintain the capital needs of New Orleans Public School facilities and produce annual reporting for schools and auditors;
• Develops and provides oversight for the Annual Consolidated Financial Report (CAFR);
• Provides monthly financial and operational updates to the Superintendent, Orleans Parish School Board members, and Finance committee;
• Conduct comprehensive financial analysis, forecasting, and modeling to support strategic decision-making and long-term planning. Evaluate financial performance against benchmarks and make strategic adjustments as necessary;
• Develop and implement risk management strategies to safeguard district assets and ensure financial integrity;
• Directs, reviews, and participates in the analysis of laws, rules, regulations, opinions and decisions that affect the financial activities of the district.;
• Provides substantial oversight and direction over year-end audits and works with external auditors to ensure clean financial audits with unqualified opinions;
• Develops and improves upon MUNIS ERP system implementation across the organization in order to streamline financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the district;
• Directs, supervisors, and manages a large accounting staff ensuring all individuals are provided with the tools and guidance necessary to accomplish the objectives of his/her job;
• Serves as a member of the Superintendent's Cabinet and any other committees assigned by the Superintendent; and
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Educational Background

• Master's degree strongly preferred, minimum of a bachelor's degree in accounting, financial management, or education finance.
• Minimum of ten years of progressive relevant experience in accounting and financial management.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) strongly preferred.

Other Knowledge, Skills or Abilities Required

• This role requires strong organizational leadership skills in order to align work processes, establish and maintain fiscal responsibility, facilitate collaboration and planning, and maintain a cohesive team.
• Extensive experience with an emphasis in financial management, budget, accounting, and statistical analysis is required.
• State-Federal government finance experience and /or financial administration of large programs particularly for K-12 education or higher education is desirable.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to communicate publicly and interact with a diverse group of colleagues, stakeholders and customers;
• Expert financial acumen and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts to a variety of audiences;
• Exceptional customer service and organizational skills;
• Ability to effectively present complex information to internal and external groups and audiences;
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret regulations and documents, financial and business reports, and technical journals; and
• Capacity to think strategically and support the district's overall goals.

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