Job Description for Chief Finance Officer/ Business Manager

 

Position Title:            Chief Finance Officer/ Business Manager

Job Status:                 Full Time                                            Reports To: Superintendent

FLSA Status:             Exempt                                                Amount of Travel: Frequent Travel

Classification:            Classified Administrator                     Level: District Level Position           

Date Created:            September 2026                                  Work Schedule: 240 Days               

Salary Range:            TBD (Experience and certification will be considered.)

                                               

POSITON SUMMARY

The Chief Finance Officer (CFO)/ Business Manager serves as the chief financial administrator for the Watson Chapel School District and is responsible for the effective, efficient, accurate, and lawful administration of the district’s financial operations.

 

The CFO/ Business Manager provides leadership and oversight for budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, cash management, purchasing, accounts payable, payroll coordination, investments, debt management, internal controls, audits, and other business operations assigned by the Superintendent. The position serves as a financial advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Education and ensures that District financial practices comply with applicable federal and state laws, Arkansas Department of Education/Division of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements, Board policies, and generally accepted governmental accounting practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Leadership and Administration

• Plan, organize, direct, and manage the financial affairs and business operations of the district.
• Serve as the principal financial advisor to the Superintendent and provide financial information and recommendations to the Board of Education.
• Ensure that financial operations support the district’s strategic priorities and educational goals.
• Develop and maintain effective accounting procedures, financial systems, internal controls, and safeguards for District assets.
• Recommend improvements to financial procedures, systems, controls, and business practices.
• Provide leadership that promotes efficiency, fiscal responsibility, transparency, accountability, and sound stewardship of public funds.

Budget Development and Management

• Coordinate and prepare the district’s annual operating budget in collaboration with the Superintendent and appropriate administrators.
• Develop short- and long-term financial projections and recommendations.
• Monitor revenues and expenditures throughout the fiscal year and provide regular budget updates to the Superintendent and Board.
• Prepare budget amendments and transfers as necessary.
• Assist administrators in developing and monitoring school and departmental budgets.
• Monitor District expenditures to ensure funds are used for authorized purposes and within approved budgets.
• Analyze financial trends and provide recommendations regarding the district’s financial position.
• Coordinate fiscal year-end and calendar year-end financial processes.
• Perform all duties required of the District Treasurer in accordance with Arkansas law, Arkansas Department of Education requirements, Board policy, and District procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of District receipts, disbursements, cash balances, and financial transactions.
• Monitor District bank accounts and ensure timely reconciliation of all accounts.
• Oversee the receipt, deposit, transfer, investment, and disbursement of District funds.
• Maintain appropriate cash balances and monitor the district’s cash flow.
• Prepare and/or review journal entries and financial adjustments.
• Ensure that District funds are properly accounted for and maintained in the appropriate funds and accounts.
• Maintain appropriate documentation supporting all financial transactions.

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Prepare and submit accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, annual, and other required financial reports.
• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements established by the Arkansas Department of Education/Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and other governmental agencies.
• Monitor reporting deadlines and ensure timely submission of required financial information.
• Maintain financial records in accordance with applicable record-retention requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Governmental Accounting Standards, federal requirements, state requirements, Board policy, and District procedures.
• Maintain required financial information and disclosures on the district’s website.
• Monitor changes in school finance laws, regulations, accounting standards, and reporting requirements and advise the Superintendent of their potential impact on the district.
• Work collaboratively with appropriate Federal Programs Coordinator and administrators to ensure proper budgeting, accounting, and expenditure of federal, state, categorical, and restricted funds.
• Monitor expenditures for compliance with applicable funding requirements.
• Maintain appropriate documentation for financial monitoring and audits.
• Assist administrators with financial reporting and budget management for grants and special programs.

Accounting and Business Operations

• Oversee the District's general ledger and financial accounting systems.
• Supervise or coordinate accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, payroll-related financial functions, cash receipts, deposits, and other business office operations.
• Ensure proper coding and documentation of revenues and expenditures.
• Review financial transactions for accuracy, appropriate authorization, and compliance.
• Oversee vendor records and required tax documentation.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and internal controls within the Business Office.
• Reconcile or ensure reconciliation of bank accounts and other financial accounts.
• Maintain accurate records of District assets and financial obligations.

Audit and Internal Controls

• Coordinate the District's annual financial audit and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Prepare records, schedules, reports, and documentation necessary for audits.
• Respond to audit findings and develop corrective action plans in consultation with the Superintendent.
• Monitor implementation of corrective actions.
• Conduct periodic reviews of District financial procedures and internal controls.
• Identify financial risks and recommend appropriate safeguards.

Investments, Debt, and Capital Projects

• Manage or monitor District investments in accordance with applicable law and Board policy.
• Monitor bonded indebtedness, debt-service requirements, and related financial obligations.
• Maintain appropriate records regarding bond proceeds and expenditures.
• Provide financial oversight and reporting for construction and capital improvement projects.
• Coordinate financial matters associated with state partnership projects and other capital programs, when applicable.

Board and Superintendent Support

• Prepare financial reports, analyses, and recommendations for the Superintendent and Board of Education.
• Attend Board meetings and present financial information as requested.
• Explain financial information in a clear and understandable manner to administrators, Board members, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Assist the Superintendent with financial planning and recommendations regarding district operations.
• Provide financial information necessary for informed decision-making.

Business Office Leadership

• Supervise, train, support, and evaluate assigned Business Office personnel.
• Establish clear procedures, timelines, responsibilities, and standards for Business Office operations.
• Provide professional development and cross training to ensure continuity of essential financial functions.
• Promote accuracy, professionalism, confidentiality, customer service, teamwork, and accountability.
• Ensure appropriate backup procedures exist for critical financial operations.

DISTRICT ALIGNMENT AND COLLABORATION

• Align financial planning, resource allocation, and business-office practices with the district’s strategic priorities, instructional goals, board-approved budget, and continuous-improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with the Superintendent, school leaders, Human Resources, Federal Programs, Facilities, and other departments to ensure financial decisions are coordinated, compliant, sustainable, and responsive to student and operational needs.
• Establish consistent districtwide procedures, timelines, and communication protocols for budgeting, purchasing, receipting, reporting, and financial monitoring.
• Use financial and operational data to identify trends, anticipate risks, evaluate resource effectiveness, and recommend timely corrective or strategic actions.
• Promote transparency and accountability by communicating financial expectations, responsibilities, and results clearly to administrators, staff, the Board of Education, and other stakeholders, as appropriate.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties and special assignments as directed by the Superintendent or designee. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field preferred.
• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field is required.
• Current professional accounting or financial credential/licensure, where applicable, is strongly preferred; required credentials and training established by Arkansas law, ADE/DESE, or District policy must be maintained.
• Significant progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, budgeting, business management, or a related field.
• School district or governmental accounting experience strongly preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, certification, and relevant experience may be considered where permitted by District policy and applicable requirements.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• High degree of integrity, accuracy, accountability, discretion, and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze complex financial information, identify discrepancies or risks, solve problems, and make sound recommendations.
• Strong organizational, time-management, written communication, oral communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines, manage competing priorities, and work effectively with limited supervision.
• Ability to lead and supervise staff, develop procedures, provide training, and build effective working relationships with employees, administrators, Board members, auditors, vendors, governmental agencies, and the public.
• Ability to explain financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences.

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Experience with Microsoft Office, Google, and other relevant systems.

PROBLEM SOLVING AND SYSTEMS THINKING

• Understands how various systems and departments interact to achieve district goals.
• Makes decisions using data and offer innovative solutions to challenges.

 

EVALUATION/ PERFORMANCE REVIEW CRITERIA

• The Superintendent of Schools or designee in accordance with applicable law, Board policy, will evaluate performance and the responsibilities established for this position.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work will primarily be in an indoor office environment and requires prolonged use of computers and other office equipment. The employee must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, communicate effectively, and occasionally lift or move office materials up to approximately 20 pounds. District-wide and occasional statewide travel may be required. The position may require extended or irregular hours during budget development, audits, year-end closing, Board meetings, and other critical reporting periods. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or requirements. The Watson Chapel School District reserves the right to modify duties or assign additional responsibilities as District needs require.

 

This job will be posted until filled.