Chief Financial Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Chief Financial Officer

Reports To: Superintendent

Work Year: 12 Months (Anticipated Start Fall 2026)

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Overview

The School Division Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the chief financial officer for Sussex County Public Schools (SCPS) a small rural district with 3 schools in Sussex County, Virginia. The CFO is supported within the finance department by an Assistant Director of Finance & Federal Programs, an Accounts Payable Specialist, and a Payroll & Benefits Specialist. The School Chief Financial Officer ensures the fiscal integrity, accountability, and transparency of all financial operations within the division. This position oversees the preparation, administration, and monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets; directs accounting, purchasing, and payroll functions; and ensures compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations. The CFO provides fiscal leadership that supports the SCPS Strategic Plan focus area of Efficiency of Operations while maintaining a student-centered, service-oriented approach to financial management.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education :

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Master’s degree in School Finance, Accounting, Business, or related discipline preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.
• School Finance & Operations (SFO) certification preferred.

Experience :

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in governmental or school division financial management required.
• Prior experience in Virginia public school finance operations, budgeting, and compliance strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supervising financial teams and overseeing audits or large-scale budgets.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Expert understanding of GAAP, GASB, and the Virginia Public Procurement Act.
• Proficiency with financial management software (e.g., BAI, Munis, ERP systems, or equivalent).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead with integrity, maintain confidentiality, and model ethical fiscal stewardship.
• Proven ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including County Administration and state agencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Sussex County Public Schools.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, recommend, and administer the annual school division budget in collaboration with the Superintendent and School Board.
• Manage financial forecasting, long-range planning, and cost analyses to ensure alignment with division goals.
• Direct all accounting, purchasing, accounts payable, payroll, and grants management operations in accordance with GAAP and VDOE regulations.
• Oversee and prepare all required state, federal, and local financial reports and audits.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with procurement laws, Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA), and internal control procedures.
• Advise the Superintendent, School Board, and department leaders on fiscal policy, risk management, and financial implications of division initiatives.
• Supervise and evaluate assigned business office staff.
• Collaborate with County Finance officials, auditors, and external partners to ensure accurate and timely financial communication.
• Manage capital improvement planning, grant oversight, and fund accounting for special revenue programs.
• Support department heads and principals in fiscal decision-making through training and regular budget reviews.
• Ensure transparent fiscal reporting and alignment with SCPS strategic priorities for accountability and operational efficiency.
• Oversee all finance department tasks to ensure collaboration, team check-ins, and project timelines are met.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Working Conditions

Primarily office-based with occasional travel to schools, county offices, or meetings. Must be able to work flexible hours during budget preparation, audits, and School Board presentations.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The Sussex County School Board is an equal opportunity employer; as such, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, political affiliation, handicapping condition, or sex in its educational programs or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position or program to which the application has been made.