Ankeny Community School District (CSD) is renowned for its excellence across academics, athletics, the arts, and various activities. Situated in central Iowa, just 6 miles from Des Moines, Ankeny CSD serves over 12,800 students from preschool through 12th grade, making it the 7th largest district in the state. With a strong reputation for its commitment to student success and a competitive salary and benefits package, Ankeny CSD is a standout choice for both educators and families seeking a high-quality educational environment.

 

JDE: 2.01

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

Purpose Statement

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the overall financial management of the school district, ensuring the efficient and effective use of resources to support educational goals. This executive position oversees budgeting, financial planning, accounting, investment, and financial reporting. The CFO collaborates with the Superintendent, School Board, and other stakeholders to ensure financial stability and transparency while promoting fiscal responsibility and strategic growth.

 

 

Job Title:  Chief Financial Officer

Salary Grade:  Grade 23

Benefit Summary: A

Reports To:  Superintendent of Schools

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience:
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in financial management, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in the public sector or educational finance is preferred.
• State of Iowa SBO certification or willingness to obtain within two years of hire.

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CFA) preferred.

• Skills:

• Strong financial analysis and planning skills.
• Proficiency in financial software and systems.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to think strategically and solve complex financial problems.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Experience with Powerschool Efinance +, preferred

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

 

 

Essential Functions

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

• Financial Planning and Budgeting:

• Develop and manage the district’s budget, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and educational priorities.
• Forecast financial trends and provide recommendations to the Superintendent and School Board.
• Design, establish, and maintain fund accounting systems for all funds and schools with adequate internal controls to properly record financial transactions in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principals (GAAP).
• Prepare and present financial reports, including budgets, forecasts, and financial analyses.

 

• Accounting and Financial Reporting:

• Oversee business services, including budget development, line item budget construction, general ledger, accounts payables and receivables, payroll, travel, grants management, construction accounting, workers compensation and unemployment costs, risk management and, fixed assets. 
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Manage annual audits and work with external auditors to ensure compliance and transparency.
• Supervise the annual audit and maintain appropriate relationships with external auditors.

 

• Investment and Cash Management:

• Develop and implement investment strategies to maximize returns on district funds.
• Manage cash flow and liquidity to ensure sufficient funds for operational needs.
• Oversee financial risk management and insurance programs.

 

• Compliance and Governance:

• Perform duties and responsibilities associated with the Treasurer to the Board of Education as defined by Iowa law. 
• Effectively collaborate  and assist with the creation and evaluation of bid procedures and contract management. 
• Effectively collaborate and coordinate with appropriate district personnel in developing and monitoring short and long range facility plans, including the responsibility of site/land acquisition and collecting, analyzing, and evaluating requested data.
• Ensure adherence to financial policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Stay current with changes in financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Provide guidance on financial implications of policy decisions and strategic initiatives.

 

• Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with district leadership to develop long-term financial strategies and goals.
• Analyze financial data to support decision-making and strategic planning.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and financial efficiency.

 

• Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of professional development and accountability.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management of finance staff.
• Promote effective communication and collaboration within the finance department and across the district.

 

• Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Communicate financial information and updates to the School Board, parents, and community stakeholders.
• Prepare presentations and reports for Board meetings and public forums.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with financial institutions, vendors, and other external partners.

 

Other Related Job Functions 

• Serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, recommending, developing, and evaluating procedures for fiscally responsible operations within the district.
• Proactively educate the Board and Superintendent on economic trends, legislative issues, and government regulations that could impact the district’s financial policies, procedures, and operations by networking, attending meetings and conferences, and reading publications.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders(e.g. other administrators, district staff, public agencies, community members, etc.) for implementing and/or maintaining services and programs.
• Facilitate meetings, workshops, professional development and training, etc. (e.g. regulatory requirements, community or outside agencies, interdepartmental needs, etc.) for identifying issues, developing recommendations, supporting other staff, and serving as a District representative.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Facilitates and oversees committee meetings, as assigned.
• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to work without close supervision.
• Demonstrates integrity and maintains confidentiality.
• Works well with others, maintaining positive and effective communication with district personnel and works well with others on jobs that require more than one person.
• Is respectful and appropriately interacts with staff, students, and visitors.
• Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the Ankeny Community School District safety program.
• Supports the goals and objectives of the school district and follows all district policies.
• Demonstrates the ability to attend work on a regular and routine basis to avoid disruption to District operations.
• Perform all duties in a safe manner to avoid injury to oneself and/or others.
• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned, for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:
• Understanding of school finance laws, regulations, and policies at local, state, and federal levels, including funding formulas, grants, and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of budget development, financial forecasting, and resource allocation tailored to the needs of a school district.
• In-depth knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and governmental accounting standards (GASB) specific to public education.
• Familiarity with risk management, including insurance, liability, and financial risk assessment relevant to a school district.
• Understanding of procurement processes, contract negotiations, and vendor management within the public sector.
• Knowledge of state and federal funding mechanisms, grants management, and financial reporting specific to educational institutions.
• Understanding of payroll, benefits administration, and pension systems within the context of public education.

 

• Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: 
• Skill in developing and implementing long-term financial plans that align with the district’s strategic goals.
• Strong leadership skills to manage the business office, foster collaboration, and guide the district’s financial direction.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey financial information to diverse stakeholders, including the school board, administrators, and the public.
• Skill in identifying financial challenges and developing innovative solutions to address them.
• Proficiency in financial software, spreadsheets, and other technology tools used in modern financial management.
• Skill in making informed, data-driven decisions under pressure, particularly in times of financial constraint or uncertainty.

 

• Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: 
• Ability to think critically and analyze financial trends, risks, and opportunities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in financial reporting and compliance.
• Ability to adapt to changing financial environments, regulations, and district needs.
• Strong sense of ethics and integrity in handling financial matters, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other administrators, educators, and board members to achieve financial and educational goals.
• Ability to optimize financial resources, identify alternative funding sources, and maximize the impact of available funds.
• Capacity to inspire and lead the business office, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ability to align financial strategies with the district’s educational mission and vision, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

Working Environment 

 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

The usual and customary methods of performing the position functions require the following physical demands:  significant lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, reaching, driving, standing and walking. Working conditions may include extreme temperatures and humidity.  Hazards may include exposure to communicable diseases. This position requires one to maintain emotional control under stress. 

 

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working independently under broad organizational guidelines to achieve unit objectives; directing other persons within a department, large work unit, and/or across several small work units; directing the use of budgeted funds within a work unit; utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job’s functions.  There is a continual opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

 

Supervision

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Is responsible for the overall direction, management, coordination, and evaluation of employees as assigned. 

 

Terms of Employment

Work year established by the Superintendent.

 

Clearances

Background Clearance

 

Evaluation

Job performance will be evaluated annually, as per district policies and procedures

 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

 

Approved by:     Justin Mohr                                      Date: August 9th, 2024

 

Ankeny Community School District is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  It is the policy of the District to provide equal employment opportunities and not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, age or marital status in its employment and personnel practices.  The job categories where the representative groups are underrepresented.