] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Sorted by job title: A - C | D - H | I - Q | R - Z

Chief Financial Officer

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Chief Financial Officer CODE: 0459 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Chief Financial Officer GRADE: NS MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction, the chief financial officer (CFO) plans, directs, coordinates, and maintains an integrated financial services program to include all fiscal operations and long-range planning activities for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). The CFO is responsible for planning, directing, managing and evaluating all offices and activities under the supervision of the Office of Finance ensuring work aligns and supports the overall strategy of the district. Oversees the development and implementation of the Operating Budget and works collaboratively with the Office of Facilities Management (OFM) in the development and implementation of the Capital Improvement Plan. Ensures effective leadership, planning accountability and management of all Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) financial accounting operations and system investments and related resources. Ensures legal and regulatory compliance with federal, state, local and Board mandates for all accounting and financial reporting functions; establishes financial policies, procedures, controls and reporting systems. Oversees cash management, cost, general accounting, and accounts receivable/collection. Collaborates with staff to support schools with accounting and fiduciary responsibilities. Works closely with other offices and departments to review fiscal data for decision making and monitoring financial activities. Serves as the principal advisor to the Board of Education and superintendent in matters related to all fiscal management and planning activities, including providing financial data and periodic reports to the Board of Education, the superintendent, and agencies, as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of federal, state, local, and Board of Education laws, policies, regulations, and procedures relating to position and financial management and controls. Considerable knowledge of budget and financial management principles, practices, and processes. Familiarity with collective bargaining processes. Demonstrated ability to manage financial operations with responsibility for controlling expenditures and related activities. Considerable knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and GASB concepts and updates. Strong leadership, team and project management skills. Demonstrated ability to analyze, identify, and implement information technology solutions in a complex setting. Considerable knowledge of continuous improvement principles and practices, including customer service. Demonstrated excellent management, strong problem-solving and organizational skills and ability to coordinate activities of several units. Demonstrate excellent oral and written communications and human relations skills.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree required with at least 10 years of recent experience in budgeting and finance; or Master's degree and at least five years of recent experience in budgeting and finance. Experience in the supervision of employees and with demonstrated progressive leadership responsibilities. Familiarity with position budgeting and management within a large public organization and knowledge of evaluation standards for select employee groups. Or any combination of applicable education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Certified Public Accountant certification preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) None.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Ability to work evenings and weekends.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Plans, develops, directs, coordinates, and maintains an integrated financial services program for the Montgomery County Public Schools system which supports the Board of Education's and superintendent's commitment to an integrated financial services program. Serves as the principal advisor to the Board of Education, superintendent, and other executive staff in matters related to all financial services management and planning activities. Provides effective leadership and management for the operations and activities of all offices under the supervision of the Office of Finance. Plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs, and evaluates the organization's employee and retiree services, operating budget, investment, procurement, accounting, investment functions, and performance. Works collaboratively with OFM in the development and implementation of the Capital Improvement Plan. Ensures a sound fiscally responsible program of employee benefits, including life and health insurance, retirement, and pension programs. Develops and monitors comprehensive performance measurement and Continuous Improvement initiatives. Monitors and tracks the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of fiscal data, relative to the operating budget and the capital improvements program. Collaborates with other offices concerning the development and implementation of tools to access and evaluate relevant fiscal data for decision-making and monitoring activities. Implements and directs technical assistance from other offices, and monitors the development and implementation of the Oracle Cloud-based Business Hub. Develops and coordinates a customer services vision and action plan so that employees and vendors are served effectively and efficiently. Assures that the accounting operation of Montgomery County Public Schools is in compliance with state, federal, and local laws, as well as with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Provides leadership in developing, implementing, maintaining accounting and administrative policies and procedures for a wide-ranging set of activities including financial accounting and reporting and make recommendations to the, school superintendent on fiscal policies, principles, and practices. Coordinates with the internal audit staff to identify any problem areas in financial accountability to take corrective action. Working closely with staff and the supervisor of the internal audit unit, provides support to school financial agents and principals in matters involving the Independent Activity funds and the systems and tools used to manage them. Hires, trains, develops and supervises staff effectively in fiscal matters and processes. Evaluates staff based on MCPS standards and competencies. Maintains a working relationship with financial management officials from other agencies, such as the Montgomery County Government, the Maryland State Department of Education, other school districts, and local, state, and federal governments. Benchmarks practices of other government agencies and school systems with Montgomery County Public Schools and recommends improvements. Ensures compliance with federal, state and local legal requirements by researching existing and new legislation, consulting with outside advisors, and filing financial reports. Advises management of actions and potential risks. Reviews federal, state, and local legislation related to fiscal operations for impact on Montgomery County Public Schools. Serves as a member of the superintendent's cabinet and senior leadership team, and performs related responsibilities as required. Understands and applies principles of performance evaluation and professional growth standards for employees. Prepares items for the Board of Education action, discussion, and information relating to the financial matters of the school district. Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Class Established: 4/2021
Date(s) Revised: 6/2024, 9/2024
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.