Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

OVERVIEW

The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for all fiscal affairs of the school system, including the state,
federal, and local funds, the enterprise funds, and capital operations. The Chief Financial Officer shall install
and maintain an integrated system to plan fiscal operations to ensure sound decisions, accountability, and
transparency.

This legislatively required position, per G.S.115C-435, must be able to interpret and follow fiscal
regulations prescribed by the North Carolina General Statutes, State Board of Education, federal agencies,
the Local Government Commission, and other funding entities. This position is the financial leader of the
school district and is required to have comprehensive accounting knowledge including the ability to
interpret and implement new accounting standards, per the Governmental Accounting Standards Board
(“GASB”). This position is a critical component of the school district's leadership team.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:
• Provides district leadership, the local board of education, building-level administrators, and others
with appropriate guidance, policies, and procedures related to financial matters.
• Prepares and maintains the school district annual budget; analyzes and costs the local boards and
local Superintendent’s initiatives and ensures appropriate and allowable funding sources.
Manages all activity for a balanced budget that is in compliance with the School Budget and Fiscal
Control Act.

• Analyzes various financial, personnel, and student data and records for leadership decision-
making. These analyses are used in preparation of reports as required for submission to local,

state, federal oversight agencies and/or Superintendent and board.
• Maintains a payroll system in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, including
the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Internal Revenue Service Code, as well as procedures related
to salary and absence data required by the State Board of Education.
• Oversight of the school system purchasing and contract procedures to ensure compliance with
local, state, and federal policies.

In compliance with federal law, Rutherford County Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color,
national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or military service in its policies, programs, activities, admissions, or employment.
• Ensures compliance with the federal funding expenditures to ensure compliance of federal
regulations including Uniform Grant Guidance and specific grant requirements.
• Maintains the general ledger system, including adjusting journal entries, budget adjustments,
chart of account maintenance, and reconciliation of general ledger accounts to ensure accurate
account balances and adherence to general accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Utilizes a
complex chart of accounts and recognizes and researches appropriateness of accounts codes on
payroll expenditures, payroll collections, and non-salary expenditures and determines required
steps for resolution.
• Responsible for the year-end financial statements for the annual independent audit and the school
system's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report ("ACFR"). Provides auditors (independent, state
and/or federal) all required reconciliations and other client prepared materials. Maintains all
system-wide bank accounts and ensures timely and accurate reconciliation of all bank and balance
sheet accounts.
• Ensures the quality of fiscal operations at the individual schools through periodic audit reviews of
fiscal records and ensures corrective action is taken, as necessary.
• Completes other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants for the position must demonstrate at least five years of professional experience in finance
operations combined with one of the following:
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a minimum of 15
semester hours in accounting, or
• A licensed Certified Public Accountant.
• Certified by the State Board of Education as an LEA school finance officer prior to July 1, 2023.
Applicants who demonstrate previous professional experience in school finance operations are strongly
preferred.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The Chief Financial Officer demonstrates:
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of school finance operations.
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, policies, and regulations governing school
finance operations.
• Thorough knowledge of ethical guidelines and professional standards of conduct.
• Thorough knowledge of administrative, managerial, and supervisory practices and techniques
related to school finance programs, services, and activities.
• Thorough knowledge of methods and procedures for business writing.
• The ability to clearly analyze and convey complex information.

• The ability to record and deliver information, explain complex procedures, and follow oral and
written instructions.
• The ability to create and sustain effective working relationships with colleagues and members of
the general public.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

This full-time position is not subject to an employment contract and observes a 12-month employment
calendar. The position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Compensation for the position is made in accordance with the State salary schedule, plus an applicable
local supplement. The position qualifies for standard full-time employment benefits.
Interested candidates should submit a completed application for employment online at www.rcsnc.org. A
cover letter and current resume must accompany the online employment application. Questions about the
position should be directed to Dr. David M. Sutton, Superintendent, at [email protected].