Reporting to the Superintendent, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) leads, directs, oversees and coordinates all aspects of The School District of Philadelphia’s Finance Office which includes the Offices of Budget & Management, the Comptroller, Accounting Services and Audit Coordination, Grants Development & Compliance, and Financial Services which includes Payroll, Risk Management/Worker’s Compensation, Special Finance and the Treasury. The CFO formulates and drives strategic improvements in support of the Superintendent’s Action Plan 3.0. The CFO identifies and analyzes fiscal policy issues, ensures the implementation of an adherence to financial mandate, and oversees the implementation and maintenance of all financial systems. The CFO is a key member of the District’s executive leadership team and leads the financial transformation of the District.

Essential Functions

• Directs and oversees the operational functions of the different areas of accountability, and establishes and monitors areas of responsibility for subordinate employees.
• Coordinates and drives financial and fiscal matters among various financial areas across the organization.
• Ensures the timely and accurate preparation of multiyear financial plans and other documents pertaining to financial projections.
• Provides expert advice on accounting and budgetary matters to the Superintendent and other cabinet members.
• Directs and oversees all revenue and disbursement as well as cash flow and investment activities.
• Ensures the operation and maintenance of automated financial systems.
• Oversees the operation of an integrated financial/payroll system.
• Acts as the chief liaison between the District and external agencies requesting information or conducting audits of a financial nature.
• Makes policy and procedural decisions as they relate to financial operations and develops short-and long-range financial plans which take into consideration current and future needs.
• Represents the Superintendent, as needed, with respect to financial matters.
• Oversees and assumes ultimate accountability for the preparation and accuracy of the annual financial report and budget documents.
• Participates in activities related to the issuance of long- and short-term debt for the District.
• Confers with representatives of private industry, governmental agencies, legal authorities and the public with regard to matters affecting financial services.
• Ensures the provision of a systematic allocation process for District financial resources.
• Makes or participates in presentations to the School Reform Commission; legislators; city, state, and federal officials; and others relative to the District’s financial status and fiscal projections.
• Ensures the protection of the District’s financial interests in negotiation proceedings and all financial matters.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of:

• Handling financial turnaround situations and business transformations.
• The advanced principles, practices, methods and techniques of municipal financial administration to include cash management, budgeting, financial accounting and financial management.
• Budget administration and its application to budgetary objectives and policies.
• The principles of public finance and accounting as applied to the preparation and control of budgets and financial reports.
• Complex financial analyses and techniques with emphasis on variance analysis and forecasting.
• The fundamentals of advanced strategic management and strategy development.
• Effective leadership and supervisory and management techniques.

Demonstrated ability:

• Turn around and improve financial situations
• Formulate and drive strategic business improvements proactively
• Plan and administer technical financial operations involving the coordination of efforts of multiple specialized units
• Analyze financial and statistical data, make appropriate projections, and make or recommend decisions and courses of action as indicated
• Maintain the trust and confidence of constituents
• A proven track record of working across diverse sets of stakeholders and using data to set vision and drive results
• Outstanding critical thinking skills, with demonstrated success in creating strategic processes and systems during a time of tremendous change
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a track record of working collaboratively with staff at all levels to build consensus while also delivering exceptional results
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Flexible, resilient and adaptable to changing priorities
• Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing
• Exceptional executive-level judgment and decision-making skills

Selection Process
Selected candidates will participate in an interview process.  Please note that not all qualified candidates may be selected for an interview. The selected candidate must have no anecdotal record on file and have not been subject to any disciplinary action within the past eighteen (18) months, and have an excellent record of attendance and punctuality during the last three (3) years (defined as no more than eighteen (18) occasions of lateness or absence for personal illness in the last three years (3) years with the exception of one extended long-term absence).

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.