Chief Financial Officer/Controller at Career Academy of South Bend, Inc. – South Bend, Indiana

Job Title: Chief Financial Officer/Controller

Job Classification: District Leadership

Reports to: Board President

Work Schedule: Calendar Year

General Description:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the senior financial leader for Career Academy Network of Public Schools (CANoPS) and is responsible for the overall financial strategy, planning, and fiscal integrity of the organization. The CFO oversees all aspects of finance, accounting, budgeting, performance management, procurement, grants management, and financial compliance to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds. This role is a key member of the executive leadership team and provides strategic financial guidance to the CEO, Superintendent, Board of Directors, and senior leadership.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Prior experience in a public school district, charter school network, or nonprofit organization strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• Experience in analyzing and enhancing business processes to reduce cost and increase operational efficiency.
• Demonstrated experience with public-sector accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local funding regulations, including grant compliance.
• Experience presenting financial information to executive leadership and governing boards.
• CPA or similar professional certification preferred.

Primary Responsibilities:

Executive & Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a long-term financial strategy aligned with organizational goals and Indiana charter school requirements.
• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and strategic advisor to the CEO.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support decision-making and organizational growth.
• Support Board reporting, audits, and financial presentations as needed.

Financial Management & Budgeting

• Provide executive oversight of finance, accounting, budgeting, procurement, and grants management across the network.
• Oversee the development, management, and monitoring of the annual operating , key performance metrics, and capital budgets.
• Ensure accurate forecasting, cash flow management, and financial planning.
• Monitor financial performance and identify risks, trends, and opportunities.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of public funds and organizational resources.

Accounting, Compliance, Audits & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and purchasing.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including Indiana Department of Education requirements.
• Lead and oversee all internal and external audits, including annual financial audits, grant audits, and compliance reviews.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors and regulatory agencies, ensuring timely responses and resolution of findings.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to leadership, authorizers, and other stakeholders.

Operations & Internal Controls

• Establish and maintain strong internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee financial systems and processes to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and transparency.
• Collaborate with Operations and School Leadership to support day-to-day financial needs.
• Oversee contracts, vendor payments, and financial risk management.

Team Leadership & Vendor Oversight

• Lead, mentor, and evaluate finance and accounting staff.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, auditors, banks, and financial consultants.
• Ensure financial initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulations.

Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with School Leadership.
• Support financial planning related to staffing, enrollment projections, break-even calculations and program expansion.
• Provide training and guidance to school leaders on budgeting and financial best practices.

School Activities:

• Attend Board of Directors meetings and present financial reports and recommendations.
• Participate in executive leadership meetings, strategic planning sessions, and school-based meetings as needed to support operational alignment.
• Collaborate with school leaders to ensure financial decisions support student success.
• Represent the organization in financial discussions with authorizers, auditors, and community partners.

Essential Skills and Abilities:

• Strong strategic thinking and financial leadership skills.
• Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting, and financial analysis.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, supervisory, and team development skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced educational environment.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Career Academy Network of Public Schools.
• Must demonstrate foundational professionalism, including consistent attendance, punctuality, adherence to school policies and procedures, and strong employability skills. These are considered essential, non-negotiable expectations of the role.

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on student success and educational outcomes.
• Collaborative, mission-driven work environment.
• Professional development and ongoing learning opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• The chance to contribute to an organization committed to excellence in education.
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• We are an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Our Core Values:

• Put Students First – Students are at the center of every decision.
• Embrace Entrepreneurship and Innovation – We seek creative solutions and new ideas.
• Extend Trust and Show Mutual Respect – Every voice matters, and we build trust daily.
• Enjoy Life – We bring positivity and joy to our work while maintaining balance.
• Work Together as a Team – We collaborate, support, and achieve more together.