Chief Financial Officer; CFO

Company Description

KIPP Delta Public Schools operates tuition-free, open-enrollment college-preparatory charter schools in the Arkansas Delta, serving over 1,200 students in Helena and Blytheville. Through a rigorous PreK-12 program and an asset-based approach, KIPP empowers students to discover their purpose and expand regional opportunities.

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the senior financial leader for KIPP Delta Public Schools, overseeing all financial strategy, planning, compliance, reporting, and stewardship of district resources. The CFO ensures sound fiscal management aligned with Arkansas DESE requirements, the LEARNS Act, federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), APSRC best practices, and local board policies.

The CFO is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and reports directly to the Executive Director. The CFO leads the Finance Department, providing transparent, timely, and accurate financial information to the Board of Directors, Executive Director, state agencies, auditors, and community stakeholders.

• Serve as the Executive Director’s senior advisor on all fiscal matters, long-range financial planning, and resource allocation.
• Develop multi-year financial models, cash flow projections, and sustainability analyses to ensure the long-term fiscal health of the district.
• Lead annual budget development for all funds (Foundation/SOE, Federal, State Categorical, Food Service, Athletics, Grants, Capital Projects).
• Ensure budgets align with board priorities, academic goals, and compliance requirements.
• Monitor monthly financial performance and identify variances, risks, and corrective actions.

• Oversee all accounting, procurement, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, grants, fixed assets, and financial reporting functions.
• Ensure full compliance with Arkansas DESE Financial Accounting Handbook, APSCN/eFinance coding rules, procurement thresholds, LEARNS Act requirements, ADE Federal Programs, IDEA, NSLP/Child Nutrition, and Uniform Guidance.
• Manage district cash flow, bank accounts, reconciliations, debt obligations, and investment practices.
• Ensure timely submission of all state and federal reports, including:
• DESE Financial Cycle Reports (Cycle 1–9)
  • Annual Financial Report (AFR)
  • Budget Approval & Legal Balance Notifications
  • Indirect cost rate documentation
  • Grants and reimbursement claims (Title, ESSER, IDEA, Child Nutrition, etc.)
• Maintain and improve internal controls, segregation of duties, and fraud-prevention safeguards.

• Serve as primary liaison to external auditors (Legislative Audit and APSRC), submitting all required documentation and responding to findings.
• Address prior-year audit findings and implement corrective-action plans.
• Oversee risk-management programs, insurance, liability protections, and business office policies.
• Manage compliance with federal and state program requirements, including time & effort, procurement, inventory, and allowable cost rules.

• Directly supervise finance staff (accountants, payroll, accounts payable, grants, procurement, and business office support).
• Implement systems that support accuracy, efficiency, and cross-training.
• Provide ongoing training to principals, directors, and budget owners on financial processes and compliance.
• Establish clear performance metrics for finance staff and ensure timely, high-quality customer service to all campuses.

• Prepare monthly and quarterly finance reports for the Board of Directors, including cash positions, YTD performance, grant utilization, and spending projections.
• Present complex financial information to the Executive Director, board committees, and stakeholders in clear, accessible terms.
• Support the Executive Director in developing board resolutions related to finance, procurement, contracts, federal programs, and budget approvals.

• Ensure compliance with Arkansas procurement laws and thresholds (commodities, bids, RFQs, RFPs).
• Review and approve contracts, vendor agreements,…