School Finance Program Manager - Non-Classified

Department Information

This position is not part of the classified personnel system; applications are accepted from Residents and Non‑Residents of Colorado. The incumbent will be required to live in Colorado and complete work for CDE within the state.

This role supports Colorado’s school districts and charter schools in a fiscal and operational manner, ensuring the long‑term fiscal viability of the K‑12 system. Under the direction of the Executive Director of School Finance, the position primarily assists districts with high‑level budgeting and accounting and provides expert advice on internal financial operations. The candidate will create and implement a training program aimed at building the capacity of district financial leaders and serve as the main point of contact for all matters related to district financial operations and policies.

The role is based in Colorado but not required to be in Denver.

• Develop, implement, and deliver training and technical assistance on school finance, financial monitoring, budgeting, reporting, and accounting.
• Develop and deliver the annual new business manager training.
• Provide large‑group, small‑group, and individualized professional development and mentoring to district finance staff.
• Create tools and processes that streamline budget development, audit preparation, and financial reporting for districts.
• Prepare and deliver content, as needed, for the Financial Policies and Procedures Advisory Committee.
• Present at conferences and meetings on school finance and district financial policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with the governmental auditing community in Colorado to ensure two‑way communication, problem‑solving regarding school district audits.
• Research, identify, and recommend necessary implementation for compliance with GASB and GAAP financial reporting requirements.
• Recommend and implement updates to the Chart of Accounts and Financial Policies and Procedures Handbook.
• Contribute to internal policy and process improvement, and to the development of procedures related to school finance.
• Maintain focus on developing the most efficient, effective, and timely processes necessary for the department and schools to implement the Public School Finance Formula.
• Collaborate closely with other units at CDE regarding the implementation of school finance.

• Provide program management support and facilitate the FOCUS Framework for Charter Schools Program, including communication with participants, review of training content related to facility and financial oversight, and integration of school finance requirements into program materials.
• Manage and staff the Charter School Facility Finance Advisory Board, including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, facilitating feedback on course development, and supporting continuous program improvement.
• Ensure strong communication and coordination between the Advisory Board, program vendors, the School Finance Unit, and the Director of Charter Schools.
• Maintain records, track program progress, and support reporting needs related to the certification program.

Ten (10) years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience:

• Professional experience in Accounting/Finance, preferably at a Colorado school district.
• Experience advising school district leadership on financial matters.
• Experience mentoring and training finance professionals.
• Experience in a district leadership role, preferably as a business manager or chief financial officer.
• Experience coordinating fiscal policies between district leadership and elected officials and boards of education.
• Experience in a cabinet or leadership position within a Colorado school district.
• At least eight (8) years of experience working with the finance systems of a school district.

A bachelor’s degree substitutes for four (4) years of the required experience, requiring the remaining six (6) years of professional experience as listed above.

• Working knowledge of Colorado Revised…