Finance Executive Director for Gainesville School System

Position: Finance Executive Director for the Gainesville City School System for the 2026-2027 School Year

Finance Executive Director for the Gainesville City School System for the  School Year

Join the Gainesville City Schools team in leading all financial and business affairs for the district. The Finance Executive Director reports directly to the Superintendent and will coordinate budgeting, accounting, finance, auditing, payroll, cash management, capital outlay, fixed assets, and high‑risk inventory for the system.

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Superintendent, the Finance Executive Director directs all financial services and establishes a proactive framework that supports delivery of these services to schools, departments, and other stakeholders. The role defines and maintains policies, ensures compliance with state and federal regulations, and provides financial insight to the Board of Education and the Superintendent.

Essential Functions (Key Responsibilities)

• Oversee all school system funds in accordance with applicable laws.
• Supervise all activities of the Financial Services Team.
• Lead the financial planning and budgeting for the school system.
• Provide recommendations and critical information to the Superintendent and Board of Education.
• Develop and present monthly financial reports to the Board.
• Verify receipt and disbursement of all funds authorized by law or the Board.
• Participate in the annual district strategic plan and in the planning of facilities projects.
• Collaborate with bond counsel, attorneys, and underwriters on bond and referendum matters.
• Recommend best practices, implement and update policies and procedures.
• Direct the annual budget development and any necessary amendments.
• Develop goals and objectives in partnership with directors, schools, and department administrators.
• Manage budget monitoring, monitor revenues and expenditures, and oversee daily cash flow.
• Direct payroll processing, reporting, and distribution.
• Approve requisitions, budget amendments, journal entries, and other daily financial actions.
• Use strategic decision‑making and problem‑solving tools for financial planning and service delivery.
• Provide timely state, federal, and local financial reports to the system.
• Identify and act on improvement opportunities.
• Maintain internal auditing programs and provide audit information as required.
• Ensure compliance with all required reporting obligations.
• Oversee fixed‑assets and property‑control systems.
• Keep the Superintendent, Board, and administrators informed of legal and regulatory changes.
• Act as a designee for the Superintendent regarding financial matters when needed.
• Notify the Board and Superintendent in writing about non‑routine or non‑compliant transactions.
• Be bonded as required by law.
• Serve on the Superintendent’s Cabinet and attend Board of Education meetings.

Additional Responsibilities

• Serve on school‑system, state, or community committees as assigned.
• Attend training, conferences, and workshops to stay current on best practices.
• Participate in system‑wide activities and in‑service programs as required.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Superintendent.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Licensed Certified Public Accountant preferred.

Experience

• Supervisory experience in an accounting department required.
• Experience in public‑school district accounting (fund accounting) preferred.
• Other relevant experience deemed appropriate by Gainesville City Schools.

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

• In‑depth knowledge of Georgia accounting procedures for school systems.
• Strong decision‑making and budgeting skills with proven performance.
• Ability to design and implement a strategic plan for the Financial Services Department.
• Leadership, organizational, and supervisory abilities.
• Capacity to build positive professional relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Equipment, Travel and Physical Demands

• Uses standard office equipment (PC, printer, copier, fax, telephone).
• Travels to district buildings and meetings as required.
• Routine office‑setting physical demands; ability to lift up to 20 lb occasionally and 10 lb frequently.

Required Duties and Responsibilities

The employee must perform all essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be no only when necessary to enable persons with disabilities to perform the job. The incumbent will adhere to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission’s Code of Ethics for Educators and all relevant policies. A criminal history check is required for all employees.

Equal Opportunity

The Gainesville City School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services, or activities.

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