Executive Director of Finance

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

The Executive Director of Finance serves as Mesa Public Schools leader for all financial planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, and fiscal compliance activities. The Executive Director of Finance provides strategic direction for the vision, mission, goals, and continuous improvement of the district’s finance department while ensuring sound stewardship of public funds.

Reporting to the Chief Business Officer, the Executive Director of Finance oversees finance staff, supervises the preparation of the annual budget and financial reports, ensures compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and accounting standards and supports transparent financial decision‑making across the district. Through proactive planning, strong data analysis, and effective financial controls, the Executive Director of Finance ensures the district’s long‑term financial sustainability and operational effectiveness.

In support of Mesa Public Schools, the Executive Director of Finance is committed to aligning fiscal leadership with the district’s strategic goals, vision, and promise.

Executive-Level I, Full‑time

$135,000 - $164,700

Years of administrative experience and education considered

Vacation, sick leave, holidays, matched retirement through the Arizona State Retirement System, health, and life insurance

Available annually

Administrative Exempt, 12‑month position

Chief Business Officer

• Leads the development of the annual budget and annual financial report, including long‑range financial planning, ensuring strategic alignment of resources with district priorities and long‑term sustainability.
• Supervises all financial‐related personnel including accounting, payroll, Federal & State grants, accounts payable, student activities, and risk management.
• Identifies current and future requirements for financial resources and participates in the development of short‑ and long‑range financial plans and forecasts to meet these needs (fund balances, fund analysis).
• Leads continuous improvement of financial systems, internal controls, and business processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery.
• Provides sound and effective management of available funds, including timely investment of idle funds in accordance with all legal requirements and district policies.
• Provides timely financial information and reports to the governing board and district administrators.
• Attends various district and committee meetings relating to the district’s finances; compiles data for negotiations with employee groups for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions (GFOA, ASBO, EMMA, Federal Clearinghouse filings).
• Prepares financial statements and footnotes in compliance with the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB).
• Provides oversight needed for district audits and reports findings to governing board and administration for the purpose of providing required fiscal guidance and support needed for compliance.
• Compiles data from a wide variety of sources (e.g., staff, public agencies, school districts, etc.) for the purpose of analyzing issues, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures, and/or monitoring program components.
• Oversees district‑wide internal controls and fraud prevention practices.
• Supports financial transparency for the governing board, public, and community.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field
• Minimum five years of financial management level experience
• School district finance experience

• Master’s degree in accounting, finance or related field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Ten years of management experience

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications for this…