Description

Position Summary

The Deputy Chief in the Office of Finance and Accounting directs and supervises the financial, accounting and reporting activities of the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). Provides leadership through the direction, administration, development, and maintenance of the district’s accounting principles, practices, and procedures which ensures the accurate posting and management reporting of its fiscal records.  Informs senior management on accounting policies, rules, and reports. Ensures timely and accurate financial services, preventing revenue loss, inaccurate financial statements, and financial issues for employees, contractors, and suppliers. Implements the Corrective Action Plan related to Financial Reporting, meeting audit deadlines, and adhering to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) WUFAR reporting requirements.

The Deputy Chief will function as second in command in absence of the Chief Financial Officer, assist the CFO in leading all finance strategies and initiatives across the division, and work in conjunction with the CFO and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to drive all district-wide programs and initiatives. 

Essential Functions

• Develops and implements financial policies in compliance with laws, Board policies, and regulations at the city, state, and federal levels.
• Ensures that the district's Corrective Action Plan steps related to Finance operations are completed within the timelines and deadlines specified.
• Oversees the preparation and proper submission of all financial statements including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and finance related reports within DPI established deadlines.
• Leads and collaborates the WUFAR(Wisconsin chart of accounts) conversion with CFO and Budget Director and all office of Finance and District key stakeholders.
• Leads proper implementation of and remediation of audit findings from external auditors and from internal audit within District and prepares reports to the Board of audit finding remediation steps.
• Ensures the district’s financial system is compliant and integrated with the DPI's Wisedata financial reporting system.
• Ensures and maintains a sound and effective internal control environment in order to safeguard the district’s financial assets by monitoring all internal controls with the aid of the management team reporting to the Comptroller.   
• Administers and monitors the financial system to ensure accurate and timely financial records.
• Reviews, updates, and implements changes to MPS financial and accounting policies and procedures to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of accounting operations.
• Leads and directs the department, reviews position responsibilities, plans division goals, and ensures standard operating procedures are in place. Maintains adequate staffing and ensures the production of high-quality work products within tight timelines by effectively prioritizing tasks and scheduling staff to meet demands.
• Coordinates overall accounting activities, sets, interprets, and implements policies, and directs all accounting transactions and recordkeeping which includes payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable to ensure complete and accurate records of all monies paid and received, as well as compliance with governmental reporting requirements.
• Develops and presents management and analysis reports including variance analyses, cash position, monthly revenues and expenditures in collaboration with Budget director to summarize the financial position of the district and communicates this with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely and transparent financial information of the District.
• Supports the Board of School Directors and district administration in policy formulation and development of accounting and fiscal procedures.
• Stays current on changes in accounting pronouncements, practices, trends, and state and federal regulations, and keeps the district informed of these updates to ensure compliance and effective financial management.
• Actively supports and coaches management and their teams for staff development, continuous improvement, and more timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Actively supports the MPS Strategic Plan.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting or Finance or a closely related field is required, a master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is highly preferred. Those without a CPA must receive it within 18 months upon hire. A School Business Administrator (DPI #5008) and/or CPFO (Certified Public Finance Officer) is highly preferred. 
• Minimum of ten years of experience in Finance, Accounting, Budgeting, Business, Research or closely related field. 
• Previous experience working with senior level management is required with a successful track record of managing a team of financial experts. 
• Government experience preferred.