Chief Financial Officer

Position: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Supports: Heads of Schools, Chiefs, Principals, Network Support Team, and Board of Directors

LEAD Public Schools, a nonprofit charter management organization in Nashville, Tennessee, is building a network of public charter schools with the goal of doubling the college readiness rate of low-income students in Davidson County. All positions at LEAD Public Schools require a deeply held belief in the ability of all people to achieve at very high levels, with regularly demonstrated thoughts and actions in support of our mission: supporting, training, and educating the next generation of responsible citizens.

Scope of Responsibility

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides strategic leadership and executive oversight of all financial operations for LEAD Public Schools and its affiliated entities. This includes financial planning and analysis, accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, cash management, procurement, vendor relations, capital planning, and long-term financial sustainability. The CFO is responsible for ensuring sound fiscal management, regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and the effective stewardship of organizational resources in support of LEAD's mission and strategic priorities.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CFO serves as a strategic advisor to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors, providing financial insights, risk assessments, and data-informed recommendations that guide organizational decision-making. The CFO establishes and maintains effective financial policies, internal controls, systems, and procedures that promote transparency, accountability, and alignment across network and school-level operations.

Working collaboratively with executive leaders, school leadership, and the Board's Finance Committee, the CFO leads long-term financial planning, evaluates strategic investments and financing opportunities, and supports facilities planning, development, and organizational growth. Through strong financial leadership and cross-functional collaboration, the CFO ensures LEAD Public Schools maintains the financial stability, operational capacity, and resources necessary to deliver exceptional educational opportunities for students.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesFinancial Oversight

• Provide executive leadership and oversight of all financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity, financial sustainability, and alignment with LEAD Public Schools' mission and strategic priorities.

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of annual operating budgets for schools and the network office, including capital expenditures, long-term financial projections, and multiyear financial planning.

• Oversee accounting operations to ensure the timely and accurate preparation of monthly financial statements, financial dashboards, budget-to-actual analyses, and financial performance reports.

• Establish and maintain effective internal controls, financial management systems, and accountability measures to safeguard organizational assets and ensure responsible stewardship of resources.

• Monitor financial performance, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and recommend proactive strategies to strengthen operational efficiency and long-term financial health.

• Present financial reports, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, Heads of Schools, and Board Finance Committee.

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Serve as a strategic financial advisor to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors, providing data-informed recommendations to support organizational priorities and decision-making.

• Lead long-term financial planning and modeling to evaluate organizational growth, resource allocation, capital investments, and financial sustainability.

• Collaborate with executive and school leaders to align financial resources with academic priorities, operational needs, and strategic initiatives.

• Evaluate financial opportunities and risks associated with facilities expansion, financing arrangements, major investments, and other organizational initiatives.

• Partner with development leadership to support grant proposals, financial reporting, donor accountability, and the fiscal management of restricted funding.

Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable federal and Tennessee laws and regulations, public charter school financial requirements, and grant funding conditions.

• Oversee annual financial audits, required tax filings, regulatory reporting, and other financial compliance obligations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and appropriate corrective action when necessary.

• Maintain comprehensive financial policies, procedures, and internal controls that promote transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance.

• Direct cash flow management, multiyear cash projections, and oversight of restricted and designated funds to ensure sufficient liquidity and responsible financial stewardship.

• Manage banking, lending, insurance, and other financial relationships to protect organizational interests and support financial stability.

• Oversee financial reporting and compliance associated with federal and state grants, including allowable expenditures, documentation, reimbursement requests, and applicable fiscal requirements.

Operations and Administration

• Provide financial oversight of payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing, appropriate financial controls, and compliance with applicable reporting requirements.

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve financial policies, procedures, systems, and operational practices to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and accountability.

• Oversee procurement, financial aspects of contract administration, and vendor relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and responsible use of organizational resources.

• Collaborate with operational leaders on facilities planning, lease agreements, capital expenditures, and other significant financial commitments.

• Leverage financial technology, reporting systems, and process improvements to strengthen organizational effectiveness and support informed decision-making.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, supervise, coach, and develop finance team members, establishing clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and opportunities for professional growth.

• Build a high-performing finance function characterized by accuracy, responsiveness, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Provide financial leadership and guidance to cross-functional teams, strengthening fiscal accountability and financial decision-making throughout the organization.

• Partner with executive leadership to assess organizational needs, strengthen financial management capacity, and ensure financial operations effectively support schools and network departments.

Customer Service and Collaboration

• Foster a service-oriented finance function that provides timely, accurate, and solutions-focused support to school leaders, network departments, and other stakeholders.