CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER

Are you ready to lead the business strategy behind a school district's success?

Bellflower Unified is looking for its next Chief Business Officer to direct fiscal strategy, operations, and risk management in support of every student.

Under administrative direction, provides executive leadership and strategic oversight of the District's fiscal, business, and operational services, including facilities, maintenance and operations, transportation, technology, and food services, and risk management functions, exercised through subordinate director-level classifications, in support of District programs, goals, and fiscal solvency.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Chief Business Officer classification is characterized by its District-wide administrative responsibility for the fiscal integrity and operational infrastructure of the District, exercised through subordinate director-level classifications and with delegated authority.

It is distinguished from the Superintendent in that the Superintendent maintains responsibility for the District's entire educational program and overall organizational performance.

It is further distinguished from the director-level classifications reporting to it, including the Director of Fiscal Services, the Director of Maintenance, Operations and Transportation, the Director of Technology, and the Director of Food Services, in that each director is accountable for a single assigned functional area, while the Chief Business Officer integrates fiscal, business, and operational functions across the District, allocates resources among them, and holds final administrative accountability for their combined performance.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the Superintendent and serves on the Superintendent's Executive Cabinet. Supervises managerial, professional, technical, and clerical staff through subordinate directors, including the Director of Fiscal Services, the Director of Maintenance, Operations and Transportation, the Director of Technology, and the Director of Food Services.

Examples of Duties

• Directs the District's fiscal, business, and operational services, aligning departmental goals, staffing, and resources with District-wide priorities and performance objectives.
• Directs and evaluates the performance of subordinate directors and assigned managerial staff; establishes goals, performance expectations, and accountability measures for assigned functions; interviews and selects employees; recommends disciplinary actions; and arranges for training and development of subordinates.
• Advises the Superintendent regarding use of resources, priorities, program opportunities, and methods to enhance the delivery of programs and support services; serves as the Superintendent's designee for assigned fiscal, business, and operational matters.
• Directs financial and strategic planning, budget development, and fund allocation, including fiscal alignment of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) with Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) requirements; conducts financial and statistical studies to project, upgrade, or evaluate programs and services.
• Directs the preparation and certification of the annual budget, interim financial reports, and multiyear financial projections in accordance with state fiscal accountability and oversight requirements; oversees attendance and enrollment reporting to ensure accuracy of apportionment claims; and prepares required public disclosures of the costs of collective bargaining agreements.
• Directs enrollment forecasting and long-range fiscal planning; analyzes the fiscal impact of enrollment, attendance, and revenue trends and the encroachment of restricted programs on unrestricted resources; and develops resource allocation, expenditure reduction, and organizational realignment strategies to maintain long-term fiscal solvency.
• Directs District fiscal services, including fiscal reporting, revenue collection and disbursement functions, cash management and cash flow projection, accounting, payroll and retirement systems and records, categorical and grant program fiscal compliance, auditing programs, and warrant issuance and commercial claims processing in accordance with County financial reporting and compliance requirements.
• Directs the annual independent audit, including preparation of financial statements, response to audit findings, and implementation of corrective actions; oversees associated student body, student activity, and other agency fund accounting and control.
• Directs the administration, implementation, and conversion of the District's enterprise resource planning (ERP) and integrated financial, budget, payroll, and human capital management systems, including coordination with the County Office of Education on countywide system requirements, conversion schedules, and reporting standards.
• Establishes and oversees systems of internal control across assigned functions; evaluates adherence to statutory requirements, legal mandates, and District regulatory protocols.
• Directs facilities master planning and capital programs, including needs assessment, project prioritization, capital improvement, construction, and modernization projects aligned with District enrollment and budgetary priorities.
• Directs capital and long-term financing, including general obligation bond programs, debt issuance and administration, developer fees, and state facilities funding applications; oversees expenditure tracking, performance and financial audits, and support to the citizens' bond oversight committee.
• Directs the management of District real property, including surplus property evaluation and disposition, joint-use and lease agreements, and property-related revenue, in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Directs the District's operational services, including maintenance and operations services; pupil transportation services; information technology services, including infrastructure, enterprise systems, and data security; and food services, including operations, fund solvency, and compliance with state and federal child nutrition requirements.
• Directs the District's contract administration and purchasing services, including competitive bidding, review, negotiation, and approval of contracts and agreements, vendor administration, warehouse and distribution operations, and inventory control, ensuring compliance with public contracting laws and Board policy.
• Directs the District's risk management program, including property, liability, and workers' compensation coverage and claims administration; evaluates and recommends insurance and self-insurance strategies; coordinates with third-party administrators, legal counsel, and joint powers authorities; and monitors claims experience, reserves, and loss trends to protect District assets and minimize financial exposure.
• Oversees District loss prevention and occupational safety programs, including the Injury and Illness Prevention Program, safety training, and compliance with Cal/OSHA and environmental regulatory requirements.
• Reports to the Board of Education on District fiscal, business, and operational matters, including the annual budget, budget status, and program performance.
• Participates in District collective bargaining and advises on the fiscal impacts of proposals.
• Represents the District with the County Office of Education, other public agencies and commissions, joint powers authorities, professional associations, and community groups; responds to inquiries and escalations related to audits and reporting; and makes presentations relating to school business and financial management.
• Performs related duties as assigned

Knowledge And Abilities

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of public administration, executive leadership, organizational management, and strategic planning
• Public sector finance, budgeting, accounting, procurement, contracts, and resource management
• Enrollment forecasting, demographic analysis, and long-range fiscal planning, including expenditure reduction and resource realignment strategies
• Financial and statistical record-keeping techniques and internal control systems
• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and integrated financial, budget, payroll, and human capital management systems, including implementation, conversion, data conversion and integrity, and end-user training practices
• Facilities planning, capital projects, and construction and modernization funding, including bonds, federal special funding programs, and grants
• Principles and practices of facilities maintenance and operations, pupil transportation, information technology, and food services administration
• Principles and practices of risk management, including property, liability, and workers' compensation programs, claims administration, self-insurance and joint powers authority participation, loss prevention, and occupational safety programs
• Principles and practices of collective bargaining, labor relations, and human resources administration
• Principles and practices of supervision, staff development, and performance management, including direction exercised through subordinate management staff
• Modern office practices and procedures, including enterprise software, infrastructure management, and cybersecurity practices
• Governmental accounting standards, the California School Accounting Manual, and the Standardized Account Code Structure (SACS)
• Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) apportionment, Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) fiscal requirements, and categorical and restricted funding compliance
• Fundamental concepts of employment laws, codes, and regulations, including EEO, FLSA, FMLA, and Cal/OSHA and applicable provisions of collective bargaining agreements

Ability To

• Plan, direct, and integrate complex business, operational, and financial planning, budgeting, and District programs.
• Manage organizational change and design organizational structures to maximize the effectiveness of District operations.
• Direct the implementation and conversion of enterprise financial and human capital management systems, including planning, resource allocation, staff training, and change management.
• Direct multiple functional areas through subordinate management staff and hold them accountable for results.
• Plan, track, and evaluate projects to ensure timely completion and alignment with long-range District objectives.
• Analyze, interpret, and prepare financial statements, forecasts, and reports.
• Analyze demographic, enrollment, and revenue trends and develop long-range plans to sustain fiscal solvency.
• Evaluate organizational risk exposure and recommend insurance, self-insurance, and loss prevention strategies to protect District assets.
• Prepare and present complex information and recommendations to District administration, the Board of Education, and external stakeholders.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and training to a diverse workforce; guide and motivate others toward common goals.
• Resolve conflicts and handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism.
• Collaborate effectively with school administrators, staff, and external agencies.
• Work independently while effectively managing competing priorities.
• Interpret, apply, and explain applicable laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Utilize accounting software, financial management systems, and standard office applications.
• Model communications and interactions that respect and include all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions, and cultures.

Experience

Typical Qualifications

Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in business and financial management within a public agency is required. Experience must include at least three (3) years of administrative management experience with supervisory responsibility over multiple departments. Experience in a K-12 school district educational setting is preferred.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or other closely related field from an institution of higher learning recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation is required. Master's in School Business Administration or Public Administration is preferred.

Supplemental Information

• The ability to obtain transportation between job sites is required; travel may include District school sites, county and state agency offices, and off-site conferences and workshops.
• Possession of a California Chief Business Official (CBO) certification is desired.
• A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) license is desired.

This classification is designated senior management of the classified service pursuant to Education Code section 45100.5. Employees in this classification are part of the classified service and are afforded all rights, benefits, and burdens of other classified employees, except that they are exempt from all provisions relating to obtaining permanent status in the senior management position.

This recruitment is being conducted pending approval of revisions to the class specification. Final duties, qualifications, and related terms will be consistent with the approved classification specification.

Ready to Apply?

In addition to the application, submit the following required application materials for consideration. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three (3) letters of recommendation, dated withing the past year

Questions? Contact our HR team at Sign in to view email

We offer comprehensive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation, flexible spending accounts, voluntary life insurance, disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees working at least 20 hours per week (4 hours per day) are eligible for pro-rated benefits based on hours worked.

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration.

• Yes, I understand and agree

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• Some High School
• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Some college (less than 60 units)
• Associate degree or at least 60 semester units
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree
• None of the above

Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

Select all that you currently hold. Select all that apply.

• California Chief Business Official (CBO) certification
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Currently enrolled in a CBO certification program
• None of the above

List any additional certifications, licenses, or professional credentials you hold, including the issuing organization and expiration date (if applicable). Enter "N/A" if none apply.

How many years of management experience do you have in business, fiscal, or financial management services in a public agency?

• No experience
• Less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years but less than 8 years
• 8 years or more

How many years of that experience included management responsibility for MORE THAN ONE functional areas — such as fiscal services, purchasing, facilities, maintenance and operations, transportation, technology, food services, or risk management — including supervision of professional, supervisory, or management-level staff?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year
• 1 year but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 3 years
• 3 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

Which statement best describes your highest level of management responsibility? Select the option that best describes the full scope of your experience.

• I performed professional or technical fiscal or business work as an individual contributor.
• I supervised staff within a single fiscal or business function.
• I managed one (1) fiscal or business department, directing work through supervisors or lead staff.
• I managed two (2) or more distinct departments or functional areas through subordinate supervisors or managers.
• I held agency-wide executive responsibility for fiscal and operational services, reporting directly to a superintendent, chief executive, or governing board.

Select all operational (non-fiscal) functions for which you have held direct management or oversight responsibility. Select all that apply.

• Maintenance, operations, or custodial services
• Facilities planning, construction, or capital projects
• Pupil or fleet transportation
• Information technology
• Food or nutrition services
• Purchasing, warehouse, or distribution
• Risk management, insurance, or workers' compensation
• Other
• None of the above

Which setting best describes where you gained the majority of your qualifying management experience?

• Private sector or non-profit
• Public agency other than education (city, county, special district, or state)
• County office of education, community college, or other public education agency
• California K-12 school district
• Other

Based on your business, fiscal, or operational management experience, please provide details for your MOST RELEVANT positions, beginning with the most recent. For each position, include: (a) Job Title: (b) Organization/Agency Name: (c) Type of Agency (California K-12 school district, county office of education, community college, other public agency, private, or non-profit): (d) Title of the Position You Reported To: (e) Functions or Departments You Managed (for example, fiscal services, purchasing, facilities, maintenance and operations, transportation, technology, food services, or risk management, (if any)): (f) Classification Titles and Number of Staff Reporting to You, Directly and Through Subordinates: (g) Approximate Annual Operating Budget You Were Accountable For: (h) Employment Period: (From MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY) If you have no relevant experience in this area, enter "N/A."

In 250 words or less, describe a budget, interim report, or multiyear projection you personally prepared or certified that identified an ongoing shortfall, and what you recommended to close it. Include:

• Organization, fiscal year, and total budget size
• What you personally produced, versus what staff produced
• The most difficult assumption you had to make, how you supported it, and whether any external reviewer questioned it
• Size of the shortfall, in dollars and as a percentage of the budget
• What you specifically recommended, and what you chose to protect
• The outcome, including the effect on fund balance If you have not personally held this responsibility, describe your closest related experience, then explain how you would approach identifying and closing an ongoing budget shortfall.

In 250 words or less, describe your experience with facilities capital projects or a voter-approved bond program. Include:

• Organization and total program or project value
• Your specific role and what you were accountable for
• Funding sources involved
• How you tracked expenditures and ensured compliance
• One problem you resolved - cost, schedule, scope, or audit finding If your capital experience is limited, describe your experience managing restricted funds subject to external audit, then explain how you would approach establishing fiscal oversight of a large capital program.
• Required Question