Executive Director, Accounting (0994)

Job Class: Executive Director of Accounting (0994) Salary Range: $150,147 - $197,576/annually Appointment Type: Appointment Type name (what does this mean?) Length of Appointment: 3 years Calendar: Full Time / Full Year Who We Are The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is the seventh largest school district in California, serving more than 50,000 students who speak more than 44 documented languages across 121 schools in the city of San Francisco every year. We aim for every student who attends SFUSD schools to discover his or her spark, along with a strong sense of self and purpose, and that all students graduate from high school ready for college and career, and equipped with the skills, capacities and dispositions outlined in SFUSD's Graduate Profile. Every day in our quest to achieve this mission we provide each and every student the quality instruction and equitable support required to thrive in the 21st century. What It Means to Work Here The SFUSD community is unified by ourCore Values: Student-centered: We put students' needs first Fearless: We persist through challenges United: We celebrate and build on each other's strengths Social Justice: We stand with those most vulnerable in our community Diversity-driven: We respect and seek to understand each person We are also inspired by Vision, Values and Guardrails which captures our aspirations and vision for the future of public education in San Francisco. Alongside the District's strategic plan. SFUSD is reimagining how public education will change over the next decade to meet the dynamic future of San Francisco. As a CORE district, SFUSD is also a leader in critical systems change for more comprehensive school accountability and innovations that help strengthen the instructional core, which is the foundation of our strategic plan and Vision 2025. Who We Want We want talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, who are inspired by our mission, steeped in equity, and who are motivated to unleash our children's potential. We want people who are strong collaborators, skilled communicators, and problem solvers who are comfortable in a community of continuous learning. Under the general direction of the Assistant Superintendent / Head Financial Officer (HFO) or designee, the Executive Director of Accounting plans, organizes, directs, and controls the District's accounting, financial reporting, internal controls, and audit coordination functions for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). The Executive Director of Accounting serves as the District's chief accounting officer and provides executive leadership to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of the District's financial records and reports; compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards, and applicable federal, state, and local laws; and the safeguarding of District assets. The position advises executive leadership and the Board of Education on accounting matters, fiscal compliance, and financial reporting impacts. According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list Essential Duties The duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to the job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive or exhaustive list. As the Executive Director of Accounting, you will: Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate District-wide accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, grants accounting, fixed assets, and financial reporting. Establish, implement, and monitor accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with GAAP, governmental accounting standards, and California school district accounting requirements. Oversees preparation of the District's annual financial statements, interim and year-end reports, and required federal, state, and local financial filings. Directs and coordinates the annual external audit, including development of scopes of work, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors, and ensuring timely resolution of audit findings. Ensures accurate accounting and financial reporting for special programs, including Special Education and state- and federally-funded programs. Oversees fixed asset accounting and inventory controls to safeguard District property and equipment. Provides technical accounting guidance to District leadership, departments, and schools regarding complex transactions, fund accounting, and compliance requirements. Reviews and approves accounting entries, reconciliations, and financial documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and proper classification. Supports budget development and fiscal close activities through coordination with Budget Services and other Finance units. Prepares agenda materials, staff reports, and presentations for the Board of Education and Board committees; attends meetings as requested to present financial information and professional recommendations. Supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned professional and support staff; promotes effective communication, accountability, and continuous improvement. Represents the District on internal and external committees related to accounting, finance, and fiscal compliance. Performs other related duties as assigned in support of District goals and objectives. The strongest candidates will have: Knowledge of San Francisco's public schools/urban public schools and a passionate belief in SFUSD's commitment to instructional leadership as a lever toward delivering on the SFUSD Graduate Profile Strong analytics and systems thinking necessary to interpret data to inform goals and strategy, as well as build infrastructure where none exists Ability to work effectively across multiple functions and roles within a complex organization A proven record of effectively planning, organizing and using resources to take action and achieve goals The ability to learn quickly and adapt as needed in a fast-paced environment Outstanding organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail A flexible, "can do" work ethic with a focus on identifying challenges and proactively working to find solutions while maintaining a bigger picture lens and focus on what can be delivered instead of what cannot be done Excellent data analysis skills and experience synthesizing data to drive action steps Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships with senior level district staff and colleagues Effective written and verbal communication and the ability to clearly communicate complex, bureaucratic processes to a variety of audiences Ability to define and implement effective HR business practices Ability to work effectively in difficult situations that involve confidential and sensitive matters Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and GSuite (Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms) Minimum Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, or a related field; advanced degree preferred Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience, preferably in a large public-sector or K-12 educational organization. At least two (2) of those years must include supervisory or management experience. Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis, up to four (4) years What We Offer SFUSD offers a competitive salary of $150,147 - $197,576/annually commensurate with experience in a similar position. We offer a comprehensive benefits plan including dental and vision plans, a defined benefit pension plan, disability, life insurance, flexible spending account options and vacation time. We also offer an inclusive and equity-centered environment where we encourage staff to bring their whole selves to work. How to Apply Visit and create a new account to begin your application. Visit careers.sf.gov and begin the application process. You will be prompted to electronically attach a letter of interest, resume, list of professional references and any applicable credentials or licenses Our Human Resources team will then review your entire application to determine your eligibility status and contact you directly should you move forward in the process Verification Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at Note: Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification from this and future job opportunities with the San Francisco Unified School District. District Nondiscrimination Statement: San Francisco Unified School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, sexual harassment and bullying based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, immigration status, ethnic group identification, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status, or genetic information, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics or any other basis protected by law or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment. For more information about the District's non-discrimination policy, please review Board Policy 4030. Title IX Nondiscrimination Statement and Grievance Procedures: Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person's verbal or written report. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address, listed for the Title IX Coordinator. District Title IX Coordinator: Eva Kellogg Office of Equity 555 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94102 415-355-7334 or For more information on the District's Sexual Harassment policy and grievance procedures, please review Board Policy 4034. Title IX Nondiscrimination Statement and Grievance Procedures: Any person may report discrimination on the basis of a physical or mental disability (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute discrimination on the basis of a physical or mental disability), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Section 504 Coordinator. District Section 504 Coordinator: Alicia Rodriguez 1515 Quintara St., San Francisco, CA, 94116 (415) 242-2615 or

Created: 2026-03-04