Deputy Chief of Business and Finance

Job Title: Deputy Chief of Business and Finance

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

BU10: Reports to Chief of Business Finance and Administrative Services

Dept.: School Business Finance & Administrative Services

Initiated Date: September 2025

Positions:

94226009

WHO ARE WE?

La Joya Independent School District (LJISD) is committed to the success of every student and staff member. With a century-long tradition of excellence in the Rio Grande Valley, we are proud to serve over 22,000 students across more than 30 campuses. Our mission-Educational Excellence The Right of Every Student-drives our work every day.

We are grounded in five district priorities:

• Excellence in Leadership
• Empowered Graduates
• Thriving Students
• Community Trust
• Unity and Partnership
• Operational Excellence and Financial Stability

We believe that attracting, developing, and retaining high-quality talent is essential to student success.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

La Joya ISD seeks a strategic and equity-driven financial leader to serve as Deputy Chief of Business and Finance, the districts second-in-command for financial operations. Reporting directly to the Chief of Business and Finance, the Deputy Chief ensures operational excellence, transparency, and fiscal stewardship across critical business systems.

This role is responsible for:

• Strengthening compliance
• Guiding long-term financial planning
• Supporting execution of the districts strategic priorities through data-informed resource allocation

We are looking for someone who:

• Brings deep expertise in Texas public school finance and can anticipate shifts in enrollment, state funding, and local tax dynamics
• Has a proven record of aligning financial practices to a districts mission and strategic plan while maintaining accountability and transparency
• Is a strong communicator who can translate complex financial data into clear insights for the Superintendent, Cabinet, and community
• Demonstrates uncompromising integrity in managing public funds
• Builds capacity across the business and finance team, mentors leaders, and establishes a culture of service and accountability
• Has the courage to lead systems change and the discipline to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements
• Has a deep appreciation for the community culture and values of La Joya ISD and is committed to elevating the district as a state and national model for financial stewardship and innovation

WHY LA JOYA ISD

La Joya Independent School District is more than a workplace-its a community grounded in pride, tradition, and purpose. Located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, LJISD serves over 22,000 students across 30 campuses with a steadfast commitment to Educational Excellence The Right of Every Student.

We are a district on the move-recognized across the state for our innovation in instructional leadership, nationally designated dual language programs, and award-winning extracurricular and athletic achievements. La Joya ISD continues to lead in progressive initiatives such as:

• Strategic use of financial forecasting, enrollment analysis, and budget modeling to anticipate challenges and support long-range planning
• Streamlined business services that prioritize customer service, efficiency, and accuracy across budget, purchasing, and grants management
• Ongoing commitment to strengthening internal controls, ensuring compliance, and protecting district assets
• Community-centered leadership that listens to stakeholders and reflects the culture, values, and aspirations of our families and staff

As an anchor institution in the Rio Grande Valley, La Joya ISD offers leaders the opportunity to make a lasting impact on students lives while helping shape the future of public education in Texas.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Masters degree in business administration, accounting, finance, public administration, or related field required
• Certification: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Texas School Business Official (RSTBO) certification preferred
• Experience: Minimum 7 years of progressive financial leadership experience preferably in Texas public schools
• Demonstrated success in budget development, forecasting, and complex operations management
• Experience in building capacity among staff and administrators

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Deep understanding of Texas public school finance, budget development, and fiscal forecasting
• Knowledge of TEA regulations, FASRG, EDGAR, Uniform Guidance, and TEC Chapter 44 purchasing requirements
• Proficiency in federal and state grants management, fund accounting, and risk mitigation
• Skill in supervising teams, managing cross-functional projects, and fostering a culture of compliance
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to diverse audiences
• Familiarity with enterprise financial systems and public procurement law

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Financial Leadership and Strategy:
• Support the Chief in developing and executing long-range financial strategies aligned to the districts mission, strategic plan, and state-federal mandates
• Lead long-term financial forecasting and scenario planning to anticipate enrollment trends, state funding changes, and local tax base dynamics
• Ensure effective alignment of financial resources with the districts strategic plan and student achievement priorities
• Monitor fiscal health indicators and recommend proactive adjustments based on enrollment shifts, legislative changes, and economic conditions
• Financial Operations and Compliance:
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including the Texas Education Agencys Financial Accountability System Resource Guide (FASRG)
• Oversee annual financial audits, state compliance reviews, and internal monitoring processes
• Lead the implementation of internal controls to safeguard assets, ensure data accuracy, and promote financial integrity
• Evaluate and address enterprise risk, including insurance coverage, loss control, claims, and risk assessments
• Capital and Resource Management:
• Support planning, financing, and oversight of bond programs, capital projects, and facility investments
• Collaborate with Operations and Human Capital leaders on cost modeling and compensation strategies
• Leadership and Collaboration:
• Directly supervise multiple departments and units within the Office of Business and Finance
• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development to promote staff growth and accountability
• Ensure cross-functional collaboration and accountability among teams to meet timelines, compliance requirements, and strategic goals
• Other Duties:
• Serve as a thought partner to the Chief and Superintendents Cabinet on district-wide financial strategy
• Represent the district with integrity and professionalism in interactions with auditors, regulatory agencies, and community members
• Collaborate with others in the Division to ensure alignment across budgeting, payroll, grants, and financial reporting operations
• Perform other job duties as assigned

SAFETY

• Performs preventive maintenance on tools and equipment and ensures equipment is in safe operating condition
• Follows established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing, operates tools and equipment according to established safety procedures
• Corrects unsafe conditions in the work area and promptly reports any conditions that are not immediately correctable to the supervisor
• Supervisory Responsibilities:
• Selects, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff and makes recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal
• Personal Work Relationships:
• Maintains a commitment to the Districts mission, vision, and strategic goals
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct, and work ethic
• Demonstrates high-quality customer service, builds rapport, and communicates effectively with consumers
• Demonstrates cultural competence, respect, and empathy in interactions with others
• Responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations
• Travel Requirements:
• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required
• Physical & Mental Demands:
• Work Hazards:
• Tools and equipment used
• Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals
• Motion:
• Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse
• Occasional reaching
• Lifting:
• Occasional light lifting and carrying less than 15 pounds
• Environment:
• Works in an office setting, may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours
• Attendance:
• Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position
• Mental Demands:
• Maintains emotional control under stress
• Works with frequent interruptions