Financial Director

North Dakota Career & Technical Education is seeking a strategic and collaborative Finance Director to lead the agency’s fiscal operations and support the financial stewardship of programs that impact schools and students statewide. This position provides leadership, direction, and oversight for the fiscal office, administrative support functions, and agency-wide financial operations, while serving as a trusted advisor to agency leadership, school administrators, and business managers on state and federal funding, compliance, and fiscal strategy.

As a key member of the leadership team, the Finance Director plays a critical role in advancing agency priorities through sound fiscal management, strategic planning, grants oversight, and continuous process improvement.

Summary of Work

Lead Agency Fiscal Operations

• Provide leadership and supervision for all fiscal operations within CTE, including oversight of fiscal staff and administrative support functions.
• Develop, implement, and monitor fiscal policies, procedures, regulations, and internal controls to ensure compliance, consistency, and operational excellence.
• Serve as a key member of the management team, contributing to agency strategy, decision-making, and organizational priorities.
• Oversee payroll and human resource fiscal functions, serve as P-Card Administrator and NDPERS Authorized Agent, and coordinate agency audits.

Drive Budget Strategy & Financial Planning

• Lead development, administration, and monitoring of the agency budget.
• Prepare and submit budgets through BDTS and perform monthly reconciliations to ensure fiscal accuracy.
• Collaborate with leadership and staff to analyze financial data and support budget planning and adjustments.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the Office of Management and Budget, Legislative Council, and partner agencies regarding revenue, expenditures, and budget matters.
• Participate in legislative hearings and meetings, monitor legislation impacting CTE funding, and prepare fiscal analyses and reports.

Oversee Grants Management & School Fiscal Support

• Direct administration of state and federally funded grants, including annual plans, revised budgets, reimbursement claims, and distribution of Carl D. Perkins funds.
• Lead grant management processes using systems such as PeopleSoft and Fluxx, ensuring accountability, compliance, and timely processing.
• Provide technical assistance to school administrators and business managers regarding budgeting, reimbursements, audits, and grant requirements.
• Oversee fiscal monitoring, subrecipient risk assessments, desk audits, and site visits.
• Review funding requests, determine funding sources, process payments, reconcile expenditures, and maintain accurate financial records.

Ensure Compliance & Strengthen Financial Stewardship

• Lead financial administration functions in compliance with federal and state laws, OMB and WSI requirements, GAAP, and GASB standards.
• Prepare and submit key financial reports, including ACFR, SEFA, and budget components of the Consolidated Annual Report.
• Advise the State Director on major financial decisions, fiscal policy, and programmatic considerations.
• Interpret and communicate state and federal regulations to stakeholders and present financial reports and budget status updates to the ND CTE Board.
• Support development of the State Plan for submission to the U.S. Department of Education and participate in review and approval of local Perkins applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or closely related field.
• Five years of experience managing budgets and fiscal operations.

Preferred Qualifications

We’re seeking a strategic financial leader who brings:

• Strong knowledge of governmental budgeting, accounting, grants administration, and fiscal compliance.
• Experience leading complex financial operations with accuracy, integrity, and attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret regulations and translate complex fiscal information into actionable guidance.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, accountability, and public service.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on operational execution.

Nice to Have

• Experience working with public funds, including state and/or federal grants.
• Experience with governmental accounting, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Experience with grant management, audits, and legislative or public-sector budgeting processes.

Total Rewards

The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that supports you, your health and your family.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.