Director 1, Finance CTE

JOB SUMMARY

The Director I, Finance – Career and Technical Education (CTE), plays a critical role in supporting the transformational and innovative work of Houston ISD by leading and managing all financial operations related to the CTE department. This includes strategic development, oversight, and monitoring of diverse funding streams—such as general funds, Perkins V, state and federal grants, and special project funds—to ensure the maximum impact of resources in advancing CTE initiatives. The Director provides high-level financial analysis for complex fiscal projects, serves as a technical resource for budgetary, procurement, and position management matters, and ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local policies. This position partners closely with CTE leadership to align financial strategies with the district’s vision for equitable access, workforce readiness, and innovation. The Director also oversees special projects with broad organizational impact and provides leadership support to administrative and cross-functional teams.

Houston ISD Employee Value Proposition

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Direct and support CTE departmental finance staff responsible for delivering fiscal and operational services to schools and programs—including budget management, purchasing, payroll, activity funds, travel coordination, accounts payable, and asset inventory. Ensure alignment of financial processes across CTE campuses, central office departments, and relevant divisions.

2. Organize and facilitate meetings for the CTE Finance leadership team. Drive alignment on financial strategies, ensure compliance with funding requirements, and manage follow-up actions to support the execution of departmental priorities.

3. Prepare and present monthly spending variance reports and financial projections for CTE programs and schools, providing critical insights to district leadership for informed decision-making.
 

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

4. Develop and submit financial compliance reports required by federal, state, and local agencies. Ensure fulfillment of all state and national reporting obligations related to CTE funding.

5. Conduct detailed analysis of CTE program budgets and ensure accurate account coding and adherence to the best fiscal practices. Maximize the impact of financial resources while maintaining compliance with all applicable regulations.

6. Provide guidance to finance team members on budget and staffing controls. Oversee position control for CTE instructional units and support the annual development of school and departmental budget recommendations. Maintain a comprehensive Finance Unit calendar of recurring and strategic financial activities. Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for continuous improvement of the finance function.

7. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

Degree in Accounting or other finance, data analysis, or technology related field. 
CPA preferred 
5+ years

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

SAP 
Microsoft Office
Office equipment
Ability to implement effective workflow processes and procedures: follow chain of command. 
Willingness to take initiative, have a high level of self-motivation, and easily work independently or as part of a team.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Work Leadership. Regularly provides project management or team leadership to a group of two or more employees but does not have formal supervisory responsibility. Leading and directing is restricted to monitoring work and providing guidance on escalated issues. Most of work time is spent performing many of the same duties they are leading.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is substantially complex, varied and regularly requires the selection and application of technical and detailed guidelines. Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate methods as well as interpret precedent. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the department. Supervision received typically consists of providing direction on the more complex projects and new job duties and priorities.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Compiles, organizes, analyzes and interprets data and figures.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Greater latitude and discretion are warranted in making decisions, which affect major areas of HISD and possibly the organization's public image. The job is constantly expected to apply creative solutions to complex problems and develop new ideas and concepts. Reviews and approves decisions and/or recommendations that may have a significant impact on the entire organization.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have a major impact to multiple divisions or organization and may impact on the general direction of HISD. Errors may cause continuous adverse influence on the future operations of the organization, in matters involving important customer commitments, organizational liability, and other matters which may appreciably affect future costs.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interpret department strategies and services, resolve conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Takes routine or required customer actions to meet customer needs. Responds promptly and accurately to customer complaints, inquiries and requests for information and coordinates appropriate follow-up. May handle escalated issues passed on from coworkers or subordinates.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.