Charleston Co. Schools Seeking Finance Experts for Audit and Finance Committee

Charleston Co. Schools Reaching Out for Finance Experts

The Charleston County School District has announced a call for two qualified community members to serve on the district’s Audit and Finance Committee. This appeal comes prior to what the district terms as an “extremely difficult budgeting year,” requiring informed decisions to be made.

Preferred Qualifications

Interested candidates must possess work experience in finance, financial auditing, banking, economic development, business management or information technology with medium to large corporations. Participants expertly holding the position of Chief Financial Officer in a large organization, defined as employing more than 1,500 individuals with annual revenue exceeding $200 million, are particularly welcomed.

Further to this, other preferred qualifications include:

• Experience in overseeing and managing auditing processes and internal control systems within a large organization
• Demonstrated ability in managing and directing financial planning activities within a sizable organization

Views from the Committee

“I definitely hope we can find somebody with auditing experience because that’s in the name Audit and Finance,” expresses Keith Grybowski, Board of Trustees Chair and Audit and Finance Committee member. Acknowledging the importance of diverse perspectives, Constituent Board Member Joy Brown, believes that placing stringent constraints on the qualifications for the position might limit the pursuit.

Community or industry leaders with the specific qualifications are primarily the target for these vacant positions. Currently, the committee, composed of seven members, including three board members, boasts expertise in various business fields, but lacks a member with previous CFO experience.

Differing Opinions

Brown, however, opined that the committee could benefit from the experience of different community members, even if they do not meet the stringent qualifications. As she perceives it, a more hands-on member might have superior insights into CCSD and its financial operations.

Roles and Responsibilities

As part of the Audit and Finance Committee, successful candidates will be expected to review the district’s financial reports, recommend policies which maintain and improve the district’s fiscal health, as well as oversee internal and external audit functions.

Call for Applications

Interested community members have until March 29 to submit their applications. Further details on the position and the application process can be accessed through the Charleston County School District official website.