Director of Finance and Operations

Steamboat Springs School District, located in Steamboat Springs, CO, is seeking an exceptional District leader as the 

Director of Finance and Operations.

This position is responsible for advising the Superintendent and School Board on the financial and budget matters of the district. The Finance Director prepares and administers the district budget, guides the development of long-term capital financing methods, directs and supervises all business/finance functions, including, but not limited to, risk management, budgeting, payroll, and grants management, and supervises the Finance, Facilities, Transportation, and Nutritional Services departments, while adhering to district policies and procedures.

Preferably, candidates will have knowledge of the state's school finance act for public schools and generally accepted accounting practices, and preferably have public sector accounting experience.

Start date can be discussed at the interview, ideally August 3, 2026. This position will work a year-round, 233-work-day contract.
Entry range: $146,178.00 - $157,346.00; Pay will be dependent upon experience. A maximum of 5 years of experience is considered for new hire placement

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees the Finance team in day-to-day operations and all functions of the monthly accounting cycle
• Monitor, prepare, and coordinate development of the district annual budget and mid-year update, ensuring alignment with District and Board goals
• Arrange and coordinate the external audit processes and report to Board
• Serve on the Superintendent's leadership team
• Active member of District Bargaining Team. Develop and distribute information for the negotiation process with the local education association.
• Ability to communicate and develop effective relationships with team members and stakeholders, providing leadership that fosters accountability in processes.
• Attend and participate in Board meetings and workshop sessions.
• Attend and participate in administrative-level meetings
• Works with the Superintendent and Board on the strategic vision, master facility plans and creating financial solutions to meet facility and program needs
• Works with the Director of Human Resources regarding benefits programs. Co-leads the Health Insurance committee with the Director of Human Resources.
• Administers retirement programs.
• Responsible for the financials of self-funded insurance programs. Works closely with benefits consultants on insurance programs and financials.
• Coordinate and act as legislative liaison for the District, which includes monitoring the legislative process, school finance laws, and communicating issues District-wide. May require evening or off-site meetings.
• Participate and be involved in state and national organizations.
• Prepare multi-year financial projections for the Superintendent, and the Board for planning purposes and fiscal responsibility. Responsible for all cash management and investments of the District, including debt issuance.
• Prepares enrollment projections and assists the Superintendent in projecting staff requirements, prepares all staff salary/wage schedules. Works with the Director of Human Resources regarding compensation surveys, pay schedules and placement policies
• Maintains relationships and timely correspondence with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and other regulatory agencies.
• Coordinate professional development needs with the Superintendent
• Provide leadership for the continual improvement to the district's financial data systems.
• Preparation of annual Financial Reports and other reports as required by the Board and state, federal agencies to assure compliance with the law.
• Responsible for providing financial and policy-related information to the Board for information and decision purposes. Ensure appropriate accounting processes and procedures in place
• Direct the administrative activities required for all financial aspects of budget override and school-bond-issue elections.
• Supervises and performs evaluations of managers
• Participate in district-wide initiatives.
• Provides advice and counsel to the Superintendent.
• Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accounting Supervisor
• Nutritional Services Director
• Facilities Manager
• Transportation Manager

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of Bachelors' degree in accounting or related field. CPA is preferred.
• Education and/or training in budget management.
• Minimum 3 yrs experience in similar-sized public or private organizations, budget management with five or more years preferred.
• Excellent knowledge of Google software, Microsoft Office and District proprietary software.
• Trained in personnel supervision and performance evaluation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

 
Decision Making: An example of a typical decision made by an individual in this position is to create and interpret policies/procedures and best practices. An incorrect decision made by this position could impact the district legally, causing the financial condition of the district to be affected. Errors made in decision-making could potentially result in substantial costs to the District or damage to the credibility of the District.
Language Skills:  Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond professionally to questions from groups of parents, community members, commissions, colleagues, and the Board of Education.
Mathematical Skills : ability to calculate figures and amounts such as interest, discounts, commissions, proportions, percentages, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra, and geometry
Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form, and deal with several abstract, concrete variables.
Technology Skills: Proficient use of technology, which includes: basic operations and concepts, word processing, spreadsheets, internet usage, critical evaluation of information, data analysis, email, and integration of technology.
Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in budget and finance. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and community. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both in oral and written form. Ability to copy, coordinate, instruct, evaluate and negotiate. Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in this environment is quiet to loud depending on the activity in the particular part of the day.

All offers of employment are contingent upon sucessful completion of a CBI/FBI background check
Steamboat Springs School District is an equal opportunity employer.