Director of Finance

Position Type:
Administration

Date Posted:
7/27/2026

Location:
Finance Department


SCHOOL DISTRICT OF DESOTO COUNTY

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

JOB DESCRIPTION

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree with three (3) years of accounting or governmental finance experience
   or
   Associate's degree with five (5) years of accounting or governmental finance experience
   or
   High school diploma with eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental finance
2. Satisfactory criminal background check and drug screening.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of governmental accounting and financial reporting standards, government auditing standards, Internal Revenue Codes, state statutes and State Board of Education rules. Knowledge and skill in the use of relevant software and hardware. Knowledge of school board policies, Florida Statutes and State Board Rules regarding all aspects of finance, personnel and risk management. Knowledge of the Full Time Equivalency (FTE) forecasting and Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) calculation process. Ability to maintain the financial records of the school district. Ability to manage the proper and efficient use and conservation of all assets and resources.

REPORTS TO:

Deputy Superintendent or designee

JOB GOAL

To deliver support to the Superintendent in managing the school district's financial and business operations efficiently and effectively, maximizing resources and minimizing risk.

SUPERVISES:

Assigned Personnel

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Service Delivery

1. Supervise insurance contract development.
2. Provide leadership and supervision of assigned personnel and make recommendations to the superintendent for appropriate employment action.
3. Assist in the supervision of the maintenance of the student and staff databases and the transfer of student records with the associated state reports.
4. Lead the preparation of FTE forecasts, projections, and reporting.
5. Provide and interpret financial information and assist in the development of fiscal policies.
6. Study legislation, DOE technical papers/requirements and audit issues relating to financial reporting and human resource management.
7. Advise on the preparation the Encumbrance Authorization and Draw Request from the Office of Fixed Capital Outlay (FCO 352 and FCO 442).
8. Collaborate with the accounting department staff to ensure accurate accounting practices.
9. Prepare and develop the annual school district budget, the Superintendent's annual financial report and the annual cost report.
10. Prepare and submit online the district's annual budget to the Department of Education.
    Direct the preparation of financial and cost reports and warrant list.
11. Establish and monitor procedures which ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of bank accounts, payment of payrolls and properly documented invoices and vouchers taking advantage of allowable discounts.
12. Monitor and report on budget performance in schools and district divisions.
13. Manage the district's accounting system to meet the district's information and reporting needs
14. Assist in monitoring the administration of contracts.
15. Develop short- and long-range plans for the conduct, growth and improvements of department programs and services.
16. Manage the district's investment and borrowing programs.
17. Prepare schedule of property and submit to insurance companies for proposals to human resources.
18. Ensure district compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board financial reporting changes.
19. Serve as the district's point person for annual audits and initiate corrective action when necessary.
20. Serve as an advisor to budget managers and grant managers.
21. Assist grant writers and grant managers in budgeting for grant applications.
22. Collaborate with the Information Services staff to obtain desired output of the financial reporting system.
23. Assist with the maintenance of personal property records.
24. Establish and monitor procedures which ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of bank accounts, payment of payrolls and properly documented invoices and vouchers taking advantage of allowable discounts.
25. Review and approve all journal entries and budget transfers.

Inter/Intra-Agency Communication and Delivery

1. Provide technical assistance to schools and departments.
2. Keep all divisions informed of proper budget management procedures and changes in local and state policies and laws.
3. Coordinate the accounting and payroll activities with data processing and other divisions.
4. Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
5. Keep the Superintendent well informed of areas of responsibility and of potential problems or unusual events.
6. Serve on district, state or community councils or committees as assigned or appropriate.
7. Assist in the interpretation of philosophy and policies of the district to staff and the community.
8. Work closely with district and school staffs to support school improvement initiatives and processes.

Professional Growth and Improvement

1. Provide appropriate staff development opportunities for assigned personnel.
2. Maintain a network of peer contacts through professional organizations.
3. Maintain working knowledge of current law, regulations and standards related to financial accounting and reporting.
4. Attend training sessions, conferences and workshops as assigned or appropriate to keep abreast of current practices, programs and legal issues.

Systemic Functions

1. Prepare special reports and studies as needed.
2. Assist in the development of administrative guidelines and procedures.
3. Represent the district in a positive and professional manner.
4. Develop or assist in developing the division and district budget and monitor its implementation as required.
5. Supervise assigned personnel, conduct annual performance appraisals and make recommendations for appropriate employment actions.
6. Prepare or assist in the preparation of all required reports and maintain all appropriate records.
7. Develop annual goals and objectives consistent with and in support of district goals and priorities.

Leadership and Strategic Orientation

1. Provide leadership and direction for assigned areas of responsibility.
2. Provide leadership and guidance in the development of annual goals and objectives for assigned division or program.
3. Assist in implementing the district's goals and strategic commitment.
4. Exercise proactive leadership in promoting the vision and mission of the district.
5. Utilize appropriate strategies and problem-solving tools to make decisions regarding, planning, utilization of funds, delivery of services and evaluation of services provided.
6. Collaborate with the Superintendent, divisions and schools and contribute to the planning and operation of the district.
7. Demonstrate initiative in identifying potential problems or opportunities for improvement and take appropriate action.
8. Utilize appropriate strategies and problem-solving tools to make decisions regarding, planning, utilization of funds, delivery of services and evaluation of services provided.
9. Use appropriate styles and methods to motivate, gain commitment and facilitate task accomplishment.
10. Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.

*Essential Performance Responsibilities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the district's approved compensation plan.

Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the district.

COMPENSATION:

Compensation for this position is Administrative Range VII

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.

Application Procedure: