Director of Finance

Terms of Employment: Salary and Work Year established annually by the Board of Education -

12 month

Evaluation: Performance in this position will be evaluated regularly by the supervisor and in accordance with Board Policy.

Compensation: Reviewed and established annually by the Board of Education

FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-Time

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Finance is responsible for the administration and management of the District’s financial and business operations. The Director serves as the District’s primary financial administrator and provides leadership for budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, payroll, purchasing, cash management, investments, grants, and financial compliance.

The Director works under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools and collaborates with the Superintendent, District leadership, and Board of Education to ensure District resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, Board policies, and District procedures. The Director provides accurate and timely financial information to support District decision-making and long-range financial planning.

The Director oversees the day-to-day operations of the Finance office and serves as a resource to District administrators and staff regarding financial procedures, budgeting, purchasing, payroll, contracts, and other business-related matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Other duties as assigned)

• Financial Management and Accounting
• Budget Development and Financial Planning
• Financial Reporting and Compliance
• Payroll and Employee Compensation
• Purchasing and Procurement
• Grants and Special Revenue Programs
• Contracts and Business Operations
• Records and Financial Systems
• Strategic Financial Support

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Staff Supervision: Directly supervise Finance office personnel.
• Work Direction: Assign, direct, and evaluate the work of Finance staff.
• Performance Expectations: Establish expectations, procedures, and performance standards for the Finance office.
• Staff Development: Provide training and professional development to Finance personnel.
• Personnel Recommendations: Recommend hiring, assignment, evaluation, discipline, and other personnel actions related to supervised employees in collaboration with Human Resources and the Superintendent of Schools.
• District Support: Provide financial and procedural guidance to District administrators and staff.
• Executive Communication: Maintain regular communication with the Superintendent of Schools regarding financial operations, significant concerns, recommendations, and matters requiring executive-level attention.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree or higher in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Education Administration
• Minimum of 5 years related experience in managing business and finance operations or education administration
• Progressively responsible experience with administration and/or supervision in a school district setting, preferred

KNOWLEDGE

• Public school district financial operations, fund accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial reporting.
• Missouri school finance laws, DESE requirements, federal regulations, Board policies, and applicable accounting standards.
• Payroll, employee compensation, retirement, taxes, benefits, and related reporting requirements.
• Public-sector purchasing, procurement, competitive bidding, contracts, and vendor management.
• Internal controls, auditing, financial compliance, and safeguarding of public funds and assets.
• Grant administration, reimbursement processes, and state and federal financial requirements.
• Financial management systems, accounting software, reporting systems, and data management practices.
• Records management, confidentiality, and legal requirements related to financial and employee records.

SKILLS

• Financial management, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and cash management.
• Financial reporting, audit coordination, compliance monitoring, and internal controls.
• Payroll and compensation administration in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Purchasing, procurement, contract administration, and vendor management.
• Analysis and interpretation of complex financial and operational information.
• Preparation and presentation of financial information to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and District leadership.
• Use of financial management systems, accounting software, spreadsheets, databases, and reporting tools.
• Organization, prioritization, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Clear written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in financial and business operations.

ABILITIES

• Executive-level leadership and oversight of District financial and business operations.
• Development, management, and monitoring of annual budgets and long-range financial plans.
• Application of laws, regulations, Board policies, and accounting standards to District financial operations.
• Oversight of accurate and timely financial reporting, payroll, audits, grants, and required submissions.
• Establishment and maintenance of effective financial controls and accountability systems.
• Analysis of financial trends, risks, and opportunities to support sound decision-making.
• Evaluation of the financial impact of programs, staffing, contracts, purchases, and capital projects.
• Supervision, evaluation, development, and support of Finance personnel.
• Exercise of sound judgment, discretion, confidentiality, and fiscal responsibility.
• Management of multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
• Effective collaboration with District leadership, employees, Board members, auditors, vendors, and government agencies.
• Strategic financial planning and alignment of resources with District priorities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, communicate, and hear. The employee frequently uses hands and fingers to operate computers, office equipment, tools, and controls. The employee may occasionally lift, carry, or move materials, files, records, supplies, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. The employee is regularly required to use close vision for reading and reviewing financial records, reports, computer screens, handwritten and typed materials, and other documents. The ability to adjust focus and distinguish details is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

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 the work environment is normally quiet to moderate.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.