Director of Finance and Operations

Director of Finance and Operations

Regional School District 17 is seeking an experienced Finance and Operations leader with a strong background in accounting and Connecticut public school finance, ready to guide the district's fiscal strategy and operational excellence.

Position Overview

The Director of Finance and Operations is an executive leadership position responsible for overseeing Business Services and Operations. The Director is responsible for ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the District through sound fiscal management, transparent budget development, strategic planning, capital improvement planning, and operational excellence. Working collaboratively with the Superintendent, Board of Education, municipal leaders, and district administrators, the Director develops innovative solutions that support the District's mission while maximizing resources for student learning.

Essential Functions

• Supervises the management of the financial affairs of the District and Schools.
• Supervises Facilities and Operations.
• Designs and implements the annual budget request process, which includes a stakeholder engagement strategy for a regional school district, and prepares the budget book.
• Directs fund management, position management, accounts receivable, annual budget preparation and monitoring, and procurement of equipment and supplies, within the boundaries established by the Superintendent and Board of Education. Approves payments, requisitions, and budgetary transfers as needed.
• Demonstrates expertise in Connecticut regional school district finance.
• Assists in the production of the annual EFS for the CT State Department of Education.
• Coordinates, prepares, and oversees all fiscal audits and ensures full compliance with all regional, municipal, state, and federal legal and regulatory financial requirements and communicates potential risk information to the Board, the Superintendent, and the Superintendent's Cabinet.
• Supports the District's financial goals: establishes and directs all short- and long-term financial plans consistent with the school system's philosophy.
• Assists principals and other leaders in implementing and monitoring their budget expenditures.
• Reviews budget estimates for grant applications and other initiatives.
• Provides a continuous process of internal controls and auditing for expenditures.
• Coordinates and oversees all financial audits and serves as the District liaison with external auditors.
• Ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, Connecticut statutes, and all applicable federal and state regulations.
• Prepares periodic financial reports for the superintendent and the BOE on the district's financial affairs.
• Transfers and releases funds for payroll and accounts payable.
• Provides analysis and guidance toward improved cost containment.
• Administers grant activities related to drawing down funds, reconciling accounts, completing journal entries to balance, and calculating benefits.
• Creates financial models and forecasts; provides clear and complete communications to support or explain financial data.
• Coordinates the onboarding and implementation of district financial software.
• Supervises all purchasing, leasing, contracting, bidding, and receiving of materials, equipment, and services.
• Oversees internal controls and financial risk management systems.
• Provides guidance and direction to subordinate managers toward their professional development to ensure and maintain a competent business unit.
• Serves as the Plan Administrator for the district's benefit plans and oversees risk management activities, including Workers' Compensation.
• Provides leadership, supervision, and evaluation to relevant departments.
• Trains departments to maintain the highest levels of accuracy, efficiency, and teamwork.
• Serves as a member of the Superintendent's Cabinet and participates as appropriate in developing the RSD 17 strategic plan, setting policy, and monitoring performance.
• In cooperation with the Director of Food Services, monitors the food service program.
• Develops and monitors the Capital Plan.
• Develops the RSD 17 Budget calendar; documents, and is responsible for tracking all changes.
• Prepares budget transfers for Board of Education approval.
• Administers the District's Pension Fund.
• Oversees the District's student transportation services and ensures the terms of contracts are in full force. Participates in Labor Negotiations.
• Attends Board of Education meetings, Finance Subcommittee meetings, and other meetings as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting, municipal finance, and Connecticut public school finance.
• Knowledge of Connecticut regional school district budgeting and governance.
• Strong understanding of GASB, GAAP, state, and federal financial regulations.
• Builds and maintains strong, high-functioning relationships with all stakeholders and professionals. Coaches and leads teams in the pursuit of the district's mission and strategic goals.
• Builds consensus, resolves conflicts, and communicates effectively.
• Takes the initiative to solve problems.
• High-level analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated skills with financial data analytics involving large datasets.
• Demonstrates excellent execution and project management skills, including attention to detail, balance of the big picture, and logistics.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at the same time.
• Experience with Infinite Visions is preferred.
• Ability to make independent judgments within areas of responsibility.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and accounting practices in school finance and operations.
• Collaborates with key leadership personnel as part of a high-functioning team to support students and programs.
• Maintain a stationary position for extended periods to utilize computers, printers, and related equipment.
• Move about the Central Office frequently to attend meetings, and retrieve mail and printed materials.
• Periodically visit school buildings to deliver materials or attend meetings.
• Concentrate on details and issues with some interruption, pressure, and changing priorities.
• Meet deadlines with severe time constraints.
• Attend evening meetings.
• Interact with employees and the public in person and virtually.
• Maintain a driver's license to deliver materials and attend meetings in and out of the District.

Supervisory Requirements

The Director of Finance and Operations supervises and evaluates Finance and Operations personnel.

Education & Experience

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field. MBA desirable but not required. Successful experience with Connecticut public school finance and regional school districts strongly preferred. Experience in public or private business administration or experience as a school business official. Proficient in the use of applicable technologies (Infinite Visions). Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

Certification & Licenses

085 School Business Administrator certificate from the CT SDE

Background Check

The Director of Finance and Operations must submit to a satisfactory CT Department of Children and Families background check. State and national criminal history record check. Documents must be submitted within 10 days of hire.

Work Year

• This is a 12-month position.

Exempt/Non-Exempt

• This position is exempt and unaffiliated.

Reporting Responsibility

• The Director of Finance and Operations reports to the Superintendent of Schools.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Connecticut law, it is the policy of Regional School District 17 to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship.

My signature below signifies that I have reviewed the contents of my job description and that I am aware of the requirements of my position. _______________________________________ ____________________________________ Signature Date