Director of Finance

Director of Finance

Classification: Administrative - K-12 Public School District (Michigan)
Employee Group: Administrative / Business Office
Reports To: Superintendent

Position Summary

The Director of Finance serves as the district's chief financial officer (CFO) and is responsible for the leadership, oversight, and integrity of all financial and business operations. This role ensures sound fiscal management, long-range financial planning, regulatory compliance, and transparent reporting to support the district's instructional mission and strategic goals. The Director acts as a key advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Education on financial matters and district-wide planning.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Leadership and Planning

• Develops, administers, and monitors the district's annual operating budget in alignment with district priorities and Board direction.
• Leads long-range financial forecasting, multi-year projections, and scenario planning to support sustainability and strategic decision-making.
• Analyzes financial, enrollment, and programmatic data to support district planning and resource allocation.
• Serves as a financial advisor to the Superintendent, Cabinet, and district leadership team.

Compliance, Reporting, and Audits

• Oversees the preparation and timely submission of all required local, state, and federal financial reports, including the Annual Financial Report (FID) and transparency reporting.
• Ensures compliance with Michigan School Aid Act requirements, GASB standards, and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Coordinates and oversees the annual independent financial audit, including preparation of schedules, responses to audit findings, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Oversees timely submission of payroll tax deposits and all related reporting.

Cash Management, Investments, and Borrowing

• Manages district cash flow, investments, and fund balances in accordance with Board policy and applicable laws.
• Prepares and submits documentation required for State of Michigan borrowing programs as needed.
• Oversees tax resolutions, monitors tax appeals, SEV adjustments, and works with local and county taxing authorities.

Bonding, Millage, and Capital Finance

• Prepares financial analyses, projections, and public-facing materials related to bond issues, school millage elections, and other capital financing initiatives.
• Supports capital planning, capital equipment requests, and maintains oversight of the district's fixed asset and inventory systems.

Business Operations and Oversight

• Oversees district business services functions, including accounting, purchasing, accounts payable/receivable, and pupil accounting.
• Ensures pupil accounting processes and reporting are done with accuracy and in compliance with state requirements.
• Collaborates with the Director of Human Resources on payroll, benefits and staffing allocations.
• Provides fiscal guidance to the Director of Food Service on budget development, monitoring, and financial reporting.

Risk Management and Insurance

• Analyzes, evaluates, and oversees the district's insurance and risk management programs, including employee benefits, property, liability, transportation, and other coverage.
• Coordinates insurance renewals, claims, and risk mitigation strategies.

Labor Relations and Negotiations

• Serves as a financial resource for the district's collective bargaining and labor negotiations, including cost analysis and long-term fiscal impact modeling.
• Supports contract administration through financial interpretation and analysis.

External Relations and Professional Engagement

• Represents the district with county, state, and professional organizations related to school finance and business operations.
• Remains current on changes in school finance law, funding formulas, and regulatory requirements.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides leadership, supervision, and evaluation of business office staff, including payroll and accounting functions.
• Responsible for hiring, training, assigning work, evaluating performance, and addressing employee concerns in accordance with district policy and applicable agreements.
• Ensures effective internal controls, cross-training, and continuity of operations within the department.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance, public administration, or a related field, required.
• Master's degree (MBA), preferred.
• Five (5) years of prior experience in school district or ISD accounting, finance and/or grant administration, preferred.
• Two (2) years or more in a supervisory capacity, highly desirable.

Certification

• Michigan School Business Official (MSBO) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) certification required or ability to obtain within a district-established timeframe.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of Michigan school finance, governmental accounting, and public budgeting.
• Strong analytical, forecasting, and financial modeling skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex statutes, regulations, and technical guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with financial management systems and spreadsheets; experience with Munis or similar ERP systems preferred.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with staff, administrators, unions, auditors, and community stakeholders.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made. Duties include sitting, standing, walking, speaking, hearing, and using hands for computer work. The position requires meeting deadlines with periodic time constraints, attending evening Board meetings, and occasional travel within the district or region.

Work Environment

The work environment is primarily an office setting with a generally low noise level. The position involves regular interaction with staff, administrators, auditors, and members of the public.

This job description reflects the general responsibilities and requirements of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may be revised by the district as needed.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core values of Okemos Public Schools. Traditionally marginalized candidates are encouraged to apply.

It is the policy of the Board of Education that the District will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis. The District shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination including, but not limited to, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d, et seq. and 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000e, et seq.; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. §§ 12101, et seq.; the Handicappers' Civil Rights Act, MCL §§ 37.1101, et seq.; the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, MCL §§ 37.2101, et seq.; and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), 29 U.S.C. §§ 621, et seq.

Inquiries or complaints by applicants or employees related to discrimination should be directed to:

Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations
Okemos Public Schools
4406 N. Okemos Road
Okemos, MI 48864
Telephone: View phone number on click.appcast.io