School Business Official

• Position Type: Administration/ Business Manager
• Date Posted: 10/20/2026
• Location: Central Business Office
• Date Available: 01/04/2027
• Closing Date: 11/09/2026

Job Family: Administrative

Prepared/Revised Date: October 2026

Work Year: 260 Days

Position Start Date: January 4, 2027

SUMMARY

The Director of Business Services provides strategic leadership and oversight of the financial operations, business functions, and fiscal management of the Dallas Center–Grimes Community School District. This position ensures the responsible stewardship of public funds, the effective allocation of district resources, and compliance with applicable federal and state laws, Iowa Department of Education requirements, and Board of Education policies.

The Director of Business Services oversees the development and administration of the district's annual budget, financial reporting, accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, benefits administration in collaboration with Human Resources, and other assigned business operations. The Director works closely with the Superintendent, Board of Education, district administrators, employees, auditors, financial institutions, and community stakeholders to support sound financial decision-making and the district's long-term financial stability.

This position requires strong financial expertise, analytical skills, organizational leadership, and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly. The Director of Business Services supports the district's mission and strategic priorities by ensuring that financial resources are managed efficiently, transparently, and in alignment with the educational needs of students and the operational needs of the district.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Leadership & Budget Development

• Lead the development, preparation, administration, and monitoring of the district's annual operating budget in collaboration with the Superintendent and district leadership.
• Develop financial projections, revenue estimates, expenditure forecasts, and multiyear financial plans to support district priorities and long-term sustainability.
• Monitor revenues, expenditures, cash flow, fund balances, and financial commitments to maintain fiscal responsibility and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Provide financial analyses, recommendations, and reports to the Superintendent and Board of Education to support informed decision-making.
• Evaluate the financial impact of proposed programs, staffing changes, compensation adjustments, contracts, capital projects, and operational initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial efficiency, strengthen internal controls, and maximize the effective use of district resources.
• Monitor state supplemental aid, property tax revenues, enrollment trends, categorical funding, grants, and other revenue sources that affect district finances.
• Support the development of financial strategies that align available resources with district strategic goals and student needs.

Accounting, Financial Reporting & Audit Compliance

• Oversee the district's accounting systems, financial records, general ledger, reconciliations, and fund accounting practices.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and complete financial reporting in accordance with applicable Iowa school finance requirements, generally accepted accounting principles, and other relevant standards.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of required financial reports to the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Department of Management, and other applicable state or federal agencies.
• Coordinate the district's annual financial audit and other external reviews, including preparation of documentation, communication with auditors, and implementation of corrective actions when needed.
• Monitor compliance with laws, regulations, grant requirements, accounting standards, and Board-approved financial policies and procedures.
• Maintain appropriate internal controls, segregation of duties, financial documentation, and safeguards for district assets.
• Oversee the management and reporting of district funds, including the General Fund, Student Activity Fund, Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) funds, debt service, nutrition services, and other applicable funds.
• Monitor restricted funding, grant expenditures, and categorical program budgets to ensure funds are used for authorized purposes.
• Provide accurate financial information and supporting documentation for Board reports, public records requests, and other authorized inquiries.

Payroll, Benefits & Employee Financial Services

• Provide oversight of district payroll operations to ensure accurate and timely employee compensation, deductions, tax reporting, and required payroll filings.
• Collaborate with the Director of Human Resources and HR personnel on salary schedules, employee contracts, benefit costs, leave-related payroll matters, and compensation planning.
• Oversee the financial administration of employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and other district-sponsored benefit programs, in coordination with Human Resources and applicable service providers.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state payroll tax requirements, Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) requirements, and other employment-related financial obligations.
• Support the annual preparation and implementation of salary and benefit budgets.
• Review payroll and benefits processes to promote accuracy, confidentiality, efficiency, and compliance.
• Provide financial information and analysis to support collective bargaining, compensation studies, and employee benefit decisions as assigned.

Accounts Payable, Purchasing & Procurement

• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, vendor payments, reimbursements, and related financial transactions.
• Establish and maintain effective procedures for purchase orders, invoice approval, expense reimbursement, credit card use, and payment authorization.
• Ensure expenditures comply with approved budgets, purchasing requirements, Board policies, and applicable procurement laws.
• Review vendor agreements, service contracts, and purchasing arrangements for fiscal impact, accuracy, and compliance.
• Support competitive purchasing practices, bid processes, and contract administration in coordination with district administrators.
• Monitor vendor relationships, payment schedules, and outstanding obligations to support effective cash management.
• Oversee the maintenance of accurate financial documentation and records related to purchasing and payment activities.

School Finance, State Reporting & Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain current knowledge of Iowa school finance laws, funding formulas, financial reporting requirements, and regulations affecting public school districts.
• Oversee required state and federal financial submissions, including applicable budget, annual financial, enrollment-related financial, and categorical funding reports.
• Monitor changes in state funding, legislation, accounting requirements, and administrative rules that may affect district operations.
• Coordinate with the Superintendent and appropriate district personnel regarding enrollment projections, certified enrollment impacts, funding estimates, and financial planning.
• Support the administration and financial oversight of grants, categorical programs, and other restricted funding sources.
• Maintain documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with applicable fiscal requirements and reporting deadlines.
• Serve as a district resource for financial policies, procedures, and school business practices.
• Coordinate with legal counsel, auditors, financial advisors, and other professionals as needed on school finance and compliance matters.

Debt Management, Cash Management & Capital Planning

• Oversee district cash management, banking relationships, investment activities, and short- and long-term cash flow projections in accordance with applicable law and district policy.
• Monitor debt obligations, repayment schedules, interest costs, and other financing commitments.
• Coordinate with the Superintendent, Board of Education, financial advisors, bond counsel, and other partners regarding financing options and debt-related matters.
• Provide financial analysis and planning support for facility improvements, construction projects, equipment purchases, and other capital investments.
• Monitor financial activity associated with PPEL, bond proceeds, physical plant projects, and other capital funding sources.
• Support long-range financial planning for facility needs, district growth, staffing requirements, and operational sustainability.
• Evaluate the financial implications of enrollment growth, changing student needs, and evolving district priorities.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate assigned business services personnel, including payroll, accounts payable, and other financial support staff.
• Establish clear expectations, priorities, procedures, and performance standards for the business services team.
• Promote professional development, cross-training, effective communication, and continuous improvement within the department.
• Collaborate with the Superintendent, Director of Human Resources, district administrators, and other department leaders to align financial operations with district needs.
• Provide timely, accurate, and understandable financial information to administrators and staff to support responsible budget management.
• Develop and maintain financial procedures, internal controls, and operational processes that promote consistency, accountability, and efficiency.
• Foster a professional, service-oriented environment that emphasizes accuracy, integrity, confidentiality, and responsiveness.
• Support districtwide planning, problem-solving, and strategic initiatives as a member of the district leadership team.

Board Relations, Communication & Public Accountability

• Prepare and present financial reports, budget information, forecasts, and recommendations for the Superintendent and Board of Education.
• Assist with preparation of Board agenda materials related to budgets, financial reports, contracts, purchasing, audits, and other business matters.
• Explain financial information and school finance requirements to district leadership, Board members, employees, and community stakeholders.
• Support public budget hearings, budget adoption processes, financial presentations, and other required public communications.
• Respond to authorized inquiries regarding district financial operations and provide accurate, timely information.
• Maintain transparency and accountability in the management of public resources while protecting confidential employee and financial information.
• Represent the district in professional meetings, school business organizations, and other settings as assigned.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain current knowledge of school finance, governmental accounting, Iowa education funding, financial management practices, and applicable laws and regulations.
• Participate in relevant professional development, professional organizations, and continuing education opportunities.
• Promote and follow Board of Education policies, district procedures, ethical standards, and applicable professional requirements.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, discretion, and accountability in the management of public funds.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee, financial, contractual, and other sensitive information.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Board of Education consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

EDUCATION & RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field required.
• Master's degree in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, budgeting, financial management, or business operations required.
• Experience in public school finance, governmental accounting, or public-sector financial administration strongly preferred.
• Prior supervisory, management, or leadership experience preferred.
• Experience with budget development, financial forecasting, audits, payroll, accounts payable, and regulatory reporting required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Iowa public school finance, school district budgeting, governmental fund accounting, and Iowa Department of Education reporting requirements preferred.
• Experience managing public funds, preparing financial reports, and communicating financial information to executive leadership or governing boards preferred.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state regulations, Board policies, contracts, and financial procedures required.
• Additional certifications, credentials, or professional development in accounting, school business administration, or governmental finance preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, cash management, and fiscal planning.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles, fund accounting, internal controls, and public-sector audit requirements.
• Understanding of Iowa school finance, state funding mechanisms, district budget processes, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ability to develop, interpret, and communicate complex financial reports, forecasts, and analyses.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and monitor multiyear budgets and financial projections.
• Knowledge of payroll, employee benefits administration, purchasing, accounts payable, and vendor management.
• Ability to evaluate financial risks, identify operational efficiencies, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Strong leadership, supervision, organization, and project management skills.
• Effective written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to individuals with varying levels of financial expertise.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with district staff, administrators, Board members, auditors, vendors, financial institutions, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet strict reporting deadlines, and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• Proficiency with financial management systems, spreadsheets, databases, and related business technology.
• Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate ethical conduct in the handling of public funds and sensitive information.
• Ability to make sound, objective decisions in alignment with district policies, applicable laws, and the best interests of the district.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

(The physical demands, environmental conditions, and mental functions below reflect typical requirements for a district-level administrative position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.)

Physical Activities

• Standing/Walking: Up to 1/3
• Use of hands/fingers: Over 2/3
• Talking/Hearing: Over 2/3

Weight & Force Demands

• Up to 25 lbs: Occasional

Mental Functions

• Analyze, evaluate, and interpret financial information: Over 2/3
• Communicate, problem-solve, and make decisions: Over 2/3
• Plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate activities: Over 2/3
• Maintain accuracy, attention to detail, and confidentiality: Over 2/3
• Primarily office-based administrative environment within a public school district.
• Regular interaction with district administrators, employees, Board members, auditors, vendors, and community stakeholders.
• Occasional travel to district buildings, professional meetings, training sessions, and other work-related locations.
• Occasional evening responsibilities related to Board meetings, budget presentations, and district events.
• Work may involve periods of increased activity during budget development, fiscal year-end, payroll processing, audit preparation, and required reporting deadlines.

Vision Requirements

• Close vision required for reviewing financial documents, reports, spreadsheets, and computer screens.
• Ability to review detailed numerical information and electronic records.
• Low to moderate, typical of an administrative office and school district environment.

Application Opens: October 20, 2026

Application Closes: November 9, 2026

Position Start Date: January 4, 2027