ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Beginning date: November 1st ~ December 1st

DCS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Under limited supervision, supports the effective management of the school district's financial operations and provides day-to-day leadership for the Finance Department. Responsibilities include accounting, financial reporting, budgeting and allotments, reconciliations, internal controls, audit support, financial systems, and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements. Provides financial guidance and support to schools and departments and helps ensure consistent, accurate, and efficient financial practices throughout the district. Reports to the Chief Operations Officer (COO).


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Oversees and supports general accounting functions, including general ledger activity, journal entries, budget adjustments, account structures, and reconciliations.
• Prepares and submits required local, state, and federal financial reports in accordance with established requirements and deadlines.
• Monitors budgets, revenues, expenditures, and available balances and assists with budget development, adjustments, and amendments.
• Manages and monitors state, local, and federal allotments to promote appropriate budgeting and utilization of available funds.
• Maintains consistent procedures for the receipt, accounting, safeguarding, and reporting of district and school funds.
• Supports cash management and other financial operations necessary for accurate and timely district financial processes.

Compliance and Internal Controls

• Coordinates and supports annual financial audits and other fiscal reviews, including preparation of records and documentation.
• Conducts or assists with internal financial reviews of schools and departments to monitor compliance with accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Reviews financial practices and procedures and recommends improvements to strengthen efficiency, accuracy, accountability, and compliance.
• Maintains current knowledge of laws, regulations, accounting standards, and reporting requirements affecting North Carolina public school finance.

Financial Systems and District Support

• Manages security, user access, account setup, and related functions within district financial management systems.
• Provides financial guidance and technical assistance to schools and departments regarding budgets, expenditures, account codes, financial procedures, and fiscal requirements.
• Provides training and support to employees responsible for school and department financial processes.
• Assists with the preparation and analysis of financial information for district leadership, the Board of Education, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Serves as a liaison and financial resource for district staff, auditors, governmental agencies, financial institutions, and other partners.
• Serves as the primary point of contact and day-to-day team leader for the Finance Department, coordinating work and providing guidance and support to Finance staff to ensure effective and consistent financial operations.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles and practices, including general ledger accounting, budgeting, fund accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and reporting requirements related to North Carolina public school finance.
• Ability to analyze complex financial information, identify discrepancies or concerns, and prepare accurate and meaningful reports.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative in carrying out financial responsibilities and resolving problems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information and procedures clearly.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school and district personnel, governmental agencies, auditors, financial institutions, and other partners.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion with sensitive information.
• Proficiency with financial management systems, spreadsheets, and related technology.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field preferred. An associate degree in a related field combined with substantial relevant experience may be considered. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, governmental finance, school finance, or a related field. Experience in governmental accounting and North Carolina public school finance preferred.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate standard office equipment, including computers and calculators. Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

Conceptual Awareness: Requires the ability to analyze and interpret financial information, records, reports, and data and identify discrepancies or areas requiring further review.


Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to convey and exchange information effectively and to provide financial guidance, technical assistance, and direction to others as appropriate.


Language Ability: Requires the ability to read and interpret financial statements, reports, policies, regulations, correspondence, and other financial and administrative documents and to prepare reports and written communications using proper format and language.


Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply accounting principles and logical reasoning to solve problems, analyze complex information, exercise sound judgment, and interpret applicable policies and requirements.


Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to communicate financial information, procedures, and requirements effectively using standard English and appropriate financial and governmental terminology.


Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform and verify mathematical calculations and analyze budgets, financial statements, reconciliations, and other financial data.


Motor Coordination & Dexterity: Requires the ability to operate computers, calculators, and other standard office equipment.


Visual and Spatial Aptitude: Requires visual acuity necessary to review detailed financial information, computer screens, spreadsheets, reports, and other documents.


Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to work effectively with others, manage competing priorities and deadlines, and perform professionally under pressure.


Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and hear and to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic means. (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing: perceiving the nature of sounds by ear.)

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for this position.