Director of Business Services

Director Of Business Services

The Winnetka Public Schools District 36 is seeking a Director of Business Services effective July 1, 2026. The Director supports all business and financial operations of The Winnetka Public Schools District 36. The Director supports the District's mission, vision, and values by ensuring sound fiscal stewardship, operational efficiency, and compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and Board of Education policies in order to provide high-quality educational services for students.

Responsibilities/Duties include:

• Exercise discretion and independent judgment in the performance of all assigned duties.
• Interpret, apply, and communicate federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, and Board policies related to school finance and operations.
• Serve as a key advisor to the Superintendent, CSBO and Board of Education on financial, budgetary, and operational matters.
• Analyze financial and operational data and provide clear recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Support Business Services staff and the coordination and facilitation of the daily operations of the Business Services Department, including department meetings and an annual calendar of financial activities.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in business operations, systems, and procedures.
• Research, evaluate, and implement best practices in school finance and operational processes.
• Serve as a staff resource regarding employee benefits, including insurance programs and leaves of absence.
• Oversee preparation for the annual audit and ensure the timely completion and accuracy of all required financial reports.
• Serve as the District's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer.
• Maintain confidentiality of School Board matters, collective bargaining agreements, personnel information, and other sensitive District information.
• Participate in professional organizations and committees related to school business management at the local, state, and national levels.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Fiscal and Operational Management includes:

• Ensure all accounting procedures are performed in accordance with District internal controls, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and the Illinois Program Accounting Manual (IPAM).
• Prepare, administer, and monitor the District's annual operating and capital budgets.
• Develop short-term financial projections and assist with long-term financial planning.
• Monitor cash flow, oversee investment activities, and safeguard District financial assets.
• Participate in the development and oversight of facilities planning and capital improvement projects.
• Support payroll, employee benefits administration, purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and residency verification processes.
• Ensure business operations comply with Board policy, collective bargaining agreements, and all applicable federal and state laws.
• Ensure timely completion and submission of all required reports and audit preparation, including but not limited to Annual Statement of Affairs, EIS, ACA, ESSA, transportation claims, TRS, IMRF, wage, and tax reports.
• Provide support and management of the District ERP system (Skyward Q).
• Prepares YTD revenue/expenditure reports, completes and submits a large set of state/county compliance reports (IWAS submissions, budget-related reports, levy/tax-related filings, unclaimed property, debt disclosure, etc.); Development of monthly expenditure reports for ISBE.
• Coordinate purchasing and competitive bidding processes in accordance with District policy and state law.
• Participate in collective bargaining negotiations as assigned.
• Facilitate District insurance-related and investment-related committees, as applicable.
• Provide support to the CSBO in oversight of the District Technology Team.

Occupational Requirements include:

• Valid Illinois driver's license and excellent driving required.
• FBI Fingerprint clearance required.
• Mandatory District-wide Compliance Training, as assigned.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent technical competencies in a variety of areas including writing and editing, organization, problem solving, multi-tasking, statistical record keeping, prioritizing and the like.
• Bachelor's degree with coursework in Accounting, Business, Finance, Technology, or a related field required.
• Certified School Business Official (CSBO) certification preferred; willingness to obtain CSBO certification required if not already held.
• Demonstrated experience in school business management, finance, or a related field.
• Knowledge of Illinois school finance, accounting practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and school-based financial and business management systems.
• Physical Requirements include a moderate degree of physical stamina with occasional lifting of 10 to 15 pounds. Ability to move freely to various locations within office and school settings. Frequent standing, walking, sitting, and bending. Frequent repetitive activities including hands, arms, and legs for clerical related work. Exposure to noise and activity of a school setting.

Salary commensurate with experience will start at $125,000 and fringe benefits will be reviewed annually by the School Board. Interested applicants should apply online. Please include a letter of background and interest, resume, and references.