Director of Finance/Comptroller

Strategic Financial Management, Budgeting, & Planning Budget & Levy Administration: Leads the development, administration, monitoring, and execution of the District’s annual operating and capital budgets, as well as tax levies, in collaboration with the COO. Accounting Standards & Policies: Directs all accounting systems, general ledger maintenance, journal entries, and closing processes in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), the Illinois Program Accounting Manual (IPAM), and internal control policies. Long-Range Forecasting: Develops short and long-term financial projections, multi-year revenue/expenditure models, enrollment projections, and strategic capital planning options for leadership and the Board. Operational & System Improvement: Identifies opportunities for continuous improvement in business office systems, workflows, and ERP administration; researches and implements best practices in school finance. Support to Leadership & Department Heads: Serves as a key advisor to the COO and Superintendent and acts as a resource for principals and department heads regarding budget preparation, expenditure tracking, and fiscal procedures. Business Office Operations, Payroll, & Treasury General Ledger & Financial Reporting: Maintains registers, ledgers, property/financial records, and bank reconciliations; prepares regular budget-to-actual reports, cash flow analyses, and financial statements. Supervision & Daily Operations: Supervises, mentors, evaluates, and develops Business Office staff. Oversees daily processing of payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and purchasing/bidding procedures. ERP System Management: Oversees and manages the District’s financial database and enterprise resource planning (ERP) system operations. Treasury & Cash Operations: Monitors cash flow, oversees investment portfolios and interest earnings, and safeguards District financial assets in compliance with treasury rules. Purchasing & Bidding: Coordinates purchasing, travel policies, procurement procedures, and competitive bidding in alignment with Board Policy and Illinois State law. Compliance, Auditing, Grants, & HR Support Audit Management: Directs annual external and internal audit processes; oversees preparation of the Annual Financial Report (AFR) and ensures prompt resolution of audit findings and implementation of recommendations. State & Federal Reporting & Claims: Ensures accurate and timely submission of all mandated state/county/federal compliance filings and claims, including: Annual Statement of Affairs (ASA) Employer Information System (EIS) Affordable Care Act (ACA) filings Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) financial reporting Transportation claims, ISBE financial submissions, IWAS reports, and monthly expenditure reports Grant management, activity fund oversight, and federal/state grant reporting Regulatory Interpretation: Interprets and ensures compliance with Illinois School Code, ISBE regulations, federal statutes, and local Board Policies. Governance, Board Treasurer, & External Engagement Board Treasurer Statutory Duties: Serves as Board Treasurer at the pleasure of the Board of Education. Executes statutory duties under the Illinois School Code, including signing official warrants, maintaining the required Treasurer’s Surety Bond, and keeping reconcilable treasury records. Board Meeting Preparation: Prepares financial exhibits, reports, and agenda materials for Board of Education meetings as directed by the COO or Superintendent, presenting information clearly during meetings. Collective Bargaining Support: Participates in collective bargaining negotiations as assigned, preparing cost-out models and analyzing fiscal data related to salary schedules, benefits, and union proposals. Confidentiality: Maintains strict confidentiality regarding executive sessions, collective bargaining strategies, personnel records, and sensitive financial data. External Partner Relationships: Maintains strong working relationships with financial institutions, auditors, vendors, and state agencies. Participates in professional school business organizations (local, state, and national).

CORE COMPETENCIES

Technical Accounting & School Finance Acumen: Deep understanding of GAAP, IPAM, tax levy mechanisms, grant funding, and public school finance rules. Strategic & Analytical Leadership: Exceptional capability to analyze complex datasets, perform financial forecasting, cost out labor contracts, and optimize business processes. Regulatory Compliance & Treasury Oversight: Thorough knowledge of Illinois School Code statutes, pension system management (TRS/IMRF), grant compliance, and investment rules. Systems Administration: Ability to optimize financial management software, ERP systems, and workflow technologies. Collaboration & Service Orientation: Outstanding communication and presentation skills with a strong dedication to supporting schools, administrators, and community stakeholders. Integrity & Discretion: High degree of ethical leadership and discretion in managing confidential personnel and labor negotiation data. Qualifications Professional Certification: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Advanced Degree: Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, or related field. Leadership Experience: Experience as a school district business official or in a CSBO-level role in Illinois, with a background in supervising business office personnel and executing process improvements in a K–12 setting. Salary/Benefits Salary & Benefits: $90,000 – $150,000 (commensurate with experience, certification/CPA status, and educational background), aligned with District administrative guidelines. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Illinois Association of School Administrators