Director of Finance

Director of FinanceLocation: Central OfficeSupervisor: Executive Director of Administration/Human ResourcesSummary: The position is responsible for directing the fiscal functions of the school district in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and school district policy. The Director of Finance is a working administrator who is responsible for the development of accurate annual and long-range budgets, forecasting revenues and expenditures, financial accounting, cash management, contract administration, cost analysis, administration of purchasing, timely preparation of regular financial reports, promoting the use of modern business practices, and making necessary adjustments to the budget. This position will also be responsible for supervising business office personnel, Coordinators of Operations and Technology, all contracts, liaison with the contracted food service company and will serve on the Superintendent's Administrative Team with a central role in school district planning and analysis of current programs and support systems.Qualifications:This position requires knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through the completion of a bachelor's degree (BA) from a four-year college or university in Accounting or Finance with a CPA designation preferred.This position requires a minimum of four to seven years of job experience in Accounting or Finance as well as previous experience in a school environment.This position does have management or supervisory responsibilities.Should hold a Michigan School Business Officials' Chief Financial Officer Certification or willingness to obtain it.Principal Duties and Responsibilities:Direct district fiscal functions in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices and district policy utilizing sound internal controls of accounting functions for all district funds.Prepare and monitor all district budgets, including long-range financial planning in a collaborative approach with departmental leadership.General administration of all accounting functions for all district funds.Prepare year-end financial statements and coordinate the annual financial audit report.Prepare and oversee the preparation of monthly district financial reports and ensure they meet all local, state, and federal requirements including timely submission.Prepare and analyze financial information for administrative level decision making.Oversee district cash flow and recommend investment alternatives.Administer district property/casualty/package and employee benefit insurance policies using current risk management practices.Ensure the timely monthly reconciliation of all bank accounts.Assist the Superintendent and staff to analyze financial information and recommend viable options to address financial issues.Participate with county and state organizations to stay abreast of school finance reform and other district-related issues.Assists for recommendations for bond and millage elections including amount, timing and providing information to the public.Responsible for ensuring proper tax levies including consideration of all legal issues such as Winter Tax Levy requirements, Headlee, Truth in Taxation and the Tax Rate Request.Prepare and submit tax resolutions for the Board, ensure the timely transfer of funds from taxing authorities to the district; monitor tax appeals and SEV adjustments.Work with the Superintendent and district administrators and coordinators to analyze, review, and make recommendations regarding periodic capital improvement needs.Effectively communicate and work with the Board of Education and other Committees of the Board regarding implementation and education relating to school finance issues.Demonstrate ability to effectively use technology tools (hardware/software and Web applications) for school finance tasks as well as for the entry and submission of district data.Oversee contracted financial services and supervise business office employees to include: interviewing/training; planning, assigning and directing work; conducting performance evaluations; rewarding and discipling employees; addressing complaints and solving problems.Coordinate technology, transportation, operations, and food service departmental budgets and state reports with coordinators.Coordinate with pupil accounting function and review final reports before submission.Serve as liaison with the human resources department to facilitate sound financial practices regarding personnel matters.Participate with grant leadership in budget preparation, requesting grant funds, and submitting required final expenditure reports.Coordinate with instructional and operational leadership on budget and communications.Oversee district purchasing policies and procedures including approval of district purchases in compliance with budget.Administer district business contracts in consultation with legal counsel.Responsible for communication and enforcement of Board business policies.Develop and implement systems aligned with the district strategic plan.Actively participate in employee negotiations as the district's finance representative.Meet deadlines and adhere to specific time restraints.Other duties as assigned by Superintendent.Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Broad knowledge of financial budgeting, forecasting and investing.Knowledge of school software systems and related accounting processes and procedures.Knowledge of school districts' real estate and insurance programs.Demonstrated knowledge of continuous improvement principles and practices.Knowledge of computer systems such as Microsoft Suite, Google apps and other relevant software programs and their applications.Knowledge of federal, state, local and Board of Education laws, policies, regulations and procedures relating to financial management.Knowledge of organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluations of school programs, policies and operational needs.Expertise in financial audits and financial reports.Strong fiscal management and accounting skills.Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills.Ability to lead, motivate and move the department forward from both individual employee and overall organization perspectives.Ability to plan, supervise, review and evaluate the work of business office staff.Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.Ability to exercise good judgement, resourcefulness, and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, the Board of Education, and other schools.Ability to monitor and analyze cash flow.Physical Demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen and small numbers.Work Environment:The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Salary: $140,000 - $160,000 (Based on Education / Experience) Comprehensive Health Insurance Coverage Generous Paid Time Off (20 PTO Days; 17 Paid Holidays)Work Year: 260 Work DaysFLSA: ExemptFiling Date: Until FilledStart Date: Immediate