Director Of Finance

Director of Finance

The Director of Finance provides strategic leadership, oversight, and management of all financial operations for the school division. This role ensures fiscal accountability, transparency, compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, and alignment of financial practices with the division’s mission, goals, and strategic priorities. 

The Director of Finance serves as a key advisor to the Superintendent and School Board on financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Financial Leadership & Planning 

● Develops, implements, and monitors the school division’s annual operating, capital, and grant budgets. 

● Provides long-range financial forecasting and scenario planning to support strategic decision-making. 

● Advises the Superintendent, School Board, and executive leadership on fiscal matters and financial sustainability. Budget Development & Administration 

● Leads the annual budget development process, ensuring stakeholder engagement, clarity, and data-driven decision-making. 

● Prepares and presents budget reports, forecasts, and financial updates to the School Board and division leadership. 

● Monitors expenditures to ensure adherence to approved budgets and funding requirements.

Accounting & Financial Operations

 ● Oversees all accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions. 

● Ensures accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with GAAP, state regulations, and division policy. 

● Directs the preparation of annual financial statements and audit materials. 

Compliance & Audit Management 

● Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and reporting requirements. 

● Coordinates with external auditors and oversees internal controls to safeguard division assets. 

● Implements corrective actions in response to audit findings or financial risks. 

Grants & Federal Programs Management 

● Oversees financial administration of federal, state, and private grants, ensuring appropriate allocation, tracking, and documentation. 

● Ensures compliance with grant requirements and timely submission of required reports. 

Procurement & Contracts 

● Provides oversight of purchasing practices to ensure competitive, lawful, and ethical procurement. 

● Reviews and approves major contracts, agreements, and bids in collaboration with the procurement office

Payroll & Benefits Financial Oversight 

● Ensures accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with state and federal guidelines. 

● Monitors financial aspects of employee benefits and retirement programs. 

Leadership & Collaboration 

● Supervises finance department staff, providing coaching, professional development, and performance evaluation. 

● Collaborates with HR, Operations, Instruction, and School Leadership to support division-wide initiatives. 

● Communicates complex financial information in clear, accessible language to stakeholders. 

Other Duties

 ● Represents the school division in local, regional, and state financial meetings or committees. 

● Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Designee. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

● Comprehensive knowledge of public-school finance, governmental accounting, and budget management. 

● Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 

● Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences. 

● Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities. 

● Proficient in financial management software and data systems

Education and Experience Requirements 

● Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred). 

● CPA, CPFO, or similar certification preferred. 

● Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in public or governmental finance. 

● Experience in K–12 school finance strongly preferred. 

Working Conditions

 ● Occasional evening or weekend work for School Board meetings or budget sessions