Director of Business Services
PURPOSE / GOAL
Supervises system-wide business affairs, fiscal management, and related support functions while maintaining accurate and complete records of the District’s financial affairs. Works to ensure fiscal accountability and to maximize the use of human and financial resources. Assists the Superintendent in the administration of all facets of district business operations and to represent the Superintendent, as assigned.
REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Responsible for the efficient and economic management of the business affairs of the district.
- Oversees the effective operation of the district’s food service, transportation, operations, technology, public relations, safety and security, tax collection, accounting, purchasing and other business office functions.
- Responsible for maintaining the financial accounting system of all funds in accordance with the state accounting manual, local policy, and generally accepted accounting principles and ensures that all federal guidelines are being met.
- Develops, manages, analyzes, and controls the annual school budget under the supervision and direction of the Superintendent and School Board.
- Responsible for the timely and accurate submission of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and Comprehensive Budget Document and oversees its completion.
- Provides oversight and ensures the accuracy of all bids, payrolls, and banking transactions including daily deposits of receipts, transfers and reconciliations.
- Works closely with the Business Manager and Accounting personnel in cooperating fully with outside auditing firms/agencies in approved audits or reviews of district fiscal records.
- Prepares various financial reports required by the PA Department of Education and Federal Government.
- Supervises the maintenance of files and records.
- Ensures the compliant issuance of all district contracts through review and consultation and assumes legal designation as the District’s purchasing agent.
- Maintains a comprehensive and effective internal controls program and provides the proper safeguards for custody of public funds.
- Advises Superintendent and School Board on questions related to the business and financial affairs of the district including, but not limited to, policy development, contract development, technology development as well as all budgetary affairs.
- Serves as the administrative liaison for Facilities and Finance Committees.
- Responsible for the accurate reconciliation of all bank and other financial accounts on a monthly basis.
- Coordinates, processes, and controls budgetary transfers for Board approval as required.
- Responsible for the cash management and investment of funds.
- Responsible for maintaining the District’s long-term financial plan.
- Focuses on new initiatives to improve operational efficiencies within the District.
- Develops and maintains effective benchmarking measures to ensure optimal operational effectiveness within the various business functions and departments.
- Oversees the preparation of all adjusting and closing entries for the district’s books of account in all funds.
- Responsible for the preparation and implementation of a system of inventory control for fixed assets and consumable supplies.
- Responsible for the timely submission of Plan Con documents and overseeing the completion of building construction projects.
- Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding current government accounting standards.
- Responsible for overseeing and administering the insurance and risk management program.
- Conducts formal and informal research into operational practices, procedures, materials, and techniques necessary to operate the programs in the district.
- Assists with public relations and informational issues. Works to develop positive community support for the school and the district.
- Assists in the preparation for and participates in labor contract negotiations.
- Works cooperatively with all staff members to achieve the goals of the organization.
- Manages the district’s facility use program.
- Responsible for exploring new sources of revenue and responsible for obtaining all monies to which the Board of Education is entitled.
- Works with the building administrative staff to meet staffing needs.
- Maintains an effective safety program for all district buildings and operations.
- Assists in the organization and execution of in-service training programs aimed at increasing the skills of school business management.
- Interprets and effectively administers all district policies and procedures.
- Works collaboratively with the HR department on benefit and compensation administration and analysis.
- Conducts formal and informal research into operational practices, procedures, materials, and techniques necessary to operate the programs in the district.
- Assists other staff by working cooperatively to achieve the goals of the organization.
- Performs other such duties as required and/or assigned by the Superintendent.
QUALIFICATIONS
To successfully perform this position, a person must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualification requirements listed below represent minimum levels of educational achievement, training, skill and/or ability necessary. As required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform the Director of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.
- Ten (10) years’ experience in business administration with a minimum of five (5) years in a supervisor capacity, preferably in a school district or other public entity environment
- Master’s Degree or CPA strongly preferred
- Certified School Business Administrator status preferred
- Experience in managing school construction projects and Plan Con submissions preferred
- Experience with negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Working knowledge of Financial and HR operating systems
- Ability to work cooperatively with diverse groups
- Experience in supervising and evaluating staff
- Ability to communicate effectively with all segments of the school and community
- Knowledge of federal and state funding, grant programs, regulations, and laws
- Ability to work cooperatively with the Education Association
- Well-developed leadership skills
- Well-developed research, organization, development, and planning skills
- Ability to effectively resolve complex and difficult situations before they escalate
- Ability to develop collaborative working relationships with all staff, community members, and the Board of School Directors
- Knowledge of computer programs to include financial software, spreadsheet, email, and other document programs.
POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:
Type of Position: Administrative
Work Year: Full-time Position, 12 months (July 1 - June 30)
Physical Demands: Must be able to sit and/or stand, as desired.
Manual dexterity required for using computer
Sensory Abilities: Visual acuity to read correspondence, computer screen
Auditory ability to be able to use telephone
Ability to speak clearly and distinctly
Work Environment: Inside year-round - Office setting
Temperament: Must be courteous and be able to deal effectively with people
Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions
Ability to remain calm and diplomatic in stressful situations
Must be cooperative, congenial, and service-oriented.
Must be persuasive and creative
Ability to weigh options, think rationally, and evaluate accurately
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
Ability to communicate well with others
Ability to work harmoniously with staff, community, and other administrators
License/Clearance(s): Act 34 - Criminal History Clearance
Act 151 - Child Abuse History Clearance
Act 114 - FBI Federal Criminal History Record