Director of Financial Services

VACANCY NOTICE

2025 - 2026 School Year

February 27 2026

Branford Public Schools

Director of Financial Services

Department: Central Office

Supervision received: Receives overall direction from the Chief Operating Officer

Work Year: 12 months Full-time

Salary Range: $128000 - $139000*

Start Date: Immediately After Filled

*Includes competitive total compensation package

Position Summary:The Director of Financial Services is a senior finance leader within Branford Public Schools responsible for directing and strengthening the Districts financial business functions. This role provides oversight of finance accounts payable grants management and purchasing. The Director serves as the primary liaison to the Town Finance Department for day-to-day financial operations and the management of the shared financial software system ensuring alignment and strong internal controls across entities.

The Director leads a dedicated and collaborative team that includes an Accounts Payable Coordinator a Financial Analyst and a shared Executive Assistant with additional specialized services supported through external partners.

Professional Responsibilities:

Financial Management

• Support the Chief Operating officer with the development and management of the annual budget
• Conduct financial planning forecasting and analysis to support strategic decision-making
• Ensure all funds are properly reconciled and accounted for maintaining accurate records of all financial transactions
• Lead the coordination and preparation for the Districts annual audits and required financial reporting
• Oversee centralized financial management of student activities funds ensuring proper accounting reconciliation and compliance with district policies and regulations.
• Provide guidance and support to school administrators and staff on managing and reporting student activities funds effectively
• Manage the financial aspects of grants including budgeting monitoring expenditures and ensuring compliance with grant requirements and regulations along with a collaborative team of grant managers
• Oversee the financial management of the districts food service fund and food service management company including budgeting forecasting compliance and reporting

Accounts Payable Supervision

• Supervise the accounts payable function and implements robust internal controls to ensure compliance with district policies and procedures
• Ensure accounts payable coordinates with vendors and resolve any payment disputes or discrepancies when escalated

Purchasing and Procurement

• Oversee the district-wide purchasing function and ensure financial activity complies with procurement policy and procedures
• Coordinates the public bidding process for the district
• With the COO negotiate contracts and agreements

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles practices budgeting and financial reporting
• Understanding of federal state and local finance laws and regulations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word Excel Access) and industry-specific software programs
• Excellent presentation skills capable of clearly and concisely presenting financial information to governing bodies and the public
• Ability to analyze costs budgets and other financial data and to prepare comprehensive financial reports
• Skilled in implementing and enforcing financial policies and procedures
• Strong research and report writing abilities
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Demonstrated public speaking skills for effective communication in various forums
• Prefer experience with MUNIS EFS CSDE financial regulations and school lunch fund management

Education & Experience:

• Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance Business or Public Administration or related field and minimum of 5 years of related experience
• Masters degree preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing Connecticut school finances preferred but not required; accounting experience preferred

License/Certification:085 School Business Administrator certification required or eligibility to obtain within six months of hire.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job the employee is regularly required to stand sit kneel/squat bend/stoop pushing pulling and is regular intermittent exposure to computer screen. Performs duties in an office environment. Uses repetitive motions in operating office equipment including keyboards calculators fax machines and light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds). Specific vision abilities required by this position include distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Note: This is a highly responsible role and the above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and responsibility. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Start Date: Immediately After Filled

Open Until: March 20 2026

Interested candidates must complete the application online at

(Internal candidates should provide all the required information.)

Bilingual English/Spanish candidates encouraged to apply

*Backfill position