Director Of Finance

POSITION: DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

REPORTS TO: ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Finance serves as a key leadership member of the Business Office overseeing all financial and accounting operations of the school district. This position is responsible for strategic financial planning budgeting audits levy development and preparing reports for the Board of Education. The Director of Finance ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and supervises the Business Office staff. This position supports the districts strategic plan through data-driven decision-making and responsible resource allocation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide financial leadership and direction in alignment with the Districts mission beliefs and strategic plan.
• Develop and monitor the annual budget in collaboration with department heads and the Assistant Superintendent for Business.
• Oversee preparation and submission of the Annual Financial Report (AFR) budget tax levy and state-required filings.
• Oversee day to day accounting operations including accounts payable payroll functions and general ledger maintenance.
• Monitor and reconcile fund balances general ledger activity and internal accounting controls.
• Coordinate and manage the annual external audit process and ensure timely corrective action plans as needed.
• Analyze and report on long-range financial forecasts fund balances debt schedules and capital project budgets.
• Supervise and evaluate the performance of the Business Office staff.
• Ensure compliance with state federal and board policies including ISBE TRS IMRF GASB GAAP and fund accounting regulations.
• Oversee administration of employee investment plans including 403 (b) 457 and other voluntary benefits.
• Prepare regular financial reports for the Board of Education including budget status Treasurers investments and cash flow projections.
• Serve as the liaison to auditors financial institutions bond counsel and investment advisors.
• Monitor and manage all district funds including working cash debt service and capital projects to ensure compliance with financial policies.
• Coordinate the implementation and use of financial software systems across departments
• Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent for Business and district leadership on financial strategy resource alignment and timely reporting.
• Provide training and financial guidance to school administrators and department heads
• Ensure timely submission of financial reports claims for reimbursement and other external reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the fiscal integrity and efficiency of the district.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Licensure:

• Bachelors degree in accounting finance or a related field required; Masters degree preferred.
• CPA or Professional Educator License with a Chief School Business Official endorsement strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years progressive financial leadership experience preferably in a school district or municipal setting.
• History of managing Illinois school finances including budgeting tax levy and state/federal reporting with extensive and specialized training in School District financial management.
• Demonstrated experience supervising professional staff and managing complex financial systems.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Informed and knowledgeable in School District operations National and State Educational law(s) and the Illinois Program Accounting Manual. (IPAM)
• Ability to work with fellow employees and meet the public in a pleasant composed manner and to speak clearly and effectively.
• Experience with electronic office software e.g. MS Word and MS EXCEL.
• Extensive knowledge of school finance TRS IMRF ISBE requirements and Illinois budgeting processes.
• Experience preparing tax levies multi-year forecasts and audit-ready financial reports.
• Familiarity with school business systems (HRIS) and ERP integration.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills for board and community audiences.
• Ability to develop and monitor financial strategies that align with district priorities.
• Strong leadership collaboration and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Excel financial modeling tools and Google Suite.
• Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and high-stakes deadlines.
• Commitment to confidentiality integrity and service excellence.
• Must have the ability to comprehend simple instructions read correspondence and memoranda and communicate effectively with all stakeholders
• Create and maintain the necessary accounting systems records and procedures required for effective financial management and to comply with the State Program Accounting Manual.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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 essential functions.

Work is performed within the school/district environment where unusual temperatures noise and hazards are relatively non-existent. Work requires the employee to perform the following critical physical demands of the job:

1. Ability to regularly communicate verbally and hear;
2. Ability to use close and distant vision and adjust focus;
3. Ability to push pull ambulate perform tasks from a standing or seated position and use fine motor manipulation during the normal performance of tasks and responsibilities
4. Ability to occasionally stoop kneel crouch and lift or move up to 30-50 pounds.
5. Ability to travel from building to building and within the local community as needed.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:Salary is determined by the Superintendent based on experience and credentials. The minimum base salary for the position is $150000. In addition to the base salary this position offers fringe benefits including but not limited to Board Contribution to the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) health dental vision and life insurance. This is a 12-month certified administrative non-bargaining position. FLSA Exempt Status.

EVALUATION:The performance of this role will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Boards policy on evaluation of professional personnel and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Illinois School Code related to Principal evaluation.

The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.

SUPERVISES DIRECTLY: All non-certified personnel in the Business Office which is comprised of: Purchasing General Accounting and Payroll.

Required Experience:

Director