Description

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Financial Oversight & Reporting
  • Develop, monitor, and maintain balanced budgets aligned with the district’s strategic plan.
  • Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, including preparation of annual financial statements.
  • Provide long-range financial forecasts to support strategic planning and decision-making.
  • Oversee state and federal financial reporting to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate with the Superintendent to lead  the district’s Citizen’s Financial Oversight Committee.
  • Monitor the financial condition of the district at all times and initiate steps to improve it.
  • Attend district board meetings and present financial information in collaboration with the superintendent.
• Accounting & Compliance
  • Supervise and support the district’s accounting staff, ensuring proper accounting procedures, internal controls, and audit readiness.
  • Ensure accurate accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and revenue management within legal and budgetary limitations.
  • Direct cash management and investment strategies for district funds.
  • Oversee state and federal audits and compliance reviews related to financial matters.
  • Develop and maintain a chart of accounts for the district.
  • Ensure financial records are maintained for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and complying with mandated requirements.
  • Review bank reconciliations.
  • Monitor fund balance and related financial activity for the purpose of ensuring that allocations are accurate, fiscal practices are followed, and revenues are maximized.
  • Develop or review procedures for internal controls for the purpose of maintaining accurate records and complying with mandated requirements.
  • Maintain appropriate financial records for internal and external parties. Prepare trial balances and fund statements.
  • Oversee the review and approve purchase orders for goods and services. Assure proper program codes for all expenditures.
  • Monitor internal controls, establishing or adjusting processes, and verifying state and federal compliance.
• Budgeting & Forecasting
  • Lead the annual budget development process, ensuring alignment with district priorities and financial sustainability.
  • Provide enrollment projections and translate them into staffing and financial models.
  • Analyze financial data and trends to support proactive fiscal decision-making.
  • Responsible for the preparation of costing of expenditure options for budgeting and negotiation.
  • Monitor expenditures and revenues against budgeted expectations.
  • Balance monthly to the County Treasurer.
  • Responsible for preparation of reports and expense claims required by state and federal agencies.
  • Monitor all grants including revenues, expenditures, accounting codes, and financial reporting requirements.
  • Implement and process budget transfers and adjustments as needed.
  • Analyze budget impacts and calculate costs related to changes or additions to programs.
• Enrollment & Staffing Analysis
  • Coordinate student enrollment projections and assess their financial impact on staffing and resource allocation.
  • Assist in the development of staffing models based on financial forecasts and district needs.
  • Confers with building principals and other administrators regarding district financial operations and methods of coding and cost estimating, interpreting budget reports, and fiscal procedures.
  • Provide orientation and training of administrators, department heads, and other district staff regarding fiscal procedures.
  • Assist in training district personnel about budgeting, financial reporting, and personnel reporting. 
• Policy & Advisory Responsibilities
  • Advise district leadership on financial matters, ensuring adherence to local, state, and federal financial regulations and GAAP.
  • Assist in levy and bond planning, providing financial analysis and data to support funding initiatives.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation for audit purposes and financial transparency.
  • Advise district personnel on procedures, processes, and program requirements for the purpose of providing information and ensuring compliance with accounting standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Maintain current knowledge of rules, regulations, procedures, and legislation governing school finance.
  • Maintain liaison with other school district business managers, educational service districts, state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and other agencies as necessary to comply with external requirements relating to fiscal services and to secure answers to district fiscal questions or issues.
• Supervision & Collaboration
  • Supervise and evaluate lead accounting staff to ensure effective financial operations.
  • Work collaboratively with district leadership to align financial practices with educational goals.
  • Provide financial insights and data-driven recommendations to stakeholders.
  • Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective team.
• Professional Development
  • Participate in ESD 171 training for new business managers during first year of employment, regardless of previous experience.
  • Regularly participate in professional development opportunities offered by ESD 171.
• General Expectations
  • Follow all applicable board policies.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
  • Assist in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations, and board policies.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.  Significant school district accounting experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum three years of successful experience in school district finance, accounting, or budgeting.
• Strong knowledge of Washington State school district financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Experience with budget development, financial forecasting, and enrollment analysis.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in financial management systems (WESPaC, Skyward, or similar software).
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a schedule to meet all work requirements and deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified School Business Official (CSBO), CPA, or WASBO Certification.
• Experience supervising accounting or finance personnel.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining, financial analysis, and contract management.