Description

The School Business Manager provides comprehensive business and financial management services to contracting school districts, serving as a trusted resource to district leadership, Boards of Directors, and external auditors. This position delivers high-level accounting support, financial reporting, and oversight of district business operations while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements. The School Business Manager works closely with district superintendents and key staff to support sound fiscal practices, meet state and district deadlines, and ensure effective and efficient business processes.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee and ensure accuracy of district accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, purchasing, and maintenance of the general ledger.
• Prepare, analyze, and reconcile district financial records, including journal entries, adjusting entries, and reconciliation of district accounts with county treasurer records.
• Develop and submit required financial reports and compliance documents, including monthly budget reports, year-end financial statements, federal expenditure schedules, and mandated state and federal reporting.
• Lead and coordinate the district budgeting process, including development of annual budgets, monitoring expenditures, forecasting, and preparation of staffing and enrollment projections.
• Manage grant and program fiscal activities, including expenditure tracking, reimbursement calculations, claim preparation, and review of applications for fiscal and legal compliance.
• Monitor district cash flow and investments to ensure responsible management of district funds and financial sustainability.
• Provide financial leadership and consultation to district administrators and Boards of Directors, including recommendations on fiscal policies, procedures, and best practices, and supporting external audit processes.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily onsite at contracting school district locations, with occasional work performed at ESD 105 offices as needed. Duties are completed in a professional office environment with frequent use of computers, financial software systems, and standard office equipment. The position requires regular travel to school district sites, meetings, trainings, and other work- related activities within the service region, which may include travel up to approximately 80 miles. The work environment is generally quiet to moderately active and may include frequent interruptions, shifting priorities, and deadline-driven responsibilities typical of a school district administrative setting.

Job Description

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
Certifications/ Licenses: Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation for required travel.
Background Requirements: Successful completion of a Washington State Patrol WATCH check is required. A fingerprint-based background check through the Washington State Patrol and FBI may be required in accordance with OSPI and district policy.
Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Washington State school district accounting practices, including familiarity with the Accounting Manual for Public School Districts in the State of Washington and state reporting requirements.
• A minimum of one year of professional experience in accounting, financial management, or budgeting, preferably within a Washington State school district, public agency, or non-profit organization.
• Prior experience in school business office operations, such as budgeting, payroll, grants management, or financial reporting in a K–12 public education setting.
• Professional certification or progress toward a credential such as Certified School Business Official (CSBO), School Business
  Manager, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or another related financial management certification.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and public-sector accounting practices, including school district finance and fund accounting.
• Knowledge of Washington State school finance laws, reporting requirements, and audit standards.
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial forecasting, grant accounting, and compliance requirements at the state and federal levels.
• Knowledge of internal controls, financial policies, and risk management practices.

Skill in:

• Strong financial analysis, reconciliation, and reporting skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and other financial or accounting systems used for reporting and analysis.
• Clear and effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex financial information to non- financial audiences.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage multiple districts, deadlines, and priorities.
• Skill in building effective working relationships with district leadership, Boards of Directors, auditors, and agency staff.

Ability To:

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound professional judgment.
• Ability to manage flexible work schedules to meet district timelines and reporting requirements.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive financial information.
• Ability to travel as needed to district sites and meetings using reliable personal transportation.