Director of Financial Services

• Position Type:
  Administration/ Business Manager
• Date Posted: 2/27/2026
• Date Available:
  
  Immediately After Filled
• Closing Date: 03/20/2026

VACANCY NOTICE

2025 - 2026 School Year

February 27, 2026

Department
:
Central Office

Supervision received
:
Receives overall direction from the Chief Operating Officer

Work Year
: 12 months, Full-time

Salary Range
: $128,000 - $139,000*

Start Date
:
Immediately After Filled

Position Summary
:
The Director of Financial Services is a senior finance leader within Branford Public Schools, responsible for directing and strengthening the District's 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.

• 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 District's 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 district's food service fund and food service management company, including budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and reporting

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

085 School Business Administrator certification required, or eligibility to obtain within six months of hire.