Director of Finance

Summary of Position

Directs district-wide financial management and business office operations while ensuring strategic alignment of resources with the district's mission and goals. Oversees Business Office functions, budget development, financial reporting, pupil accounting, and regulatory compliance. Serves as the district's chief financial officer and partners with the Superintendent and district leadership to optimize fiscal planning, maintain financial transparency, and support long-term financial stability.

• Directs district financial planning, budgeting, and long-term forecasting across all funds
• Leads multi-year financial projections and scenario planning to support sustainability and strategic decision-making
• Manages cash flow, investments, banking relationships, and tax levies in compliance with legal requirements
• Oversees bonds, sinking funds, and capital improvement financing
• Develops financial projections and recommendations for bond-millage elections, including public information
• Ensures proper tax levies with consideration of Headlee, Truth in Taxation, and Winter Tax Levy requirements
• Monitors tax appeals, SEV adjustments, and timely transfer of funds from taxing authorities
• Maintains financial transparency through regular reporting to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and stakeholders
• Monitors departmental budgets and resource allocation across the district

• Implements Business Office operations, including supervises payroll and Student Activity fund accounts, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, and general ledger
• Maintains oversight of the district's fixed asset and inventory systems and capital equipment requests
• Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements
• Prepares and submits all required financial reports to MDE, CEPI, and federal agencies
• Coordinates the annual external audit, prepares audit documentation, and implements audit recommendations
• Maintains the district's chart of accounts in accordance with Michigan Department of Education requirements
• Implements and monitors internal control policies and risk management strategies
• Administers district-wide purchase card program with appropriate oversight and accountability
• Oversees vendor management, competitive bidding, contract compliance, and procurement procedures, including development and administration of Request for Proposals (RFPs) and formal bid review processes
• Maintains pupil accounting processes and reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance with state requirements
• Oversees the application, management, and reporting for state and federal categorical grants
• Ensures grant funds are expended in accordance with guidelines, timelines, and reporting requirements
• Monitors maintenance of effort and flow-through dollar compliance

• Oversees district insurance programs, including property/casualty and employee benefit plans
• Coordinates insurance renewals, claims, and risk mitigation strategies
• Applies current risk management practices to protect district assets and minimize liability
• Serves on the Superintendent's executive leadership team and attends Board of Education meetings
• Presents financial reports, analyses, and recommendations directly to the Board of Education
• Supports collective bargaining negotiations and contract administration as the district's finance representative
• Support human resource administration across the district, including coordination of payroll, benefits, and staffing allocations
• Participates in professional organizations to stay current on school finance reform and best practices
• Engages with community stakeholders on financial matters and initiatives
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent

• Provides leadership, supervision, and evaluation of Business Office staff, including payroll and accounting functions
• Directly supervises the Food Service Director, providing oversight of budget development, monitoring, and financial reporting
• Ensures effective internal controls, cross-training, and continuity of operations within the department

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in finance or accounting (K-12 public education experience strongly preferred)
• Two or more years in a supervisory capacity, highly desirable
• MSBO Chief Financial Officer Certification or willingness to obtain within two years of hire (CPA also valued)
• Working knowledge of fund accounting, GAAP/GASB standards, and Michigan school finance
• Experience with budgeting, financial forecasting, and audit processes
• Strong communication skills, including comfort presenting to boards and community audiences
• Proficiency with financial management systems; experience with Munis or similar ERP platforms preferred
• Experience…