Job SummaryThe Director of Finance and Business Administration serves as the chief financial officer of the school district and is responsible for the leadership, management, and oversight of all financial and business operations. The Director ensures the fiscal integrity of the district through sound financial planning, budgeting, accounting, procurement, risk management, payroll oversight, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.The Director works closely with the Superintendent, School Committee, district administrators, auditors, municipal officials, and community stakeholders to support the district's educational mission through effective stewardship of financial resources.Supervisory ResponsibilitiesBusiness Office Staff, Payroll Personnel, Accounts Payable Personnel, Purchasing Staff, and other personnel as assigned.Essential FunctionsFinancial Leadership and PlanningDevelop and administer the district's annual operating and capital budgets.Provide long-range financial forecasting and strategic fiscal planning.Monitor revenues and expenditures to ensure fiscal stability and compliance with budgetary requirements.Prepare financial analyses, projections, and reports for the Superintendent and School Committee.Advise district leadership on financial implications of policy decisions and operational initiatives.Accounting and Financial ManagementDirect and oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management.Ensure accurate financial reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), federal and state regulations, and district policies.Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.Manage district investments, banking relationships, and cash flow.Coordinate annual independent audits and implement audit recommendations.Budget Development and AdministrationLead the annual budget development process in collaboration with district administrators.Monitor departmental budgets and provide guidance regarding expenditure controls.Analyze financial trends and recommend budget adjustments as needed.Present budget information to the School Committee, municipal officials, and community stakeholders.Purchasing and ProcurementAdminister district purchasing and procurement programs.Ensure compliance with applicable bidding laws, procurement regulations, and district policies.Review and approve contracts, bids, requests for proposals, and purchasing agreements.Develop and maintain effective internal controls over purchasing activities.Grants and ComplianceOversee financial management of federal, state, and local grants.Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting obligations.Maintain systems and procedures to meet all regulatory and audit requirements.Risk Management and OperationsCoordinate district insurance programs and risk management activities.Oversee financial aspects of transportation, food service, facilities, and other operational services as assigned.Monitor contracts and vendor performance.Recommend operational efficiencies and cost-saving initiatives.Leadership and AdministrationSupervise and evaluate business office personnel.Develop and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.Serve as a member of the Superintendent's leadership team.Attend School Committee meetings and other meetings as required.Foster positive relationships with staff, municipal officials, vendors, auditors, and community stakeholders.Required Knowledge/Skills/AbilitiesThorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles and financial management practices.Knowledge of school finance, state education funding, and municipal budgeting processes preferred.Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences.Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills.Proficiency with financial management software and Microsoft Office applications.Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.CertificationsSchool Business Administrator certification or the ability to obtain certification required. Certified Public Accountant preferred.Education and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field required.Master's degree in Business Administration or related business field preferred.Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible financial management experience.Experience in public sector or school district finance preferred.Experience in budget development, financial reporting, auditing, and personnel supervision required.Physical RequirementsProlonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at a time.Office environment within a public-school administrative setting.Monthly evening attendance at School Committee meetings and occasional district events required.Other Duties The activities, duties or responsibilities contained in this job description is not a comprehensive listing that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.Johnston Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the policy of the Johnston Public Schools to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department at (401) 233-1900 ext. 2450.
