Executive Director of Schools Budgeting & Accounting (Multiple Positions)

Provides executive leadership and accountability for finance and accounting services supporting schools within the assigned Area Unit. Directs school budget development, financial analysis, fiscal operations, and position controls to align resources with district priorities and school needs. Leads the unit’s finance team, establishes service standards and internal controls, and advises district and school leaders on financial performance, risks, and resource allocation. Oversees compliance with applicable requirements, leads cross-functional initiatives that improve financial stewardship, operational effectiveness, and service to schools.

1.        Provide executive direction for the Area Unit’s finance and accounting services, including school budgets, purchasing, payroll support, activity funds, travel, accounts payable, and fixed asset inventory support. Align service priorities and resources with district goals and school needs.
2.        Lead, supervise, and evaluate assigned finance personnel. Establish clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and accountability measures; develop staff capabilities; and direct workload and staffing priorities to deliver accurate, timely services.
3.        Lead annual budget development and financial planning for unit schools in partnership with finance and school leadership. Evaluate resource allocation options, assess financial implications, and present final budget recommendations for approval through established district processes.
4.        Oversee monthly spending variance analysis, expenditure projections, and financial reporting. Interpret trends, identify emerging risks, and advise district leadership on corrective actions and opportunities to strengthen school financial performance.
5.        Establish and oversee internal controls, account coding standards, and financial review processes within the unit. Ensure budget and accounting practices support responsible resource use and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local requirements and district policies.
6.        Direct preparation, review, and timely submission of required fiscal compliance reports in coordination with responsible central office departments. Ensure reporting accuracy and oversee resolution of identified compliance concerns.
7.        Oversee budgetary, staffing, and position controls for unit schools. Partner with school leadership, human resources, and central finance to align authorized positions and personnel expenditures with approved budgets and district requirements.
8.        Lead planning and execution of Finance Office Executive Leadership Team priorities. Shape meeting agendas with finance leadership, facilitate decisions, assign follow-up accountability, and monitor completion of strategic initiatives and special projects.
9.        Direct coordination among areas, units, schools, and central office departments to resolve complex fiscal issues, clarify responsibilities, and implement consistent finance and accounting practices.
10.        Establish service standards and escalation procedures for school requests. Oversee a unified calendar of weekly, monthly, and annual finance activities, and hold the team accountable for timely processing, reporting, and issue resolution.
11.        Define, monitor, and refine key performance indicators for the role and unit. Use results to evaluate financial controls, service quality, and operational efficiency; lead process improvements; and report outcomes and recommendations to finance leadership.
12.        Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION
Degree in Accounting or other finance, data analysis, or technology related field. CPA preferred.
WORK EXPERIENCE
3+ years of relevant experience.
TYPE OF SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION
Software
Oracle preferred
Microsoft Office
Advanced Excel and PowerPoint preferred
Equipment
Office equipment (e.g., computer, copier)
Ability to pay close attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to implement effective workflow processes and procedures.
Willingness to take initiative, high level of self-motivation, and easily works independently or as part of a team.
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides executive leadership and formal supervision of assigned finance personnel. Establishes strategic priorities, delegates operational responsibilities, evaluates performance, develops staff, and holds the team accountable for financial accuracy, compliance, and service delivery. Leads cross-functional initiatives and advises finance leadership on matters affecting unit schools.
WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT
Directs complex, interdependent financial activities requiring substantial independent judgment, analysis, and prioritization. Resolves issues with competing operational and financial considerations within district policy and delegated authority; elevates matters requiring district-level approval.
BUDGET AUTHORITY
Leads development, monitoring, and administration of the assigned unit budget and oversees school budget planning and controls. Recommends resource allocations and adjustments and exercises spending authority within approved budgets and delegated limits.
PROBLEM SOLVING
Anticipates and resolves complex financial and operational issues affecting multiple schools and departments. Evaluates alternatives, assesses fiscal and service implications, and directs corrective action or recommends policy and process changes to finance leadership.
IMPACT OF DECISIONS
Decisions significantly affect financial stewardship, compliance, staffing alignment, and service delivery across unit schools. Recommendations influence district resource allocation and operational priorities. Accountable for mitigating financial exposure, preventing control failures, and sustaining effective fiscal practices.
COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS
Advises district executives, school leaders, and central office partners on financial performance, risks, and resource needs. Presents complex fiscal information and recommendations clearly, builds agreement across departments, and communicates expectations and outcomes. May be required to travel to Area campuses.
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
Builds effective partnerships with school and district leaders, establishes responsive service expectations, and assumes accountability for resolving escalated or complex fiscal concerns. Uses stakeholder feedback and service results to improve support to schools.
WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
-Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.