Director of Finance and Operations

POSITION TITLE:  Director of Finance and Operations  

REPORTS TO:  Superintendent 

PRIMARY FUNCTION:  Support the mission of the district through leadership and management of financial and operational systems; contribute to strategic direction through accurate and reliable financial forecasting and modeling; advise the superintendent on strategic decision-making. Develop, collect, process, and maintain financial/budgetary data for analysis, management/control, and forecasting to support the administration and the Board in making informed decisions. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Certification:   Illinois certification as a Chief School Business Official. 

1. Education:
2. Required –  Bachelor’s Degree in finance, business, accounting, or related field or equivalent training and work experience is required.
3. Preferred - Master’s Degree in finance, business, accounting or related field 

1. Experience:  
2. Required – Three (3) years of experience in a school district setting with budgetary and financial forecasting, analysis, and management utilizing software applications.  

B. Preferred - Significant experience in managing others as the head of a department, division, or organization.  

ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Direct the administration and coordination of the district’s business support services. Plan, direct, organize, coordinate, implement, monitor, and manage business services programs, policies, and procedures for the following departments/areas: finance, payroll, purchasing, insurance, food service, and transportation. Collaborate closely with the Human Resources Department to ensure the smooth staffing and hiring of all district personnel.

1. Supervise the management of the district's financial affairs. Establish and supervise a program of accounting and reporting for the financial affairs of the district, including monthly and annual financial records as required. Manage and control the district’s financial investment program.

1. Set and determine strategic direction for Finance and Operations, and support the determination of overall district direction.

1. Provide staff leadership to ensure understanding and promotion of the educational services of the district. Act as a leader in fostering professional growth and staff morale throughout the Finance and Operations Department. Provide counsel to administrators regarding fiscal areas of leadership.

1. Assume responsibility for budget development and long-range financial planning. Develop, manage, and monitor budgets in all areas of control, including analysis of budget expenditures and ongoing operations effectiveness, ensuring fiscal integrity and compliance. Assist building administrators in developing building-based budgets.

1. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with key district staff, government agencies, school districts, community groups, and others to support and further district initiatives and goals. Serve on the Superintendent’s cabinet and represent the superintendent as assigned.

1. Prepare and deliver reports related to program effectiveness and monitoring as needed. 

1. As necessary, recommend new policies or revisions to existing policies as conditions change. 

1. Ensure district compliance with state and federal laws and reporting requirements.  

1. Provide fiscal oversight for all federal and state grant funds.

1. Provide training to administrators and support staff on the budget and financial system.

1. Manage the hiring, training, mentoring, and evaluation of all personnel in assigned areas of responsibility.  

1. Actively participate in labor negotiations. Lead preparation of financial information required for negotiations.

1. Other duties as assigned by the superintendent.  

OTHER PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Participate in District committees and external professional organizations.
2. Attend seminars, workshops, and professional meetings.
3. Complete other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Technical:   Demonstrated skill in generally accepted accounting procedures; knowledge of governmental accounting, budgetary forecasting, budgetary analysis management, and budgetary control procedures; knowledge of financial forecasting, financial analysis/management, and financial control procedures; demonstrated proficiency in utilizing software applications such as the Microsoft Office suite, Google Suite, electronic communications and scheduling; and demonstrated proficiency in downloading data from the central computer and then analyzing, restructuring, reformulating information necessary for accurate budgetary/financial decisions;

Interpersonal: Strong attention to detail; ability to meet tight deadlines and handle periodic high levels of stress; ability to organize people and tasks; willingness to consider new ideas; demonstrated leadership and team building skills; strong customer service focus; excellent oral, written, and listening communication skills; ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Manual Dexterity: Work requires definite skilled and accurate physical operations requiring some closely coordinated performance.

Physical Effort: Work required handling average weight materials or equipment, but not for sustained periods.

Working Conditions:  The usual and customary methods of performing the job functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:   Full-Time – 12-Months 

SALARY RANGE:   No less than $145,000, Board-paid TRS, Board-paid family health, dental, and life insurance, and tuition reimbursement. 

EVALUATION:   Conducted annually by the Superintendent.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by most people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements.  Scheduling flexibility is required to accommodate changing school/district needs.

CREATED: May 2012

REVISED: March 2026