Education Program Consultant; School Business Operations

Job Description

Iowa Department of Education’s mission is ensuring all students experience a world-class education. To accomplish our mission, we need talented, passionate people working together to build an excellent education system that empowers all students to achieve their full potential.

The Education Program Consultant (School Finance & Accounting) will be an integral member of the Bureau of School Business Operations, providing technical assistance and guidance to school districts and AEAs regarding multiple areas of school finance.

• Provide technical assistance and account coding guidance to school districts in accordance with the Iowa Chart of Account Coding manual
• Serve as a primary contact for student activity and categorical funding questions, analyzing fiscal data, and assist with school district fiscal reviews.
• Update and test bureau data collections to ensure continued alignment with Iowa Code and Administrative rule.
• Collaborate with bureau staff to design and maintain fiscal reports as a resource for internal staff, school districts, AEAs, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as the non-primary bureau contact for questions related to tuition and fees.
• Maintain professional competency through review of publications, professional development, and staying current with statutory and industry changes.
• Participate in professional activities of Bureau, Division, Department, and national and state organizations. This work includes regular participation in bureau meetings, school business operations activities, assigned work teams, and other duties as assigned.

Candidates are encouraged to provide detailed information about relevant experience in the application materials and submit a cover letter describing their interest in the position.

Specific experience in the business office of a public school district or area education agency, authorization as a school business official (SBO), as an auditor, or accountant with the ability to learn governmental accounting. Experience with fiscal reporting of Iowa school districts and area education agencies; experience with SQL or SAS; strong communication, mathematical, and analytical skills. Preference will also be given to candidates with proficiency in spreadsheets, governmental accounting experience, or experience interpreting code and regulations.

• Passion for pursuing common goals in pursuit of public service
• Accounting, preference for governmental
• Creation and manipulation of spreadsheets including experience with formulas and functions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strategic and analytical mindset
• SQL, SAS, or logic statement creation
• Collect, analyze, and review fiscal data
• Ability to work in complex situations and meet deadlines
• Ability to interpret and break down highly technical and regulatory language, and present information in an understandable manner
• Ability to manage self in relation to prioritization and time management
• Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Desire to work with diverse teams and stakeholders

If you wish to review a copy of the Position Description Questionnaire, please contact idoe.hr
.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday; some nights and weekends, occasional in-state and out-of-state travel

• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the lives of children, their families, and Iowa communities
• Collaborative, positive work environment
• Talented and passionate work colleagues that will help you learn and grow
• Opportunities to collaborate with experts from around the country
• Employee discounts from a variety of vendors
• Competitive salary and benefits package

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work…