Business Manager

Business Manager

Wallingford Public Schools is seeking CT certified candidates for the position of Business Manager. Salary range: $150,000 - $170,000, negotiated upon experience. Benefits include annuity and mileage reimbursement.

This is a highly responsible administrative position that directs the activities of the Business Office and staff to control the fiscal position of the school system as related to the approved budget. Inherent in this position is the responsibility for the Business Manager to be a strategic leader with a goal of researching and implementing innovative strategies to ensure the most economical method for supplying the school system with services, materials, and equipment.

The Wallingford Public Schools Business Manager will lead staff in understanding LEAN principles and strategies for funding expanding programming opportunities during difficult financial times. The Business Manager will provide the Superintendent and Board of Education with solutions to continue opportunities for innovation for our students and staff.

Works under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools.

Provides leadership in the development of the budget through continuous evaluation of short and long-term strategic financial objectives. Supervises the operation and evaluates the Business Office and Food Services staff including accounts payable, payroll, insurance, courier and production services; maintains budget control, the accurate accounting of all expenditures and the preparation of all financial statements. Organizes and prepares information and data needed to file all financial reports for the state and federal governments, including all regular and specially funded programs.

Ensures credibility of the District by providing timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial trends and forecasts. Takes hands-on lead position of developing, prioritizing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive district strategic plan in support of budget allocations. Evaluates and advises on the impact of long range planning, introduction of new programs and strategies. Establishes and maintains strong relationships with all members of the Wallingford Public School District community and Wallingford community.

Provides Superintendent and Board of Education with advice on the financial implications of business activities. Manages processes for financial forecasting, budgets and consolidation and reporting to the Superintendent and Board of Education. Provides recommendations to strategically enhance financial planning and opportunities for the District. Ensures that effective internal controls are in place and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulatory laws and rules for financial reporting.

Identifies benchmarks and implements reporting in order to assess return on investment, process improvements, and evaluate asset utilization across the District. Identifies on-going reallocation opportunities through stakeholder engagement and prioritization within the District Strategic Plan. Oversees site level procurement practices while providing assessment and selection protocols to empower users while ensuring consistency in quality, price, and efficient processes. Develops and administers the Board's comprehensive insurance programs.

Works cooperatively with the Town Comptroller to attain full reconciliation of accounts; provides necessary information to auditors as required. Prepares bid specifications for instructional and non-instructional materials and equipment. Develops agenda and materials in concert with the chairperson of the Operations Committee of the Board of Education. Oversees the Transportation Department and the Transportation Clerk. Supervises facilities director and coordinates construction projects and maintenance contracts.

Performs other related work as required.

The Business Manager needs to possess the following:
High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation. Strategic mindset and capacity to investigate, design, and implement innovative efficiency practices;
Strong problem solving and creative skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses. Thorough knowledge of office procedures including accounting principles, budget and report preparation, payroll, computers, bookkeeping, etc. as related to municipal and Board of Education finance High level of knowledge of public administration principles and practices as applied to a public school system;
Exceptional ability to communicate orally and in writing with vendors, the public and other municipal departments;
Considerable skill and ability to administer policies and procedures including scheduling, bid development and awarding, budgeting work and day-to-day problem solving;
Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all members of the Wallingford Public School…