Specialist - Financial Services

ESC Region 7 Region 7 ESC
- Kilgore, Texas Open in Google Maps

Starting Date: Immediately

The Specialist I - School Finance provides advanced technical assistance, financial analysis, and mentorship to local education agencies (LEAs) and Region 7 Financial Services staff. Under the direction of the IMS Director and in collaboration with the Financial Services coordinators, this position applies extensive school business office experience to resolve complex financial issues, support assigned district services, strengthen accounting practices, and develop the skills of LEA business managers and staff accountants.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Master's degree or CPA credentials preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years of direct experience in a school business office, including at least 6 years as a school business manager, CFO, or equivalent role with primary responsibility for school business operations.
• Demonstrated experience in Texas school district or charter school finance, governmental fund accounting, budget development, financial reporting, and audit preparation.

• Comprehensive knowledge of Texas school finance, state funding formulas, accounting requirements, grant management, and business office operations, including payroll, accounts payable, and bank reconciliation.
• Ability to analyze financial records, resolve discrepancies, evaluate internal controls, and explain complex financial information clearly.
• Ability to mentor adults, deliver effective training, build trusted relationships, and manage competing deadlines with accuracy and discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools; experience with ASCENDER preferred. Knowledge of Skyward or other school business systems is beneficial.

• Serve as a technical resource to LEA administrators, business managers, and Region 7 staff on complex school finance and business office matters. Research issues, explain available options, and elevate unresolved or significant concerns to the appropriate coordinator or IMS Director.
• Assist LEAs with budget preparation and monitoring, revenue projections, state funding estimates, tax rate information, cash flow analysis, and evaluation of financial trends. Support use of The TEMPLATE and other approved planning tools.
• Analyze district financial records, reconciliations, and budget reports to identify discrepancies, potential compliance concerns, and operational needs. Present findings and recommended actions clearly to district contacts and Region 7 leadership.
• Assist with preparation and review of required financial reports, grant reports, year-end schedules, and audit documentation. Work with designated LEA personnel to resolve discrepancies and obtain required approvals before submission.

• Perform or assist with assigned payroll, accounts payable, bank reconciliation, monthly oversight, and other financial services within the approved scope of each LEA agreement. Maintain accurate records and supporting documentation.
• Review and help resolve complex accounting issues involving the chart of accounts, journal entries, payroll liabilities, benefits, Teacher Retirement System reporting, payroll taxes, and quarterly or annual reports, including Forms 941, W-2, and 1099, as assigned.
• Assist coordinators with the initial assessment and cleanup of new or complex LEA assignments. Document outstanding issues, recurring deadlines, district contacts, and procedures to support an orderly transition to the assigned staff accountant.
• Provide technical review of assigned accounting work and financial reports for accuracy, completeness, supporting documentation, and consistency with established procedures. Communicate needed corrections and verify resolution with the responsible staff member.
• Work with LEA contacts to obtain complete source documents and required authorizations through approved secure systems. Process information based on documented LEA decisions and communicate missing information or conflicting instructions promptly.

• Mentor staff accountants and other assigned staff…