Director of Finance

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, the Director of Finance is responsible for accounting for and recording the business affairs of the district to provide the best possible educational service with available financial resources. The Director will keep necessary records to facilitate sound fiscal management and advise the Superintendent on business affairs. Responsibilities include Food Service Funds, grants management, UCOA and audit reporting, oversight of all student activity accounts, payroll, purchasing, and accounts payable staff.

• Identify and apply various organizational leadership models.
• Identify techniques for motivating others, delegating authority, decision making, information processing, planning and allocating resources.
• Examine methods of assigning personnel and resources to accomplish specific goals and objectives and utilize scheduling techniques for coordination of tasks to maximize personnel and resource utilization.
• Identify problems, secure relevant information, and recognize possible causes of conflict.
• Question techniques, fact‑find, categorize information and retain relevant data.
• Apply concepts of change, group dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and effective problem solving.
• Delegate and assign responsibilities to subordinates, collect, analyze, and evaluate information to generate contingency plans, and apply basic concepts of organizational development.
• Maintain a system for budget control.
• Maintain strict confidence concerning personnel, students, and operational concerns of the district.
• Prepare a budget calendar to meet time constraints of budget preparation.
• Apply legal requirements for budget adoption.
• Recognize and forecast major sources of revenue available to public schools from local, state and federal levels of government.
• Maximize state and federal aid for the district.
• Explore alternative and innovative revenue sources.
• Develop and maintain an accurate fiscal accounting system conforming with Rhode Island Uniform Chart of Accounts (UCOA); maintain accounts payable and receivable, and cooperate with auditors and administrators.
• Maintain a thorough data reporting system for completion of financial reports required by federal, state, and local government.
• Organize and report all state reports required for Housing Aid Reimbursement.
• Assist in preparation, implementation, monitoring and presentation of the district budget.
• Oversee school property and liability insurance programs including fixed assets inventory system.
• Oversee payroll system and coordinate employee benefit programs and reporting to federal and state government.
• Oversee school lunch program and prepare required reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.
• Attend School Committee, building committee, and other sub‑committee meetings as necessary.

• Working knowledge of district and school rules, state and federal regulations, and policies applicable to the area of assignment.
• Ability to work effectively with district personnel, administrators, staff, parents, outside agencies, other school districts, and the community.
• Keen ability to use data in the decision‑making process and strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to continuously elevate professional contributions through ongoing reflection, building upon previous learning, and being open and receptive to ongoing feedback.
• Ability to communicate and understand information and ideas effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to learn and use various school‑related systems and databases proficiently.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work to meet time‑sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to handle difficult in‑person situations and telephone inquiries requiring courtesy, tact, and professionalism.

• Master’s Degree
• 5 years of relevant experience preferred
• Rhode Island School Business Manager Certification or eligibility for the same.
• Knowledge/experience in accounting.
• Knowledge of the Rhode Island Uniform Chart of Accounts (UCOA).
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Knowledge/experience with computers is required.
• Such…