Director, Business Services

Overview

Director, Business Services – Tehama County Department of Education (TCDE) in Red Bluff, California. TCDE seeks an experienced, forward?thinking Director of Business Services to join the leadership team. This role provides expert guidance, oversight, and strategic direction across all areas of school business operations for TCDE, Tehama County school districts, and authorized charter schools.

If you are a collaborative leader with deep knowledge of school finance, a commitment to fiscal integrity, and a passion for supporting educational excellence, we invite you to apply.

Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, the Director of Business Services plans, organizes, controls, and directs a wide range of business service functions. The Director provides high-level expertise and oversight in budgeting, LCAP alignment, internal controls, accounting, audit coordination, legislative compliance, and fiscal advisory services for TCDE and county districts.

This role is central to ensuring fiscal solvency, regulatory compliance, and strong financial stewardship across Tehama County’s educational agencies.

• Oversee department programs, district budgets, and financial reports; identify solvency issues and coordinate AB 1200 fiscal oversight.
• Review and certify TCDE and district interim budgets; prepare recommendations for State and district Boards.
• Analyze collective bargaining agreements for AB 1200 compliance and advise districts on multi-year fiscal impacts.
• Provide financial expertise for TCDE and district LCAPs to ensure regulatory compliance and appropriate resource allocation.
• Prepare and support districts with CARS applications.
• Coordinate independent audits; prepare documentation, resolve findings, and assist districts with internal control improvements.
• Assist districts with revenue/expenditure forecasts, enrollment and attendance projections, cash flows, multi-year projections, and budget narratives.
• Lead and evaluate Business Services staff; provide training and professional development.
• Interpret and communicate Education Code, legislative updates, and legal requirements to TCDE staff and district administrators.
• Support staff development in financial systems, accounting procedures, attendance accounting, AB 1200 compliance, and long-term debt tracking.
• Monitor fiscal activities including payroll audits, commercial warrant audits, workers’ compensation reporting, cash transfers, loans, and financial reviews.
• Prepare and maintain narrative and statistical reports, records, and files.
• Collaborate with administrators, districts, and outside agencies; communicate with the public and media as needed.
• Approve financial system user access and security levels.
• Participate in special projects and perform related duties as assigned.
• Drive occasionally for department business.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, public administration, or related field.
• Five years of increasingly responsible experience in school district auditing, budgeting, or administration.
• Master’s degree or CPA preferred.
• Equivalent experience demonstrating the knowledge and skills required for the position.
• Experience in public accounting or school business administration, including at least four years in a management role within a complex computerized environment.
• Preference given to candidates with school auditing, business administration, and school business administration experience.

• California Education Code, GAAP, and laws related to school finance.
• School district budgeting, accounting, reporting, auditing, and business operations.
• Standardized account code structure and California School Accounting Manual.
• Principles of administration, supervision, and training.
• State and federal timelines and compliance requirements.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; public speaking proficiency.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Operation of computers and financial software systems.

• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Provide expert fiscal guidance to districts.
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Build effective working relationships.
• Analyze complex situations and recommend effective solutions.
• Meet schedules and timelines; work independently.
• Prepare comprehensive narrative and statistical reports.
• Maintain current knowledge of legislation impacting school finance.