DIRECTOR OF FINANCEReports To: Superintendent
Position: Director of Finance
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY The Director of Finance provides leadership and oversight for the financial operations of the school division and serves as a key member of the division leadership team. The Director works closely with the Superintendent, School Board, division leaders, and school administrators to ensure that financial resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and in support of the educational mission and priorities of the school division.
The Director of Finance serves as a trusted financial advisor to the Superintendent and provides leadership in budgeting, financial planning, accounting, payroll, purchasing, financial reporting, food services, and other business operations assigned to the position.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following responsibilities are representative of the position and are not intended to be all-inclusive.
- Provides leadership and oversight for the financial operations of the school division, ensuring sound fiscal management, appropriate internal controls, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
- Leads the development, administration, monitoring, and long-range planning of the division's annual budget in collaboration with the Superintendent and other division leaders.
- Serves as a financial advisor to the Superintendent and School Board and provides accurate, timely, and understandable information to support sound decision-making.
- Ensures that accounting, payroll, purchasing, financial reporting, grants management, and other financial operations are conducted accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and generally accepted practices.
- Monitors the financial condition of the school division and regularly communicates budget performance, financial trends, opportunities, and areas of concern to the Superintendent and School Board.
- Coordinates required financial reporting, audits, and other accountability measures and works cooperatively with local, state, and federal agencies and officials.
- Provides leadership and oversight for financial matters associated with state and federal programs, grants, capital projects, insurance, employee benefits, and other division programs as assigned.
- Provides leadership and oversight for the division's school nutrition program and works collaboratively with program leadership to ensure effective and fiscally responsible operations.
- Develops and maintains financial procedures and systems that balance appropriate accountability and internal controls with efficient, responsive service to schools and departments.
- Supports principals, department leaders, and other employees in understanding and effectively carrying out their financial responsibilities.
- Communicates financial information clearly and transparently to the Superintendent, School Board, employees, governmental partners, and community as appropriate.
- Supervises, supports, and evaluates assigned personnel and promotes a finance operation characterized by professionalism, accuracy, collaboration, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.
- Works collaboratively with other members of the division leadership team and contributes financial and operational expertise to broader division planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
- Maintains current knowledge of laws, regulations, funding requirements, and emerging practices affecting Virginia public school finance and advises the Superintendent regarding significant changes or implications.
- Seeks opportunities to improve financial processes, strengthen organizational efficiency, maximize available resources, and ensure that division resources are aligned with identified priorities.
- Demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical conduct in carrying out the responsibilities of the position.
- Attends School Board meetings and other meetings as requested by the Superintendent and represents the school division professionally in interactions with governmental agencies, professional organizations, community partners, and the public.
- Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field, or a combination of education and significant relevant professional experience.
- Advanced degree, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, or other relevant professional certification preferred.
- Significant experience in financial management, accounting, budgeting, business operations, or a related area.
- Knowledge of governmental or fund accounting and experience with budget development, implementation, monitoring, and financial reporting.
- Knowledge of Virginia public school finance, local government finance, or other public-sector financial operations preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial information and communicate it clearly to individuals with varying levels of financial expertise.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise employees, develop effective systems and processes, and work collaboratively as part of a leadership team.
- Ability to establish positive working relationships with school administrators, employees, School Board members, governmental officials, community partners, and the public.
- Ability to maintain the highest degree of integrity, confidentiality, accuracy, and professional judgment.
DESIRED LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS The successful Director of Finance will be:
- A responsible steward of public resources who recognizes that financial decisions ultimately support the education and well-being of students.
- A trusted advisor who provides accurate information, thoughtful analysis, and candid professional guidance.
- A collaborative leader who works effectively with educational and operational leaders across the school division.
- A clear communicator who can make complex financial information understandable and accessible.
- A problem-solver who looks for responsible ways to accomplish division priorities rather than simply identifying barriers.
- A service-oriented leader who recognizes that effective financial systems should provide both strong accountability and effective support to schools and departments.
- A forward-thinking professional who continually seeks opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen processes, and position the school division for long-term financial stability.
Salary$98,515 - 125,063 Annually; Commensurate with experience and pro-rated to start date
