Senior Director, Budget and Finance

Salary : $177,660.00 - $216,024.00 Annually
Location : Downey, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 000359 - 2027
Department: DUSD
Opening Date: 11/09/2026
Closing Date: 12/9/2026 4:30 PM Pacific

SELECTION PROCEDURES
Only online applications and required transcripts or diploma (desirable at the time of application), letter of introduction, current resume, and three (3) letters of recommendation (dated within the last two years) will be accepted: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/downey.

This is an OPEN recruitment to establish an eligibility list and fill a vacancy. The eligibility list will be used to fill permanent vacancies which may occur during the life of the eligibility list.

Positions in this classification are full-time, 40 hours per week, 12 months.

The recruitment process will consist of an evaluation of the submitted supplemental evaluation questionnaire and an oral technical interview, which is tentatively scheduled during the weeks of December 14, 2026-January 8, 2027. Qualified applicants will be notified by email.

BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent-Business Services, plan, organize, assign, review and direct the District accounting, financial services and budgeting activities; establish and revise accounting procedures; conduct accounting analysis and prepare financial statements; conduct audits of District funds and accounts; oversee activities related to payroll, benefits, disability, and workers' compensation; assist in all aspects of budget preparation, planning, analysis and monitoring; train, supervise and evaluate assigned personnel.
FUNCTION & DUTIES

Plan, organize and direct the work of the Financial Services Department and other functions of the Business Services Department as assigned, including budget control records, payroll record keeping and preparation, and the proper disbursement of funds and procurement and control of materials, supplies and equipment. E

Research, compile and analyze financial data and prepare a variety of financial, statistical and accounting reports including budget reports, Board reports, cash flow projections and interim reports; review financial reports from various District departments; gather data and prepare a variety of special reports as needed. E

Function as Business Services Head and CFO in the absence of the Assistant Superintendent-Business Services. E

Serve as alternate for Assistant Superintendent-Business Services on committees, JPA Board of Directors and School Business Associations; present oral and written presentations on budgetary matters as required. E

Advise the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent-Business Services as required, in matters related to investments and cash management. E

Assist and consult with Assistant Superintendent-Business Services in the preparation of the budget and unusual problems involving deviations from policy or precedent. E

Direct the District budgeting activities; formulate and recommend budget assumptions; consolidate budget data; submit final budget for approval; monitor budgets, identifying need for budget transfers or changes during the course of the fiscal year. E

Develop, implement and assure compliance with accounting procedures and regulations in accordance with federal, state, county and District rules and requirements; assist with development or alteration of accounting policies and procedures. E

Analyze requirements for a variety of reports; interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, contracts, union agreements, labor codes and State Education Codes. E

Conduct audits of District and student body funds or accounts; conduct or supervise special financial or statistical research or analytical studies to assist in formulating new policies and planning new or revised programs. E

Select, train and supervise assigned personnel; evaluate the performance of personnel; verify and approve personnel time and absence records. E

Coordinate communication and activities with other District departments and staff, various governmental and private agencies and other school districts as appropriate. E

Interact with various county and District departments and personnel regarding such issues as budget balances, fiscal policies and services, employee benefits and a variety of accounting concerns. E

Prepare drafts or revisions of existing Board policies and administrative regulations; prepare procedure manual for use in area of assigned responsibility. E

Oversee the maintenance of financial and accounting records and files. E

Provide assistance to auditors conducting audits of programs and records. E

Provide technical information and assistance related to financial activities and procedures to District managers and other staff and represent department at school and community meetings as needed.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Theories and practices of modern school management applicable to such functions as accounting, payroll, budget, internal auditing, and records retention.
Generally accepted professional accounting and auditing principles, practices, procedures and related regulations.
Budget control and revenue projection methods including those used in student attendance accounting.
Legal contracts and other binding agreements, including insurance coverage.
Fiscal and budgeting principles and practices.
Financial and statistical record keeping techniques.
Financial analysis and projection techniques, and financial reporting procedures.
Applicable sections of the Education Code and state and federal financial management regulations.
Organization, work management and personnel supervision methods and procedures.
Financial and statistical records maintenance methods.
Computer operations.
Modern office practices and procedures.

ABILITY TO:
Manage and direct assigned functions relating to fiscal control and analysis.
Plan, organize and supervise financial and statistical record keeping activities.
Design and implement complex account code systems.
Conduct studies, analyze complex statistical and financial data and prepare clear, concise oral and written reports.
Perform difficult and complex accounting work.
Develop, control and monitor budgets and accounts.
Maintain or direct the maintenance of financial and statistical records.
Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations and District policies to employees and others.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Operate office equipment such as a personal computer.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Make presentations before groups.
Supervise, train, and evaluate the work of others.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees of the District, vendors and other public agencies as appropriate.
Communicate and administer effectively and tactfully.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE, LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Any combination equivalent to: A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in accounting, economics, business administration or a related field, including courses in school accounting, business law, and auditing, and five years of professional accounting experience including three years' experience at a management level in a school district or public agency finance department.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid California driver's license. Must be, and remain, insurable under the District's vehicle driver's insurance policy at the standard rate.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:
Office environment.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment; hearing and speaking to exchange information and to make presentations; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; and seeing to read, analyze and review complex financial data.
Full-time Management and Confidential Employees earn up to:

• 22 paid vacation days per year
• 3 paid management compensation days per year
• 14 paid sick leave days per year with unlimited accumulation
• 13 paid holidays

The District offers two excellent medical plans, Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente; two dental plans, Delta Dental and MetLife SafeGuard; and vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Currently full-time employees (employees working 6 hours or more per day) pay 20% of the premium cost for these plans. All plans are available to the employee and their dependents. This coverage is available to employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week.

Retirement benefits include membership in CalPERS (California Public Employee's Retirement System) and Social Security (OASDI). This is a joint contribution plan. To qualify for CalPERS an employee must work a minimum of 20 hours per week or already be a member, if not the employee is eligible for an alternative retirement plan.

Additionally, the District encourages employees to pursue professional growth, and provides financial incentive for classified employees completing professional growth programs. Additional benefits available to employees to which the District does not contribute include life insurance, a Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan, an income protection plan, and a credit union.

Substitute employees are not eligible for vacation or holiday pay but are eligible to earn sick leave at the rate of one hour per 30 hours worked not to exceed 48 hours. Further, substitute employees are not automatically eligible for CalPERS or District health benefits.
01

The information you provide on the general and supplemental applications will be used to evaluate whether you meet the minimum requirements for this position. All experience, education, training, and certification must be included in your application in order to be considered. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Supplemental questions that are not answered fully and completely will be considered incomplete and may cause you to not be considered further in the recruitment process. All experience mentioned in the Supplemental Questions must also be included in the Work Experience section of the application in order to be considered complete. Resumes are not required or reviewed during the application process; therefore, you must ensure the application is complete.
Did you read and understand this information?

• Yes
• No

02

This position requires the possession of a valid California driver's license. Do you have a VALID CALIFORNIA DRIVER'S LICENSE?

• Yes
• No

03

What is your Driver's License expiration date?
04

Please select the field of study in which you earned your degree.

• Accounting
• Economics
• Business Administration
• Related Field

05

If you selected "Related Field" above, please specify the field of study in which you earned your degree.
06

Have you completed college-level coursework in school accounting, business law, and auditing? If yes, please list the name of each course completed under the applicable subject area. If you have not completed the required coursework, please indicate "No."You must attach copies of your college transcripts to your application for it to be considered complete.
07

Do you possess at least five (5) years of professional accounting experience? If yes, this experience must be clearly documented in the work history section of your application, including your job duties and dates of employment.

• No
• Yes

08

Do you possess at least three (3) years of management-level experience in a school district or public agency finance department? If yes, this experience must be clearly documented in the work history section of your application, including your management responsibilities, job duties, and dates of employment.

• No
• Yes

09

The ideal candidate will have the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in accounting, economics, business administration or a related field, including courses in school accounting, business law, and auditing, and five years of professional accounting experience including three years' experience at a management level in a school district or public agency finance department.Explain how you meet the education and experience requirements of this position. Include your title and name of agencies you worked for.Note: The response should also be detailed in your application.
10

Describe your experience in each of the following:• Developing and monitoring budgets• Preparing interim financial reports• Completing year-end closing• Conducting financial forecasting and long-term fiscal planning in a school district or public agency.Include: (a) your specific