Classification:  Admin/Prof

Exemption Status/Test:  Exempt/Administrative                

Job Grade: 8

Department:  Business Services

Reports To:  Chief of Finance and Business Services

Job Goal:

Responsible for implementing strategic decisions, supervising projects, and providing leadership in accounting and finance functions. Assists with managing all financial and business affairs of the center.  Provides direction to Business Services personnel and internal departments.  Assist school districts and charter schools in carrying out financial operations as needed.

Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Experience

1. Five years of experience in a senior finance or accounting role, preferably in an educational or regional service center setting
2. Three years of supervisory or management experience in a customer service function

Special Knowledge and Skills

1. Strong financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting skills
2. Strong knowledge and understanding of public school finance
3. Excellent leadership and team management abilities
4. Knowledge of regulatory compliance and accounting standards
5. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
6. Experience using eFinance (PowerSchool)

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master's degree in Accounting
2. CPA or relevant professional certification is highly desirable
3. TASBO certification 

Major Responsibilities:

Fiscal Management

1. Provide direction and supervision for the Center’s Business Services department.
2. Develop, monitor, and evaluate the Center’s annual budget, including:
   1. Preparation of the proposed budget and any amendments;
   2. Development and distribution of monthly budget status reports to division heads and department directors; consultation with same regarding budget amendments and funding restrictions; and
   3. Providing assistance to each Cabinet Member and/or Director in developing and monitoring Division/Department budgets.
3. Perform general ledger and month-end functions and prepare necessary entries/adjustments.
4. Oversee the performance of year-end procedures.
5. Support Cabinet Members and Directors in the operation of entrepreneurial activities to ensure effective financial goals are developed and met.
6. Support Directors in planning initiatives through financial analyses, reports, and recommendations.
7. Act as a resource for internal stakeholders in understanding and using the business operations of the Center.
8. Serve as a resource to Region 4 local education agencies in all areas of school finance.
9. Oversee the management of financial software applications utilized by the business office; this includes ensuring optional functionality, integration, and security of all financial software systems to support efficient business operations.
10. Possess a customer service orientation recognizing that business office functions are a service, providing help to user departments.
11. Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Finance and Business Services.

Auditing

1. Coordinate and oversee the external audit.
2. Coordinate and oversee the management of TEA and/or funding agency audits.

Reporting

1. Assist with submissions to the TEA of financial reports related to state and federal grants, in compliance with the standards, guidelines, and requirements of the applicable governmental agencies.
2. Oversee internal financial reporting and analyses of the Center’s financial performance, as required by the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director, or the Chief of Finance and Business Services.
3. Review and/or prepare Board meeting agendas, including reports and exhibits.
4. Provide direction and supervision for the preparation of the financial PEIMS data for submission to TEA.
5. Prepare the annual comprehensive financial report and annual budget book.

Supervision/Personnel Management

1. Supervise all Business Services functions.
2. Supervise, evaluate, and develop all Business Services direct reports.
3. Interact with Center personnel when problems/questions related to Business Services processes/procedures arise.

Continuous Improvement

1. Oversee the maintenance of all Business Services Manuals
2. Conduct special reviews or audits of finance, business, and accounting processes to ensure program effectiveness, identify areas of improvement, and implement process improvements.
3. Remain current regarding changes in accounting pronouncements, state and federal laws and practices pertaining to school finance and payroll through continuing education from professional publications and attendance at professional meetings and workshops.
4. Coordinate and/or provide staff in-service in all areas of Business Services.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/ Mental Demands:

Frequent use of standard office equipment; prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions (keyboarding and use of mouse); occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may work prolonged and irregular hours; occasional statewide travel; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.