Business Manager

Position Type: Finance and Operations

Location: North Dakota

Job Title: Business Manager

Supervisor: Chief Finance Officer

Employees under their Direct Supervision: TBD

Terms of Employment: 260 days

FTE 1.0

Salary Range: $75,000 - $88,000

Closing Date: Open until Filled

Standard Office Hours: 8:00 – 5:00 weekdays, with some evenings and weekends

Decision Making Authority: Structured payments for payroll, pay schedules for irregular occurrences

Position Overview: The Business Manager at CREA plays a critical role in ensuring the financial and operational efficiency of the organization and with client schools. This position combines a strategic oversight of North Dakota school financial management, payroll supervision, and audit preparation, aligned with CREA’s mission to serve schools effectively. The role demands a high level of accuracy, compliance, and innovation to optimize processes and provide actionable financial insights.

Position Accountabilities, Responsibilities and Essential Functions

School Business Management (40%): Manage financial operations for partner schools, ensuring compliance with North Dakota Century Code, preparing budgets, managing accounts payable/receivable, preparing for elections and supporting school board financial reporting.

Payroll Management (40%): Supervise payroll operations, ensuring timely and accurate processing, tax compliance, and handling of quarterly/year-end reporting.

Audit Support (15%): Prepare for and assist external auditors by ensuring accurate documentation, compliance, and process transparency.

Professional Development (5%): Engage in continuous learning to enhance knowledge of financial regulations, payroll practices, and innovative management strategies.

Significant Job Duties

School Business Management (40%)

• Ensure compliance with North Dakota Century Code requirements for school financial management.
• Develop and monitor budgets for partner schools in compliance with NDCC
• Manage budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting for partner schools.
• Handle AR/AP processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Prepare and manage financial reports for school boards and regulatory agencies.
• Maintain thorough documentation for audits and reporting requirements
• Oversee grants and ensure accurate allocation of funds.
• Act as the point of contact for financial inquiries for clients and provide data-driven recommendations

Payroll Supervision and Management (40%)

• Oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy in payments, benefits, and tax deductions and compliance with relevant laws.
• Handle quarterly and year-end payroll reporting (e.g., W-2s, ACA filings).
• Monitor payroll systems for updates, resolve discrepencies, and optimize workflows
• Collaborate with HR and AP/AR for onboarding, offboarding, journal entries and other financial duties
• Manage benefit deductions and contributions, coordinating with benefit providers.
• Review and approve payroll adjustments and ensure timely employee payments.

Auditing Support (15%)

• Prepare required documentation and records for external audits.
• Identify and implement strategies to streamline audit preparation and compliance tasks
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations.

Professional Development (5%)

• Participate in training and workshops to stay updated on financial management best practices.
• Engage with peers in ND educational finance community to share best practices and develop solutions ro common challenges
• Pursue certifications or courses related to financial compliance or payroll.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Flexible work setting including CREA’s physical offices in Minot and Bismarck, with potential for remote work.
• Collaboration with CREA leadership, school boards, and external stakeholders.

Essential Skills, Experience and Expertise

• Exhibit strong financial acumen and problem-solving skills.
• Be detail-oriented with a commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Have expertise in North Dakota school financial management, including familiarity with state codes and regulatory requirements.
• Uphold CREA’s values of integrity, support, and relevance in all financial and operational decisions.

Special Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field (Required, MA preferred)
• Knowledge of North Dakota Century Code regarding school financial management, contracts, and other pertinent policy
• Proficiency in payroll software (Software Unlimited preferred)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams and Office Suite

Description Revised:

This information is provided as a general summary of key elements of this job. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities and duties or responsibilities required of the employee.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $88,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Bismarck, ND 58501 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Bismarck, ND 58501: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bismarck, ND 58501

Salary : $75,000 - $88,000