What are the responsibilities and job description for the Finance Director position at Amherst-Pelham Regional Public Schools?
Overview: The Finance Director serves as a critical member of the administrative leadership team, providing strategic financial oversight and operational management for a public school district comprising three distinct entities: two municipal towns and one regionalized district encompassing four towns. This role is responsible for ensuring the fiscal health of the district, overseeing accounts payable and payroll operations, and maintaining compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards. The Finance Director reports directly to the Superintendent and collaborates with district leadership, school committees, and municipal stakeholders to support the district's educational mission.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Management:
- Develop, manage, and monitor the annual budgets for all three districts.
- Prepare and present financial reports to school committees, district leadership, and municipal officials.
- Provide long-term financial forecasting and planning to ensure fiscal sustainability.
- Oversee grants management, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Leadership and Supervision:
- Lead and manage the accounts payable and payroll departments, ensuring efficient and accurate operations.
- Supervise staff within the finance office, providing professional development and fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Serve as a key advisor to the Superintendent and leadership team on financial matters.
- Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure compliance with all state and federal financial reporting requirements, including adherence to Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidelines.
- Prepare and submit End-of-Year reports and other mandated documentation to DESE and other regulatory bodies.
- Maintain and ensure adherence to internal controls, auditing standards, and best practices.
- Collaboration and Communication:
- Work closely with municipal officials in the towns served by the district to coordinate budget preparation and financial reporting.
- Serve as the primary liaison to auditors, ensuring timely and accurate completion of audits.
- Communicate complex financial information to diverse stakeholders, including non-financial audiences.
- Policy Development and Implementation:
- Develop and implement financial policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and accountability.
- Stay informed about changes in school finance laws, regulations, and best practices, recommending updates as necessary.
Required Qualifications:
- Active DESE School Business Manager license.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of five years of experience in financial management, preferably in a public school or municipal setting.
- Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with experience managing diverse teams.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Proficiency with financial software and Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience managing financial operations across multiple municipal entities.
- Familiarity with Massachusetts municipal and school finance laws and regulations.
- Experience with collective bargaining and labor relations.
Work Environment: This position operates in a professional office setting, requiring regular interaction with school and municipal officials, staff, and external partners. Occasional evening or weekend work may be necessary to attend school committee meetings or address urgent financial matters.
Compensation and Benefits: Salary range is $125,000-$135,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. A comprehensive benefits package, including retirement contributions and professional development opportunities, is included.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The district is committed to building a diverse workforce and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Salary : $125,000 - $135,000
