Assistant Director of Finance, Analytics & Operations

The Assistant Director of Finance, Analytics and Operations supports the Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations in the oversight, development, and implementation of the school department budget; program evaluation and analysis; financial reporting; and other related activities. This role is critical in ensuring the efficient and strategic use of financial resources to support the district's strategic priorities

Essential Functions and Duties of the Position:  The essential functions and duties listed below are intended as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Strategic Planning and Data Analysis:

• Supervises the DART (Data Analysis, Reporting & Training) team, aligning data strategy with district priorities to support and demonstrate student growth. This includes guiding the development of dashboards, data governance, analytics tools, and training programs.
• Leads cross-functional financial analysis initiatives in support of strategic planning, operational efficiency, and equity-based resource allocation.
• Designs and conducts in-depth financial, operational, and programmatic analyses to support district decision-making and inform policy and practice. This contributes to the evidence-based practices that address student needs.
• Prepares fiscal and operational analyses of programs, systems, and policies, as directed. This supports the district's ability to plan annual operating budgets and capital investments in alignment with current and future needs.
• Forecasts future spending, projects salary expenditures, and anticipates operational needs to inform strategic resource allocation. Identifies fiscal trends to support long-term planning. 

Budget Development and Management:

• Coordinates the development of the annual operating, revolving, and capital budgets, as directed.
• Prepares budget analyses, estimates, and schedules and reviews budget submissions.
• Prepares budget documents and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitors district-wide expenditures to ensure budget alignment with federal, state, and local requirements and the District Plan.
• Works collaboratively with department heads to research and reconcile budget discrepancies.
• Tracks approved positions and monitors changes to the personnel budget, maintaining the Position Control File to support efficient staffing and budget control. 

Financial Reporting and Compliance:

• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports of fiscal activity, including the End-of-Year Financial Report to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
• Assists with financial and compliance audits of school expenditures and programs.
• Reviews external funds claims to ensure compliance with state and federal claiming requirements and to maximize their monetary value, as directed.
• Prepares journal entries as needed for accurate financial record-keeping.

Operational Efficiency and Systems Management:

• Oversees Business Office functions and personnel in the absence of the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, ensuring continuity of operations.
• Acts as systems administrator for business-related software applications, contributing to efficient departmental IT operations.
• Plans and manages district-wide projects related to financial operations, systems modernization, and strategic resource use, contributing to enhanced learning through new structures and supporting the implementation of the District Plan.
• Oversees complex, multi-stakeholder projects involving fiscal data, operational logistics, and technology systems, ensuring timely completion and alignment with district goals.

Collaboration, Communication, and Training:

• Supervises and evaluates School Bookkeepers (in collaboration with principals and directors), the Data Analyst/Reporting Specialist, and the District Registrar (in collaboration with the Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services.)
• Provides training and support to school administrators and general staff on business-related topics.
• Provides assistance to the general public and Town Departments, as requested, fostering greater collaboration.
• Maintains Business Office website to enhance communication.
• Keeps the Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations fully informed about financial and operational matters, contributing to effective communication within the district.
• Represents the School Business Office, as directed, and attends municipal meetings, strengthening collaboration with the community.
• Assists with the development, implementation, and review of school policies and procedures, contributing a financial perspective.

Supervision Received:

Works independently, reporting to the Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations.

Supervision Exercised:

Oversees the Business Office and seven employees in the absence of the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations.  Supervises and evaluates School Bookkeepers, in collaboration with school principals and directors; the Data Analyst/ Reporting Specialist; and the District Registrar, in collaboration with the Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services.

Job Environment:

Works in typical office environment, with moderate noise and occasional interruptions.   Opportunity for occasional project-based hybrid/remote work.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s/ Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting or related analytical field. (Master’s degree preferred.)
• Experience in municipal/ public school accounting, budgeting, financial management.
• MCPPO designation is preferred.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Experience with database systems, financial software platforms and/or coding for data analysis is preferred.

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge:

• Ability to develop, implement, and monitor budgets.
• Knowledge of data analysis and forecasting methods.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to scope work, set priorities, and manage cross-functional teams and timelines.
• Proficiency in database management, including querying, maintenance, and integration with reporting tools.
• Familiarity with coding languages for financial modelling and data analysis (SWL, Python, R) is preferred.
• Excellent mathematical ability and an analytical mind.
• Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for diverse audiences, including executive leaders and municipal partners.
• Understanding of federal, state and municipal regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work collaboratively (within a team) and independently.
• Ability to maintain strong attention to detail, to meet deadlines, and to ensure accuracy.
• Ability to multitask.
• Professional communication abilities (verbal and written), discretion and demeanor.
• Facilitation and training skills.
• Skill to negotiate, mediate, persuade, analyze, and resolve conflict.
• Advanced skills in database, spreadsheet, accounting and other financial software applications.
• Skills in supervising and evaluating staff.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to work at a desk; regularly convey information to staff, vendors, and the public; regularly move about inside the office to access file cabinets and office machinery; and traverse stairs. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds, such as supplies, folders, and books. Ability to operate a keyboard and calculator at efficient speed and to view computer screens for extended periods of time. Operates motor vehicle. Ability to operate standard office equipment.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Work Year/Work Day:

The work year for this position is 260 days, 7 hours per day.

Effective Start Date:

This position is available on June 23, 2025, with an opportunity for an earlier start (with overlap.)

Salary:

Range: $118,190-$135,137 (Independent Contract, Grade N), commensurate with applicable experience and subject to annual cost of living adjustments.

FLSA:  Exempt

Apply Online:

Apply online to the Needham Public Schools at:  https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/careers.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Salary : $118,190 - $135,137