BUDGET AND FINANCE DIRECTOR                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Work Schedule:  12 month/240-days                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Salary:  Commensurate with qualifications and experience                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Exemption Status:  Exempt

JOB OVERVIEW

The Budget and Finance Director serves as the school system's senior executive responsible for the leadership, management, and integrity of all financial and business operations. The Budget and Finance Director provides both strategic direction and hands-on oversight to ensure fiscal stability, legal compliance, transparency, and the effective use of resources in support of district goals and student achievement.

The Budget and Finance Director is a key member of the Superintendent's executive leadership team and serves as the principal financial advisor to the Superintendent and the School Board. The position oversees the planning, development, administration, and monitoring of the division's financial systems and ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements.

The Budget and Finance Director directly supervises and coordinates the work of accounting and finance, budget development and monitoring, audit, financial reporting, procurement and contracts, payroll, employee benefits, and food and nutrition services.  This position works collaboratively with district leaders to support schools and departments in responsible fiscal management.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or a related field; Certified Public Accountant and/or Master of Business Administration preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in financial management, business operations, or public-sector finance, including supervision of professional staff across multiple business units.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public-sector budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, including GASB and GAAP standards.
• Knowledge of county, state, and federal laws and regulations related to public education finance, including Blueprint for Maryland's Future requirements.
• Proven ability to lead complex financial operations, manage competing priorities, and meet strict deadlines
  Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Serves as primary financial advisor to the Superintendent and School Board.

• Directs the planning, development, and administration of the division's annual operating and capital budgets, including ensuring appropriate budgetary control.

• Oversees accounting and financial reporting functions, including audits and year-end close.

• Ensures compliance with all applicable financial laws and regulations.

• Oversees procurement, purchasing, and contract administration.

• Oversees payroll and benefits.

• Represents the division with county, state, and community stakeholders.

• Leads and evaluates financial and business services staff.

• Attends and presents at School Board meetings and other governing entities as required. 

• Represents the division as necessary, at professional meetings at local, regional, and state levels.

• Performs other duties assigned by the Superintendent.

REPORTS TO: Division Superintendent

SUPERVISES:  Payroll and Benefits Specialist    Finance Support & Human Resources Specialist

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The environmental factors and/or physical requirements of this position include the following: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-50 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand, and finger dexterity, including the ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard. The employee frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. 

Essex Public Schools reserves the right to re-advertise and modify the content of vacancy announcements at any time; however, this may be the only notice for this position during the noted advertisement period.

The Essex County School Board is committed to nondiscrimination with regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. This commitment prevails in all of its policies and practices concerning staff, students, educational programs and services, and individuals and entities with whom the Board does business. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.