Director of Finance / Controller

.Job Title: Director of Finance / Controller

Credentials: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field required.

Training or experience required: 

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, auditing, or financial management, including experience with financial reporting, general ledger management, account reconciliations, and internal controls. Supervisory or financial leadership experience preferred, with a strong preference for experience in governmental accounting, public education finance, or fund accounting.

Site:  Administrative Services Center

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer

Contract: 240 days

Salary Schedule: Support Off-Scale - commensurate with experience 

FLSA Classification:  Exempt

Essential Job Functions may include the following:

1. Accounting Operations and Financial Management

• Direct and oversee the district's accounting operations to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and timely recording of all financial transactions.
• Maintain oversight of the district's general ledger, including reviewing journal entries, account balances, financial transactions, and supporting documentation.
• Establish and maintain accounting procedures to ensure the consistent and accurate recording of district revenues, expenditures, assets, and liabilities.
• Oversee monthly and annual accounting close processes, ensuring all necessary transactions, reconciliations, and adjustments are completed accurately and within established deadlines.
• Ensure the timely reconciliation of district bank accounts, cash balances, receivables, payables, and other significant general ledger accounts.
• Review financial transactions and account balances to identify discrepancies, unusual activity, or potential errors and ensure timely resolution.
• Maintain appropriate financial documentation and supporting records in accordance with district policies and applicable record retention requirements.

2. Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Oversee the preparation and review of accurate, complete, and timely financial reports for the CFO, Superintendent, Board of Education, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare and review monthly financial statements, budget-to-actual comparisons, fund balance reports, and other financial analyses.
• Analyze financial activity, identify significant variances or emerging financial concerns, and communicate findings and recommendations to the CFO.
• Ensure financial reports accurately reflect the district's financial condition and comply with applicable accounting and reporting standards.
• Assist the CFO in preparing financial projections, revenue estimates, expenditure forecasts, and other analyses necessary for financial planning and decision-making.
• Develop and maintain financial reporting processes that improve the availability, accuracy, and usefulness of financial information.

3. Internal Controls and Financial Compliance

• Develop, implement, and monitor internal accounting controls designed to safeguard district assets, ensure accurate financial reporting, and promote compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Regularly evaluate accounting procedures and financial processes to identify weaknesses, inefficiencies, and areas of potential risk.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties, authorization procedures, account reconciliations, and review processes are established and consistently followed.
• Conduct or coordinate internal reviews of district financial activities, including school activity funds and departmental accounting procedures.
• Monitor compliance with Oklahoma school finance laws, the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System (OCAS), applicable Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, and relevant federal regulations.
• Investigate financial discrepancies and control concerns, recommend corrective actions, and monitor their implementation.
• Develop and maintain written accounting procedures and internal control documentation.

4. Budget Management and Financial Planning

• Assist the CFO in developing, implementing, monitoring, and maintaining the district's annual operating budget and subsequent budget amendments.
• Oversee the preparation and review of budget reports to ensure accurate information is available to district administrators.
• Monitor expenditures, revenues, encumbrances, and budget balances to identify potential concerns and ensure compliance with approved appropriations.
• Work with district departments to resolve budget discrepancies, accounting issues, and financial reporting concerns.
• Assist with financial forecasting, fund balance analysis, and the evaluation of budgetary impacts associated with district initiatives.
• Provide financial information and analysis to support responsible resource allocation and long-term financial sustainability.

5. Audit Coordination and Financial Accountability

• Lead the coordination and preparation of the district's annual financial audit and other applicable financial or compliance audits.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for external auditors regarding accounting records, reconciliations, financial schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure financial records and audit schedules are complete, accurate, and available within established deadlines.
• Review audit findings, identify underlying causes, and develop and implement corrective action plans in coordination with the CFO.
• Monitor the resolution of audit findings and ensure corrective procedures are consistently maintained.
• Assist with the preparation and review of annual financial statements and required supplemental financial information.

6. State and Federal Financial Reporting

• Oversee the accuracy and completeness of financial information reported through the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System (OCAS).
• Ensure district revenues, expenditures, and other financial transactions are properly classified and reported in accordance with applicable state requirements.
• Coordinate required financial reporting to the Oklahoma State Department of Education and other governmental agencies.
• Work with federal program personnel to ensure grant-related expenditures, revenues, receivables, and reimbursements are accurately recorded and reconciled.
• Monitor the accounting of federal grants and restricted programs to ensure compliance with applicable financial requirements.
• Assist in resolving discrepancies involving grant balances, reimbursement claims, and general ledger accounts.
• Stay informed of changes in governmental accounting standards, financial reporting requirements, and school finance regulations.

7. Finance Department Leadership and Supervision

• Provide direct supervision, leadership, and guidance to assigned finance and accounting personnel.
• Establish clear performance expectations, work assignments, procedures, and deadlines for personnel under the position's supervision.
• Review the work of assigned staff to ensure accuracy, completeness, compliance, and timely completion of assigned responsibilities.
• Monitor departmental workflows and ensure critical accounting functions, reconciliations, and reporting requirements are completed according to established schedules.
• Provide ongoing training, professional development, and technical guidance to finance and department/site level staff.
• Evaluate employee performance, address performance concerns, and recommend improvements to departmental operations.
• Promote accountability, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the Finance Department.
• Maintain continuity of financial operations through appropriate cross-training, documentation, and succession planning.

8. Financial Systems and Process Improvement

• Oversee the effective use of the district's financial accounting systems, including Tyler Technology ERP (i.e. Munis) and related financial applications.
• Evaluate existing accounting processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, transparency, and internal controls.
• Assist with implementing new financial technologies, system enhancements, automation, and process improvements.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and training documentation for financial processes.
• Support the development of reporting tools, dashboards, and financial analyses that improve management's ability to monitor district finances.

9. Additional Financial Oversight Responsibilities

• Oversee the accounting and reconciliation of district payroll liabilities, including applicable retirement contributions and related financial reporting.
• Coordinate with payroll personnel to ensure payroll-related financial transactions are accurately reflected in the general ledger.
• Provide financial oversight and technical guidance regarding purchasing, encumbrances, accounts payable, payroll and other financial transactions.
• Provide training and guidance to school sites and departments regarding budget management, financial procedures, and the appropriate use of district funds.
• Serve as a financial resource to district administrators and personnel regarding accounting policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain memberships with professional/education associations and attend meetings for continued professional development in the field of school business.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, general ledger management, account reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Knowledge of governmental fund accounting and applicable GASB standards.
• Ability to analyze complex financial information, identify errors or discrepancies, and develop appropriate solutions.
• Understanding of public school finance, budgeting, and financial compliance requirements.
• Ability to effectively supervise, train, evaluate, and develop personnel.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.
• Ability to independently manage financial processes while maintaining appropriate communication with the CFO.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate, complete, and timely work.
• Ability to establish accountability and ensure assigned responsibilities are completed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop financial reports, procedures, training materials, and professional correspondence.
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment, maintain confidentiality, and resolve complex financial issues.

Technology

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial analysis tools.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) and financial accounting systems.
• Ability to utilize technology to improve financial processes, reporting, and internal controls.
• Experience with Tyler Munis or comparable governmental accounting systems preferred.

Performance Expectations

The Director of Finance / Controller is expected to:

• Maintain accurate, complete, and reliable financial records.
• Ensure monthly and annual accounting activities are completed within established deadlines.
• Proactively identify and resolve accounting discrepancies and financial control concerns.
• Maintain effective financial controls and ensure compliance with applicable requirements.
• Provide timely, accurate, and meaningful financial reporting to district leadership.
• Demonstrate ownership and accountability for assigned financial operations.
• Effectively supervise assigned employees and ensure the quality and timeliness of their work.
• Continually evaluate and improve the district's financial processes and procedures.
• Maintain the highest standards of professional ethics, confidentiality, and fiscal responsibility.

Professional Expectations

The successful employee is expected to model the district's core values of Integrity, Inclusiveness, Collaboration, and Optimism, demonstrate sound professional judgment, and maintain a commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the individual assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications. Duties may be modified or assigned as necessary to meet the operational needs of the district.