Assistant Superintendent

ROLE AND PURPOSE:  

The Assistant Superintendent of Financial Services is responsible for leadership and assistance with strategic and tactical execution on all accounting and finance initiatives. This includes assisting in the direction and management of multiple financial operations of the District.  Its function is to ensure financial compliance with all regulatory agencies while providing systems and procedures to ensure prudent management and internal control systems.

This critical leadership role directly affects the District's ability to implement successful administration of Financial Services.  The position develops and implements policies and procedures for system leadership in support of the Chief Financial Officer.  It also provides leadership to support directors within the Finance division and executive leadership across the organization. 

This position is responsible for directing the operations of Budget, Treasury, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and Medicaid. The position works closely with Human Resources in the direction of Risk Management and Position Control. This position has responsibility for executive direction, supervision and review of performance, coordination of activities, and reporting results to the Chief Financial Officer, the Superintendent and other District officials for instruction and approval of matters. The position is responsible for providing instruction and technical supervision to assigned staff on non-routine and policy matters, for ensuring the consistent implementation of Board policies and District regulations, and providing leadership to achieve efficiencies and cost-effective practices throughout the district

QUALIFICATIONS:   

Minimum Education/Certification:

Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field from an accredited university or college is required. Texas Association of School Business Official (RTSBA) certification or CPA certification preferred.  

Minimum Experience:

Five (5) to seven (7) years of successful, progressive experience in management of fiscal operations is required.         

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Advanced technical knowledge of accounting and finance systems
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws and regulations surrounding accounting principles related to school district finance.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication and relational skills that provide for positive outcomes, including the ability to present complex information in an easily understandable way to a variety of audiences.
• Must demonstrate advanced skills in research and interpretation of the rules and regulations related to Finance, and the ability to analyze, respond to, and resolve critical employment matters.
• Must be able to create and motivate teams to promote the District's vision.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of personal computers and their software.
• The ability to coordinate multiple projects and assignments, a high degree of flexibility, and dynamic interpersonal and communication skills is required.
• Must be able to respond to common inquiries or complaints from employees, board members, local businesses, and the public.
• Managerial and supervisory skills and the ability to plan, direct, and establish priorities for the fiscal operations areas supervised is required.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:  

INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Oversee the various business functions of the school district (budgeting, purchasing, accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash management, and warehousing) to ensure each supports and enhances the instructional program and support services of the school district.
• Assist in planning, preparing and administering the annual budget. This includes establishing practices which maximize budget input from teachers, principals, and other instructional staff.
• Ensure all purchasing procedures of the district are in accordance with state and federal laws and board policy, are in the best interest of the school district, and are conducted according to the highest ethical practices. Coordinate procurement schedules to ensure timely receipt of materials and services for the efficient operation of the district.
• Ensure that business operations are supportive of the instructional goals and objectives of the district and the attainment of the campus performance objectives and the District strategic plan.
• Work closely with the instructional division to evaluate the effect of expenditure policies on the  effectiveness of the various instructional programs and to recommend necessary changes in processes and procedures.

 ADMINISTRATION AND FISCAL/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

• Assists the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in all areas of Financial Services administration.
• Establish a sound and efficient financial and general accounting work system for the district that complies with generally accepted accounting principles and the Texas Education Agency Financial Accountability Resource Guide.
• Establish and provide support for an efficient system for the payment of district invoices to achieve the maximum balance between timely payment and the protection of the district's investment of cash.
• Prepares and monitors a long-range financial plan for the District including the development and management of budgeting and forecasting tools and processes. Plans short and long-term strategies, objectives, and priorities for department with staff involvement.
• Keep the Chief Financial Officer informed on the business affairs of the department and district.
• Serve as the Chief Financial Officer's designee to oversee the investing of the district's funds in a manner that facilitates the district's cash flow needs and maximizes return in accordance with applicable law and local board policy, and prepare investment schedules and financial projections.
• Establishes standards of quality and guidelines for the department in an effort to standardize them. Establishes general operating standards where no District, State, or Federal policies, regulations or guidelines exist. Clarifies and revises as needed.
• Oversees and coordinates between both the accounting and budget functions, all monthly, quarterly, and annual financial and fiscal projections, forecasting and budgeting of revenue and expenditures. Oversees the preparation of the District's Annual Budget Report and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report in accordance to standards.
• Oversight and management of the District's reporting systems and ensures that the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report is prepared timely and in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Convene work/focus groups composed of internal and external stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and address specific problems.
• Oversees tasks needed for implementation of department plans. Assigns duties to staff based on priorities and employee ability. Provides feedback as needed to ensure quality of work and accomplishment of objectives.
• Reviews established general operating routines for day-to-day management of department. Assigns responsibilities and organizes work based on need, priority, and ability of staff. Revise workflow and solve problems as needed. Reviews annual calendar for creation of internal and external reports. Coordinates with other departments to convene work groups for special problems, training, and other activities as needed.

SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION CLIMATE

• Continuously evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of accounting, payroll, activity funds, purchasing, warehouse and distribution services and provide leadership to the development of short and long-range plans to improve the effectiveness and cost efficiencies of these services.
• Enhance and implement financial, accounting and budgeting policies and procedures to ensure to increase operational effectiveness.
• Lead in the documentation of policies and procedures and implement best practices for internal controls organization wide.
• Work with district personnel in projecting student enrollment, staffing needs, building and facility needs, energy needs, capital equipment needs, and other cost items for district and individual school improvement.
• Provides staff and others both oral and written instruction in form of interpretation of District policy, State and Federal regulations, and requirements.
• Attend and participate in meetings with directors and other administrative personnel to address items as they relate to financial services, including planning and coordinating with other departments.

 PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

• Supervise departmental staff, monitor staff performance, and evaluate department effectiveness.
• Coach and develop staff members to achieve optimal performance.
• Coordinates operational functions of Budget, Treasury, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Risk Management, Employee Benefits, and Medicaid through subordinate supervisors and other Department supervisors.

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Observe professional and ethical standards, in accordance with the Texas Education Agency code of ethics.
• Use information and insights provided through assessment instruments, district appraisal process, feedback from supervisors, and professional development programs to improve performance.
• Provide leadership in addressing challenges facing the profession; pursue professional development activities; disseminate ideas and information to other professionals.
• Read and interpret pertinent literature and District policies to stay well informed of practices in the profession.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Perform other duties as assigned by law, by the Chief Financial Officer, or as necessary for job efficiency and effectiveness.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.