PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Business Manager is responsible for oversight of all financial and business affairs of the district’s financial services activity to ensure legally sound and effective management practices. Direct and monitor the management and investment of all district funds and ensure they are adequately protected. Serve as chief financial advisor and budget advisor to the superintendent and board of trustees.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field and other appropriate training

CPA & TASBO certification preferred

Skyward Finance software experience preferred

Experience:

Five (5) years in financial management/budgeting in a public school setting preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Advanced knowledge of school finance, budgeting, accounting systems, and economics

Knowledge of information/data processing systems and financial applications

Ability to resolve conflicts, listen, and appropriately respond to concerns

Demonstrated leadership skills

Ability to manage budget and office personnel

Ability to implement policy and procedures

Ability to interpret data

Excellent communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Financial Management

• Ensure preparation and integrity of all district general accounting records and related financial reports using accepted standards for school accounting as prescribed by the Texas Education Agency.
• Develop long-range and short-term objectives for district’s business operations and prepare district budget. Monitor budget variances and oversee budget adjustments.
• Act as financial advisor to the superintendent and board of trustees and keep them informed of the financial condition of the district.
• Maintain the district’s investment portfolio. Supervise and coordinate the investment of all available funds to the best interest of the school district and ensure that these funds are adequately protected against loss at all times.
• Ensure that all financial obligations of the school district (accounts payable, notes payable, bonded indebtedness, and payroll) are met on a timely basis.
• Implement and maintain internal control procedures to ensure the safeguarding of assets and reliability of accounting data and to promote operational efficiency and ensure adherence to prescribed procedures.
• Oversee the auditing program for all district funds and work cooperatively with the district’s independent and internal auditors in conducting periodic audits.
• Administer the business office budget and ensure that programs are cost effective, and funds are managed prudently.

Business Manager

• Develop period cash flow analysis to aid in determining cash available for investment and payment of bills.
• Maintain the district investment portfolio.
• Preparation of monthly bank reconciliations for the operating, debt service, construction, cafeteria, and payroll accounts.
• Prepare and enter all budget adjustments, additions, and deletions.
• Review and approve all purchase orders and check requests and maintain control of budget by verifying availability of funds.
• Assist in the preparation of the budget and development of long- and short-range objectives for the business operations of the district.
• Plan and conduct needs assessments for improvement of district business operations.
• Assists the PEIMS Coordinator; design and develop records, reports, forms, and systems of data processing appropriate to the needs of the district.
• Work with district personnel to project student enrollments, staffing needs, building and facilities needs, energy needs, capital equipment needs, and other cost items for district and individual school improvement.
• Administer the business office budget and ensure that programs are cost-effective, and funds are managed prudently.
• Provide leadership and management for purchasing, accounting, elections, budget hearing, bond issues, debt management and investment programs.
• Provide leadership to achieve cost-effective practices throughout the district.
• Ensure that business operations support the district’s goals and objectives.
• Oversee the district’s property insurance program.

Policy, Reports, and Law

• Implement policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of business operations.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Prepare and evaluate monthly financial statements and related budget reports.
• Develop semi-annual financial information for submission of data to TEA.
• Assist in providing information for quarterly and final reports for all federal funds.

Purchasing and Inventory

• Maintain accurate and current computerized inventory records of the district’s fixed and movable assets.
• Supervise maintenance of a timely replacement cost asset listing for insurance purposes.
• Organize and conduct sales to dispose of surplus and salvage equipment.
• Supervise the preparation of bids and bid specifications.
• Receive and open bids; tabulate results and prepare written recommendations.

Personnel Management

• Prepare, review, and revise business department job descriptions.
• Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary business operations.
• Evaluate job performance of employees to ensure effectiveness.
• Recruit, train, and supervise personnel and make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Other duties as may be assigned by Superintendent.

Community Relations

• Demonstrate awareness of district and community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervise and evaluate and manage the business office personnel. Coordinate and supervise the Board of Trustees elections.