Director of Budget and Finance

Director of Budget and Finance

Nelson County Public Schools School Board Office - Lovingston, Virginia

Job Description

SUMMARY: Responsible for planning, leading and overseeing all financial functions of the school division to include accounting, budgeting, payroll, retirement services, grants, insurances and oversight of the student activity accounting function in order to ensure that public funds entrusted to Nelson County Schools are utilized effectively. Responsible for providing financial oversight and authority for facilities planning, capital improvement programs, building and grounds maintenance, custodial services, energy management, technology, child nutrition services and transportation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops, directs and implements policies, practices, plans, procedures, and activities for all accounting, budget, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, grants, and insurances to ensure that all fiscal issues and financial support services are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Collaborates with individuals who have primary responsibility in these areas and serves as support to these positions when/if vacancies occur. Interprets policies and laws and implements changes as needed to maintain compliance.
• Develops the financial reporting necessary to inform departments, senior management, and the School Board of the school system’s financial condition with regard to both revenues and expenditures in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Monitors the school division’s financial performance and examines exterior influences to identify trends, which may necessitate change to the current or future years’ budget plan. Provides accurate and timely forecasting of revenues from all sources and the realistic projection of expenditures.
• Prepares the annual budget calendar & administers the timetable for budget development. Directs the budget development process by communicating with and seeking input from department heads and other stakeholders to ensure that the final product reflects the School Board’s and the Superintendent’s educational priorities. Utilizes information from other governmental agencies and published reports in budget preparation. Responsible for the production and dissemination of the final annual budget document in collaboration with the Superintendent.
• Requests Supplemental Appropriations or other budget adjustments from the Nelson County Board of Supervisors as necessary.
• Coordinates and oversees the year-end closing process, including the close out of department spending, year-end purchasing priorities and the status of actual and anticipated revenues and expenditures. Provides regular updates to senior level executives. Reconciles with the County Treasurer and the Auditor of Public Accounts on all funds wired to the School Division. Oversees the coordination of the annual Student Activity Fund and School Board audits. Prepares the Annual School Report (ASR) for submission to the Virginia Department of Education in compliance with the Code of Virginia.
• Conducts continuing examinations of policies, procedures, and practices in accounting, purchasing, budgeting, and payroll, working with Division staff to find and implement efficiencies as resources allow. Writes grant applications when opportunities arise then files for reimbursement of expenses and files associated state reports as required. (VPSA Technology Grant, Mentor Teacher Grant, K-3 Class Size Reduction Grant, School Security Grant etc.)
• Writes detailed specifications for Requests for Proposals (RFP), and Invitations for Bid (IFB) and evaluates, negotiates, and awards contracts; assures maximum competition is sought on all of the division’s procurement activities; and issues letters for rejection of low bidders and those deemed non-responsive in accordance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act. Utilizes Purchasing Consortiums, state contracts and Electronic Virginia (EVA) whenever practicable.
• Coordinates the dispersal of surplus items by either reallocating to other school division departments or by sale through public auction.
• Responsible for safeguarding and reconciling monthly the Division Petty Cash Fund. Responsible for inter-fund transfers as required between the Food Service, Textbook, Capital and Operating Funds.
• Demonstrates leadership capacity for effective communication and collaboration while creating goals and coordinating services for effective division management. Works with the division and school leadership teams in support of the division vision and mission.
• Communicates effectively with the public both orally and in writing. Responds to inquiries from the School Board, Superintendent, Division Officials, Departments, Employees and External Organizations regarding questions and issues concerning division financial data and processes.
• Collaborates with other departments in working with department-specific budgets and/or grants.
• Prepares the Division Capital Improvement Plan for Board approval for subsequent submission to the Nelson County Board of Supervisors. Consults with Architects and Engineers for building and grounds projects. Prepares VPSA bond applications or other loan documents for large construction projects. Works with Bond Counsel to set up the borrowing and works with SNAP to have funds wired to the County in reimbursement of expenditures.
• Secures insurance coverage for Automobile, Property, General Liability, Errors & Omissions, Crime, Student Accident, Workers Compensation, Employee Health & Optional Plans. Files claims on behalf of the division and assists employees, parents and third parties for claims as appropriate. Coordinates the Division’s Flexible Benefits Section 125 Plan and 403-B Retirement Plan ensuring compliance with ERISA and IRS Codes.
• Serves as the Superintendent’s representative on the Nelson County Education Foundation.
• Performs other duties or assignments as may be delegated or assigned by the Superintendent.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Finance Staff

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Master's degree (M. A.) or equivalent in accounting, business or other related field required; Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or School Finance Officer (SFO) designation preferred. At least 3 years of experience in School Finance or Governmental Accounting preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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 occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work shall be conducted at the Nelson County Public School Central Office and with leadership in the division and schools. 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 occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The Nelson County Public Schools reserves the right to update, revise or change this position description and related duties at any time.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent(s) of this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and activities required of the position.

EVALUATION

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's Policy on Administrative Personnel.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Twelve Month Year (2080 hours) Administrative Salary Scale - Salary and work year to be established by the Board.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $128,766 to $138,179 Per Year

Job Categories

Administration > Business/Finance

Organization-level Positions > Director/Division Director

Contact Information

• Crystal Choate , Supervisor of Human Resources
• School Board Office
• Phone:
• Email: