About this role
KINGSLEY-PIERSON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT JOB DESCRIPTION — SCHOOL BUSINESS OFFICIAL Position Title: School Business Official (SBO) Reports To: Superintendent Classification: Administrative/Professional – Non-Bargaining Contract: 12-Month Position FLSA Status: Exempt, as applicable Location: Kingsley-Pierson Community School District Evaluation: Annually by the Superintendent in accordance with Board policy and Iowa requirements POSITION SUMMARY The School Business Official (SBO) serves as the chief financial and business operations officer of the Kingsley-Pierson Community School District and is responsible for performing, supervising, and maintaining the overall financial operations of the District. The SBO works closely with the Superintendent, Board of Education, administrators, staff, auditors, financial institutions, state agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure the District's financial resources are managed responsibly, transparently, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, Iowa Department of Education requirements, Board policies, and generally accepted accounting principles. The SBO is a key member of the District leadership team and provides the Superintendent and Board of Education with accurate financial information, projections, and recommendations to support short- and long-term decision-making. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Budget Development and Financial Planning
• Work directly with the Superintendent to develop, prepare, and administer the District's annual budget.
• Develop multi-year financial projections and provide recommendations regarding the District's financial condition.
• Monitor revenues, expenditures, fund balances, spending authority, and cash flow throughout the fiscal year.
• Assist the Superintendent and Board in evaluating the financial impact of proposed programs, staffing decisions, contracts, capital projects, and other District initiatives.
• Prepare budget amendments and other required financial documents.
• Assist in developing tax levy recommendations and calculating the financial impact of various levy options.
• Monitor enrollment, property valuation, state funding, categorical funding, federal funding, and other factors affecting District finances.
• Provide financial modeling and cost-benefit analysis as requested by the Superintendent.
2. Accounting and Financial Management
• Maintain the District's accounting system in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Iowa's Uniform Financial Accounting requirements, and applicable state and federal requirements.
• Maintain accurate accounting records for all District funds.
• Ensure revenues and expenditures are properly coded and assigned to appropriate funds, functions, programs, projects, and accounts.
• Complete monthly and year-end reconciliation of District financial accounts.
• Monitor accounts receivable and accounts payable.
• Oversee cash receipts, deposits, disbursements, and transfers.
• Maintain appropriate internal controls and segregation of financial duties.
• Monitor District cash flow and recommend transfers or investments when appropriate.
• Ensure District investments comply with Iowa law and Board policy.
• Maintain accurate records of District debt and financial obligations.
3. State and Federal Financial Reporting
• Prepare and submit required financial reports accurately and within established deadlines.
• Complete or coordinate required reporting to the Iowa Department of Education and other state and federal agencies.
• Maintain familiarity with Iowa school finance requirements and reporting systems.
• Complete or assist with reports including, but not limited to:
• Certified Annual Report (CAR)
• Special Education Supplement
• Annual Transportation Report
• Certified Budget
• Budget amendments
• Financial reporting associated with categorical funds
• Federal program financial reporting
• Other reports required by the Iowa Department of Education or applicable agencies
• Ensure District financial information reconciles across state reporting systems and District accounting records.
• Monitor changes to Iowa school finance laws, administrative rules, accounting requirements, and reporting procedures.
4. Payroll and Employee Benefits
• Administer or supervise the District payroll process.
• Ensure employees are paid accurately and according to approved contracts, work agreements, salary schedules, and Board action.
• Maintain payroll records and appropriate documentation.
• Calculate and process payroll deductions, benefits, taxes, retirement contributions, and other required withholdings.
• Coordinate required reporting and payments to IPERS, federal and state taxing authorities, insurance providers, and other agencies.
• Assist with administration and reconciliation of employee insurance and benefit programs.
• Maintain accurate employee salary and compensation information.
• Assist the Superintendent with financial calculations related to employee contracts, salary schedules, settlements, and staffing proposals.
5. Accounts Payable and Purchasing
• Administer or supervise accounts payable functions.
• Review invoices, purchase orders, reimbursements, and supporting documentation for accuracy and appropriate authorization.
• Ensure expenditures comply with Board policy, District procedures, Iowa law, and applicable funding restrictions.
• Prepare monthly bills and financial information for Board approval.
• Process payments following Board authorization and District procedures.
• Maintain vendor records and required tax documentation.
• Assist administrators and employees with purchasing procedures.
• Monitor purchasing practices and recommend opportunities for improved efficiency and cost savings.
6. Accounts Receivable and Cash Management
• Administer or supervise the collection and recording of District revenues.
• Ensure cash and checks received by the District are properly documented, deposited, and reconciled.
• Maintain procedures for handling District receipts.
• Monitor outstanding receivables.
• Reconcile bank and investment accounts.
• Monitor District cash balances and cash-flow needs.
• Maintain relationships with District financial institutions.
7. Board of Education Responsibilities
• Prepare monthly financial reports for the Superintendent and Board of Education.
• Attend regular and special Board meetings as requested or required.
• Present financial information in a manner understandable to Board members and the public.
• Prepare monthly financial statements, fund balance reports, budget comparisons, cash reports, and other financial documents.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to the Superintendent and Board.
• Assist in preparing financial information for Board agenda items.
• Maintain transparency while protecting confidential financial and personnel information.
• Serve as Board Secretary and/or Board Treasurer if appointed by the Board and perform all responsibilities associated with those positions as required by Iowa law and Board policy.
8. Audit and Internal Controls
• Coordinate the District's annual financial audit.
• Prepare records and documentation requested by auditors.
• Work with auditors, the Superintendent, and District staff throughout the audit process.
• Respond to audit findings and assist in developing corrective action plans when necessary.
• Maintain strong internal financial controls.
• Regularly review District financial procedures and recommend improvements.
• Help safeguard District funds and assets against loss, fraud, misuse, or unauthorized expenditures.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and records for financial transactions.
9. Grants and Categorical Funds
• Monitor financial activity for federal, state, and local grants.
• Ensure expenditures comply with grant requirements and allowable-use restrictions.
• Assist administrators with grant budgeting and financial reporting.
• Monitor categorical funding to ensure expenditures are allowable and properly documented.
• Maintain documentation necessary for audits and monitoring reviews.
• Assist with reimbursement requests and financial grant reports.
10. Capital Projects, PPEL, SAVE, and Debt
• Maintain financial records related to District capital projects.
• Monitor and report revenues, expenditures, and balances associated with PPEL, SAVE, debt service, and other capital funds.
• Assist the Superintendent with long-range facility and capital planning.
• Assist in developing financial projections for major facility, technology, transportation, and equipment purchases.
• Work with financial advisors, bond counsel, architects, contractors, and other professionals as directed by the Superintendent.
• Maintain documentation associated with bonds, loans, leases, and other District financial obligations.
11. Fixed Assets and Inventory
• Maintain or oversee the District's fixed asset accounting records.
• Establish procedures for identifying, recording, transferring, and disposing of District assets.
• Coordinate periodic inventory processes.
• Ensure disposal of District property follows Iowa law and Board policy.
• Maintain appropriate depreciation and capital asset records as required for financial reporting.
12. Insurance and Risk Management
• Assist the Superintendent with administration of District property, liability, workers' compensation, and other insurance programs.
• Maintain insurance-related financial records.
• Assist with insurance renewals, claims, and documentation.
• Work with insurance representatives and District administrators as necessary.
• Assist the Superintendent in evaluating financial and operational risks to the District.
13. Policies, Procedures, and Compliance
• Follow and help implement Board policies and administrative procedures relating to District financial operations.
• Ensure District business practices comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Maintain current knowledge of Iowa school finance laws, accounting requirements, Department of Education guidance, and Board of Educational Examiners requirements.
• Recommend updates to financial policies and procedures when necessary.
• Develop and maintain written business-office procedures to promote consistency and continuity of operations.
14. Leadership and Collaboration
• Serve as a member of the District leadership team.
• Work collaboratively with the Superintendent, administrators, secretaries, teachers, support staff, and Board of Education.
• Provide administrators with timely budget and expenditure information.
• Assist staff in understanding District purchasing, payroll, reimbursement, and financial procedures.
• Communicate financial information clearly and professionally.
• Promote a culture of responsible stewardship of public resources.
• Maintain positive working relationships with District employees, families, community members, vendors, and governmental agencies.
• Support the District's mission, goals, and strategic priorities.
15. Confidentiality and Professional Ethics
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding employee compensation, personnel records, financial information, student information, negotiations, and other protected information.
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, accuracy, and ethical decision-making.
• Comply with applicable professional standards and the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics when applicable.
• Avoid conflicts of interest and immediately disclose potential conflicts to the Superintendent.
• Maintain public trust through responsible stewardship and transparent financial practices.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS The successful candidate shall:
• Hold or be eligible to obtain an Iowa School Business Official Authorization issued through the appropriate Iowa licensing authority.
• Meet all current Iowa requirements for serving as a School Business Official.
• Possess appropriate education and coursework in business and/or accounting necessary for Iowa SBO authorization.
• Successfully complete required background checks.
• Complete required mandatory reporter training.
• Demonstrate knowledge of accounting principles and financial management.
• Possess strong technology and spreadsheet skills.
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain accurate records and meet firm deadlines.
• Possess effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a leadership team.
Candidates eligible for an Initial or Temporary Initial Iowa School Business Official Authorization may be considered when permitted by Iowa requirements. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preference may be given to candidates who possess:
• Current Standard Iowa School Business Official Authorization.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, finance, business administration, school business management, or a related field.
• Previous experience in Iowa public school finance or governmental accounting.
• Experience with Iowa school accounting and reporting systems.
• Experience with payroll, employee benefits, accounts payable, budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of Iowa's school funding formula and spending authority.
• Knowledge of PPEL, SAVE, Management Fund, categorical funds, federal programs, and other Iowa school funding sources.
• Experience preparing or assisting with Iowa Department of Education financial reports.
• Experience working with a Board of Education.
• Experience with school district financial software and information systems.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES The School Business Official should demonstrate the ability to:
• Analyze complex financial information and communicate it in understandable terms.
• Develop and maintain short- and long-term financial projections.
• Interpret Iowa school finance laws and regulations.
• Maintain accurate and detailed financial records.
• Manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Identify financial trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Develop effective internal controls.
• Use technology efficiently to manage and analyze financial information.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Communicate effectively with employees, administrators, Board members, auditors, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively while providing independent and objective financial advice.
• Adapt to changes in state and federal financial requirements.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH The School Business Official is expected to maintain all authorization and continuing education requirements established by the State of Iowa and to remain current regarding:
• Iowa school finance laws and regulations
• Accounting and auditing standards
• Iowa Department of Education financial reporting
• Payroll and employee benefit requirements
• Technology and financial management systems
• Federal grant requirements
• School business management best practices
An individual serving under an Initial School Business Official Authorization shall successfully participate in and complete required mentoring and coursework. PHYSICAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. The position generally requires prolonged periods of sitting and computer use, frequent communication with employees and stakeholders, handling financial records and documents, attending meetings, and occasionally lifting or transporting office materials. The position may require work outside normal business hours during budget development, audits, Board meetings, reporting deadlines, or other District needs. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT Salary, benefits, work calendar, and other conditions of employment will be established by the Board of Education. Employment is subject to applicable Iowa law, Board policy, satisfactory background checks, and maintenance of required authorization. EVALUATION Performance will be evaluated annually by the Superintendent in accordance with Board policy, applicable Iowa School Business Official professional standards, the responsibilities contained within this job description, and progress toward District goals. DISCLAIMER This job description identifies the general nature and level of work performed by the School Business Official. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every responsibility, duty, or skill required. The Superintendent may assign additional duties consistent with the needs of the Kingsley-Pierson Community School District. The Kingsley-Pierson Community School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.