About this role
Essential Functions: Directly responsible for the School Department’s Financial Office Operations, including accounting systems, budget preparation and control, fiscal planning, management, control and reporting; purchasing; food services management; vendor contract management; to carry out related work as required, and participate as a member of the Superintendent’s leadership team. Organizational Relationships: Within the School Organization: Reports to the Superintendent of Schools. Manages the Finance Department’s staff (5 staff) and contracted for pupil transportation and food services. Works closely with the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Director of Human Resources, Director of Special Services, Director of Technology, Facilities Manager and building Principals. External to the School Organization, works closely with Town officials and the Town finance department including, but not limited to, payroll and accounts payable. Meets with the Finance subcommittee and various advisory subcommittees of the School Committee as necessary. Regular contact with the Rhode Island Department of Education Finance Office as needed. Specific Responsibilities: Serves as a collaborative member of the District Leadership team. Prepares the annual budget according to program, function and object codes per UCOA. Analyzes and monitors all school department expenditures and prepares monthly and annual financial statements. Perform audits and prepare financial reports required by law, the school committee and the Superintendent. Prepare and monitor all resolutions and list of bills. Oversight and management of the School Department’s purchasing system. Develop a budget and accounting system consistent with municipal and state requirements. Account for all school department revenue and all revenues received by the town on behalf of the school district. Advise on financial implications of all contracts and contract proposals and participate in union contract negotiations. Responsible for preparing all bid specifications; review same and award contracts after school committee approval. Oversee payroll operation of the school district. Manage a comprehensive computerized accounting system in accordance with federal, state and GASB rules, regulations and procedures. Maintains and updates records, compiles information and reports, prepares documents and performs a variety of functions for the finance department. Acts as a liaison between the school finance department and all other town department, state and federal agencies as required. Attends School Committee Meetings. All other duties as assigned by the Superintendent. Additional Expectations: Modernize the accounting system to utilize the comprehensive software and facilitate a streamlined budget process. Increase budget transparency through computer systems and procedures. Work with the Human Resource Office in creating and implementing a position control system and employee management system. Manage bond and construction fiscal management pursuant to the ongoing construction projects in Cumberland.
Job Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field. Must possess or qualify for a RIDE School Business Administrator Certification. Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in accounting, municipal experience is strongly preferred, with at least one year of experience in a supervisor capacity. Must be skilled in the use of computers and be familiar with computerized school and/or municipal accounting programs. Theory and practice of modern business management, budgets and contracts; personnel administration, including collective bargaining. Consideration will be given to other qualifications, experience, as may be deemed appropriate. Citizenship, residency or work visa required.