Assistant Superintendent of Fiscal Services

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

SUMMARY: The Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Compliance is responsible for providing leadership and organization to the business, financial, and other regulatory compliance aspects of the NWESD.  The position requires the ability to oversee the accumulation, organization, and dissemination of information related to thirty-five member school districts (e.g., budgets, various cooperatives, and grants).  The Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Compliance is responsible for oversight in the administration of certain cooperatives and provides technical assistance/advice, as well as assistance to the Superintendent in coordinating the activities of a multitude of departments/programs in the delivery of NWESD services, cooperative development, and operation. This position has direct supervisory responsibilities over both internal and external fiscal operations, and other compliance-related operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Manages and oversees the accounting functions, except for Payroll and Personnel, of the NWESD (e.g., purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, grants, and the general ledger).
• Monitors receipts and expenditures and routinely reports the financial status of the NWESD and its functions to the Superintendent. Oversees the preparation of all financial reports.
• Supervises and directs expenditures and budget control processes including overseeing payment of voucher audit requirements.
• Directs the preparation of annual, monthly, and periodic financial statements and reports. Prepares or directs the preparation of fiscal reports as requested by the Board or Superintendent.
• Supervises and monitors the depositing and investment of funds under the control of the NWESD.
• Assists in the development and analysis of new cooperative ideas, fiscal services, and/or strategies for modifying, improving, or extending services provided to local school districts, OSPI and collaborative efforts.
• Assures for appropriate supervision of various cooperatives (e.g., Unemployment Pool, Industrial Insurance Cooperatives) within the fiscal department.
• Collects, maintains, and provides technical statistical data to the Superintendent for budget, planning, and evaluation purposes. Anticipates trends and keeps Superintendent informed as needed.
• Directs and supervises the preparation and management of the NWESD budget, monitoring of revenues and expenditures, and cash flow/collections.
• Supervises fiscal department work with various elected county and State officials for the collection of appropriate information for the fiscal planning and management of member school districts and NWESD affairs within the resources provided for such services. Supervises the reconciliation of various financial records.
• Supervises the maintenance of all revolving funds.
• Assists the NWESD in providing coordinated service delivery within the NWESD as part of the Superintendent’s Leadership and Management team process, as requested.
• Provides guidance, assistance and training as requested or needed, to all departments in the application and interpretation of accounting policies and procedures, operational practices and procedures and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Supervises the fixed asset inventory and its periodic review.
• Supervises fiscal department consultations with member districts related to budget and budget extension preparation, personnel reports, financial reporting, implementation of accounting procedures, and internal controls, within the resources provided for such services. Supervises fiscal department approval of budgets and budget extensions for second class school districts.
• In partnership with the Superintendent, supervises fiscal management services to districts.
• Supervises fiscal department assistance with audit resolution(s).
• Participates in ongoing professional development and research necessary to perform required tasks.
• Assists with implementation of the NWESD risk management program.
• In partnership with the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, assists with fiscal and compliance activities associated with the Coordinated Services Agreement, including development of budgets and work plan, implementation of the agreement, attendance at meetings, and other activities as necessary.
• Develops and implements strategies for improving and maintaining positive communication and public relations with districts, OSPI, colleges/universities, ESDs, other agencies, and professional organizations.
• Provides and/or facilitates administrative support, self-study, evaluation, and technical assistance to districts and staff. Maintains a work schedule, which increases visibility in local districts.
• Anticipates significant changes in district needs, service opportunities, trends, regulations, and funding to allow the NWESD to be proactive and responsive fiscal and compliance impacts of educational issues and local needs.
• Provides liaison with state agencies, professional organizations and task forces. Represents the NWESD at professional meetings and conferences as appropriate. Assists with press relations/contacts.
• Provides fiscal and compliance support and technical assistance to districts in implementing state mandated programs.
• Keeps informed and interprets laws, regulations, rules, audit requirements and policies affecting the NWESD. Serves as a resource to facilitate planning, negotiation and compliance with contract and fiscal requirements for internal and external staff which requires close collaboration with the Teaching & Learning and Operations Divisions, and monitoring by the Superintendent.
• Attends Board meetings and coordinates reports for the Board, as requested by the Superintendent.
• May serve in the absence of the Superintendent, and at his/her request, as the chief administrative officer of the NWESD.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Public Administration or related field and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Certificate preferred.  Master’s Degree preferred. A minimum of five years of applicable experience in school or public finance and business management required, three (3) years of which preferably have been at a district finance level.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Must maintain bondability. Valid Washington State driver’s license. CPA preferred.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• The field of assignment sufficient to perform completely and accurately the full scope of responsibility as illustrated by example in this position description.
• Knowledge of modern principles, practices and procedures of governmental accounting and auditing.
• Knowledge of pertinent laws, rules, and regulations related to public agency funding, record keeping, accounting, and budgetary records, specifically in Washington school districts.
• Knowledge of Washington School Information Processing Cooperative/Northwest Regional Data Center systems.
• Knowledge of appropriate resources on Washington tax laws, business law, municipal law (statutes and WACs applicable to school districts and educational service districts), grant law and agreements, employment law (federal and state), and bidding laws and practices.
• Knowledge of general organizational, economic, accounting, and auditing theory.
• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated successful supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated successful leadership skills.
• Knowledge of computer software and hardware relative to data collection and retrieval, specifically for the WSIPC/NWRDC, the state personnel, budgeting, and finance systems.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and apply appropriate laws, policies, and procedures while considering the impact of the recommendations and decisions on the NWESD. Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, orally and in writing about complex financial and management issues.
• Ability to apply economic theory, accounting theory (GASB & FASB) and auditing theory (GAAS and Single Audit) in a climate of change.
• Ability to interpret, implement, and apply Washington excise and property tax law, business law, municipal law, grant law, employment law (e.g., Federal – ERISA, FLSA, FMLA and State – Retirement, L & I, Unemployment) and bidding laws/practices in the NWESD and school district settings.
• Ability to effectively organize, set priorities and coordinate multiple business functions.
• Ability to answer substantive questions relating to NWESD and school district accounting policies and procedures in a timely manner.
• Ability to work well with others to accomplish system objectives and to function as an effective member of the NWESD management team.
• Ability to use human relation skills in order to provide quality customer service.
• Ability to prepare accurate, clear and concise statistical statements and reports. Ability to interpret complex financial reports and statements.
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Research, develop and implement improvements in financial and auditing systems, procedures, forms, and records for the NWESD as well as the school districts.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and proactively in both oral and written format.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, Board members, NWESD Superintendent and local school districts, district staff, elected officials, media, state and federal NWESD representatives, and the general public.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, routine travel is required to visit local school districts and affiliate agencies, as well as for workshops, committee representation, or conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of forty (40) pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards:  Those present in a normal office environment; no known significant hazards.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.