Financial Planning and Project Lead

Summary:

The Financial Planning and Project Lead plays a crucial role in the success of NWESD’s comprehensive growth and innovation plans, providing budget management, financial analysis, and financial consulting and expertise throughout the agency. This position requires the ability to demonstrate strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of financial principles and education funding. Effective communication skills are crucial for conveying financial information to non-financial stakeholders within the educational setting. The Financial Planning and Project Lead is responsible for key functions including agency-wide project management of improvement efforts which will involve financial consulting, budget forecasting and development, regulatory monitoring and compliance, and contract administration activities.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

Project Management

• Participate in the development and implementation of NWESD’s comprehensive growth and innovation plans in collaboration with the Strategy, Development, and Innovation department.
• Provide leadership and project management for process improvement and innovation efforts with agencywide impact.
• Lead and manage finance-related projects ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and on budget.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams in agency wide implementation and utilization of new systems and processes to support the growth and strategic initiatives of the agency.
• May directly lead and supervise cross-agency project teams including assigning responsibilities, monitoring progress, planning, and initiating strategies to support timely deliverables, training teams to participate in process improvement, resolving concerns, and making recommendations.
• Assist the Assistant Superintendent for Finance in operationalizing new business practices and other financial matters related to the operations and programs of the NWESD.
• Promote expansion of programs and services, including financial leadership in the development of programs supporting the agency’s strategic vision.

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Assist the Assistant Superintendent in the development of long-term financial strategies and goals for the organization.
• Provide financial modeling and consultation, including tools to be used throughout the agency to support growth and innovation strategies.
• Conduct financial analysis to support strategic decision making and identify areas for cost and resource optimization.
• Consults and works collaboratively with directors and program support personnel to develop comprehensive services budget models that leverage multiple funding sources while ensuring compliance with education policies and regulations.
• Provide guidance and expertise for directors to adopt and apply braided funding models for innovating programs and services.
• Identify areas of financial risk and recommend mitigation strategies for new agency programs and opportunities.
• Conduct analysis, research, and monitoring of budgeted and actual revenues, allocations, and expenditures, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Assist with the development and preparation of the annual budget and future projections.
• Meet with and communicate program budget status to management and program staff.
• Collaborate with department and program leads to ensure budget compliance and accuracy.
• Provide training and coaching to assist program staff on budget development, monitoring, and financial analysis of program activities.
• Develop reports for use by program staff for budget monitoring, and to evaluate new business strategies.
• Respond to inquiries from outside agencies and internal departments regarding budget and program financial reports.

Contract Management

• Manage agencywide external contracting to include contract development, administration, and monitoring.
• Mange and oversee procedure for soliciting and evaluating proposals for potential vendors or contractors.
• Liaise with program managers to support development of contracts and agreements.
• Manage the bidding process for procurement of goods and services requiring a formal public process in accordance with NWESD policies and State and Federal regulations.
• Assist program staff on procurement of goods and services in accordance with NWESD policies and State and Federal regulations.
• Assist program staff with the addition of vendors and qualification of contractors that wish to do business with the agency.

Professional Development and Communication

• Communicate financial information effectively to non-financial stakeholders.
• Provide coaching and consultation to departments on financial matters.
• Provide support and training to staff on financial systems and procedures.
• Make presentations and deliver/coordinate professional development to support principles of grant and contract management, budget management and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare analysis or presentation materials as requested.
• Coordinate relevant meetings and events.
• Attend relevant workshops, meetings, and conferences to enhance skills and knowledge in the field.
• Serve on committees with professional groups.
• Act as a lead, providing oversight and/or direction for the work of others as appropriate for project management or as directed by the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Compliance.

Policy and Compliance

• Ensure adherence to fiscal policies, procedures, and regulations governing educational finances.
• Interpret applicable laws, codes, and regulations as they apply to grants and contracts management, including the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Washington Administrative Codes (WAC), board policies and procedures.
• Review summaries and compliance reports, provide technical assistance, and make program and procedural recommendations to program administrators, conducts compliance verifications, and prepares verification summaries as needed.
• Stay informed about changes in accounting standards, governmental regulations, and grant management best practices affecting educational institutions.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of governmental accounting obtained through formal education and experience.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to resolving issues.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and integrity in handling financial information.
• High level creative thinking, research skills and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced skills in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word, and other applicable software applications.
• Skill in effective project management across departmental lines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, while using tact, discretion, and courtesy in working with agency staff.
• Ability to become proficient in working with Qmlativ software accounting system for educational service districts.
• Ability to communicate complex regulations to individuals with varying levels of finance backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently using effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well with others to accomplish system objectives.
• Ability to interpret financial reports and statements and organize complex financial data.
• Ability to develop and make improvements in financial accounting systems, procedures, forms, and records.

Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance, public administration, or related field. Minimum of five years’ progressive experience in project management, financial consulting, budget modeling, systems change, and integration of new business practices. Experience working in public sector finance preferred. 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. Requires a valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance. Washington State Patrol background clearance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, travel may be required for workshops, committee representation or conferences. Lifts and carries a maximum of 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.