School District Business Services Manager

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:

Provides business management services for contracted local school district(s) in areas of budget preparation, statistical and financial reporting, financial consulting, auditing and fiscal staff supervision so that school districts can more efficiently and effectively provide a quality education to students by better utilizing the financial resources available.

Essential Functions:

• Provide advice, consultation, coordination, analysis, review and/or business management function monitoring to help assure school district(s) compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements for the following processes:

1. • annual budget expenditure and revenue estimates as well as modifications thereto for all fund entities (e.g., OSPI forms F-203, F-195, F-195F, F-200);
   • annual statement of financial position (e.g., OSPI form F-196);
   • annual schedule of federal awards (e.g., SAO SEFA)
   • annual personnel report (e.g., OSPI form S-275); and
   • other business management activities as deemed appropriate.

• As requested by the school district(s) and agreed by the NWESD 189, advise, consult, coordinate, analyze, review and/or monitor business management functions to assist the school district(s) in its(their) efforts to comply with state statutory and regulatory requirements for the following purposes:

1. • individual personnel data regarding experience and educational attainment;
   • monthly reconciliation of county treasurers’ monthly report to district monthly financial position;
   • compliance with maintenance of effort and supplanting of funds requirements for affected programs;
   • monthly financial and personnel reports for all fund entities for the Board of Directors;
   • reconciliation of the individual program direct and indirect expenditures to program revenue;
   • grant management budget applications and claims for reimbursement of compensatory education and special support services programs including, but not limited to, special education, Title 1, learning assistance, food services, and transportation;
   • payroll and benefits and the funding thereof;
   • supervision of data input for and creation of accounts payable warrants, 1099 flagging and preparation of all related reports;
   • supervision of processing of all payroll related materials including deductions, creation of payroll warrants, verification of payroll information, quarterly tax reporting, preparation and reconciliation of all payroll related reports, including retirement reporting and reconciliation, and annual W-2 process; and
   • other business management activities as mutually deemed appropriate, agreed upon and accomplishable in the time contracted.

• Provide ongoing financial projections to include but not limited to, student enrollment, financial impact of legislative changes, levy calculations, cash flow projections and other projections and reports necessary to provide district leadership a clear understanding of the status of district finances.
• Supervise and participate in the evaluation of fiscal department staff, as contracted by school district(s).
• Assist in the development of fiscal policies and procedures, as contracted by the school district(s).
• Attend School District Board meetings, as requested.
• Supervise and evaluate NWESD accounting/payroll technicians assisting in the performance of the duties above as appropriate.
• Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties may not specifically be listed but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of governmental accounting obtained through formal education.
• Knowledge of pertinent laws, rules, and regulations related to public agency record keeping, accounting, and budgetary records, specifically in school districts.
• Knowledge of auditing rules and regulations within the public sector.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal agencies and the services provided in relation to the essential functions of the position.
• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of effective leadership and presentation techniques.
• Knowledge of computer software and accounting programs as they pertain to data collection, transfer and retrieval.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations and directives, and then communicate such to the appropriate school district personnel in an effective manner.
• Ability to work with existing computer programs including word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, and internet applications.
• Ability to answer substantive questions relating to school district fiscal applications and the ability to follow through in a timely manner with requests and/or problems that arise.
• Ability to prepare accurate, clear and concise statistical statements and reports
• Ability to work independently using highly effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to use tact, discretion, and courtesy in working with key fiscal staff in school districts, as well as with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Auditors, County Treasurer and Assessor.
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written format.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, NWESD Board, school district staff, OSPI staff, State Auditor’s, and County offices.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related field with a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting. A minimum of four years of experience in Washington State school district business operations is 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. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment, however, frequent day travel is required. Lifts a maximum of 30 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 outside of driving in adverse weather conditions.

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.