School Business Manager

School Business Manager

Providence, RI

Reports to: Director of Schools
Employment Status: Full-time, permanent, 12 months

Position Overview:

The Met High School is seeking a visionary leader with a deep commitment to reimagining education and a proven track record in business leadership. Under the direction of the Director of Schools, the School Business Manager shall have the responsibility for administering the business and financial affairs of the school system to provide the best educational and operational services with the fiscal resources available.

The School Business Manager plays a key role in most aspects of the district’s management and performs a broad range of duties in nearly every sector of the school. The School Business Manager is responsible for the coordination and direct support services to organizations ranging from insurance companies, computer manufacturers and government offices. In addition to administration, payroll, property management and facilities this role is also responsible for maintaining the school budget as designated by the RI Department of Education (RIDE) and the Governor’s Office as well as the Consolidated Resources Plan (CRP), new construction for upcoming school projects and the Conversion for the Universal Chart of Accounts (UCOA).

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advises and/or reports to the Director of Schools and the Met Board of Trustees as appropriate on all matters relating to the business affairs of the School Department
Prepares the initial School Department budget and subsequent quarterly reports as necessary.within the parameters designated by RIDE and the Governor’s Budget Office
Monitors expenses and funding sources on a daily basis and prepares financial projections for the Director of Schools and the Met Board of Trustees to assist in the preparation and analysis of the budget, including all federal grants.
Manages investments for the school and looks for ways to bring in additional funds to support the school’s budget.
Advocacy planning and being proactive with future planning.
Develops grant funding for annual CRP and work with the grant leads to review progress of current and future grants.
Establishes and oversees standard operating procedures and controls for all financial and administrative matters throughout the school department, including cash management and collection functions.
Directs the procurement process by coordinating, advertising, analyzing quotations, conducting evaluations and recommending awards/grants, as well as negotiating service contracts.
Advises on financial implications of all contracts and contract proposals.
Responsible for preparing relevant bid specifications. Reviewing and awarding contracts after approval of the School Committee. *Review, as appropriate, bid contracts after approval of the School Committee.
Reconciles system-wide accounts with Principals, Directors, and others responsible for expenditure control to maintain the accuracy and integrity of financial information
Oversees all student activity accounts to ensure revenue collection and expenditure controls are in compliance with acceptable accounting practices as well as local policies, procedures, and regulations.
Oversees all activities of financial support staff, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, employee benefits, workers compensation program and grants management.
Administers the school department's insurance programs.
Delegates responsibility for processing liability claims.
Serves as a liaison with insurance carriers and risk management trust representatives to maintain ongoing communications.
Oversees the Technology contract bidding process and the Technology vendor account
Develops appropriate methods of monitoring school department liability to ensure that accidents involving personal injury and/or property loss are reported accurately and in a timely manner.
Develops and maintains with current data a system-wide process for inventory control of fixed assets.
Participates as required in contract negotiations and grievance resolution.
Prepares for the Director of School’s approval of all State and Federal financial reports to ensure that the School Department receives all reimbursable expenses.
Provides direction, supervision, and annual written performance evaluations of office staff.
Administers the school department lunch program. Records and reconciles all food service revenue and expenditures.
Fiscal management of school construction; works in conjunction with the Facilities Director on projects, ensures compliance with RIDE school construction regulations (Middle School Project and all Met facilities)
Oversees all business and financial transactions related to school department transportation services.
Approves routine expenditures for goods, services, and salaries.
Presents information to the public concerning the financial operation of the school district.
Attends the Met Board of Trustees and other meetings such as legislative budget hearings as needed.
Uploads financial statements to RIDE data warehouse
Reviews work papers for A-133 audit and assist auditors
Monitors E-Rate funding
Prepares In$ite Report to RIDE
Prepares and coordinates final Grant Reports
Performs other tasks and duties as required by the Director of Schools, RIDE and the Met’s Board of Trustees.

SKILLED AT:
Ability to think conceptually and articulate ideas and recommendations in written communications, reports, and oral presentations to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability in a leadership role requiring evaluation, supervision, negotiation, and management of fiscal operations.
Familiarity with Federal and State reporting, data surveys, and auditing procedures.
Knowledge of the statewide uniform chart of accounts (UCOA).
Strong math, analytical, and accounting skills.
Ability to apply principles of rational systems.
Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic
Ability to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.
Exercising judgment, decisiveness, and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
The ability to consistently meet deadlines; completing tasks in a timely manner with consistent and timely responses and follow-up.
Maintaining a positive attitude and supportive working relationship with staff and students.

Required Qualifications and Skills:
Certified or certifiable as a School Business Administrator in Rhode Island.
Graduate of an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Accounting; master degree preferred.
At least 5 years of relevant experience including familiarity with UCOA.
A strong accounting background with supervisory experience required.

Starting Salary Range: $77,500 - $116,000