BERKLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Director of Business and Finance 

 

POSITION GOAL:  To provide strategic financial leadership that supports the District’s mission and priorities by effectively managing all business operations, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, aligning resources with the strategic plan, while collaborating closely with the Superintendent, administrative team, and School Committee to promote sound fiscal stewardship and operational efficiency.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance required, Master’s Degree preferred
2. Minimum of three years’ experience as a School Business Administrator or similar position, preferred 
3. Holds current Massachusetts School Business Administrator certification
4. Proficiency with Massachusetts public procurement
5. Current Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO) designation or designation in progress
6. Experience with public school or school department/municipal procedures
7. Experience in grants management, preferred

 

REPORTS TO: Superintendent 

 

SUPERVISES: Business Office Staff, Transportation Staff, and Cafeteria Staff

 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Fiscal Management

1. Maintain appropriate and effective fiscal procedures to assure the most efficient budget controls, including maintaining the general ledger and financial statements
2. Develop the annual budget and provide input regarding long-range financial planning in collaboration with the Superintendent and other administrative staff.
3. Implement and monitor accounting procedures to ensure the proper recording of all receipts and expenditures, from all accounts, including but not limited to revolving accounts, gift accounts, and Principal accounts,  as well as conformity with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B (Procurement Law) and auditing requirements.
4. Monitor the monthly budget projections and prepare all monthly fiscal reports and forecasts for the Superintendent, and report to the School Committee.
5. Oversee and provide necessary documentation for the annual fiscal audit and the “single audit” as required.
6. Prepare the School Department’s annual financial reports for DESE, balance sheets, revenue, expenditure statements, and other reports in support of grants, compliance requirements, or required financial documentation, including but not limited to the End of the Year State Report.
7. Develop and recommend financial policies regarding the management of the School Department’s fiscal matters to the Superintendent and the School Committee.
8. Manage all business, financial, and personnel records according to School Department policies and in compliance with applicable state/federal laws and regulations.

Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, & Purchasing

1. Supervise all accounts receivable and accounts payable functions for the School Department, in collaboration with the Town Accountant’s Office.
2. Monitor all payroll functions, including accounting, human resource functions, and personnel management, within the School Department and in collaboration with the Town Treasurer’s Office.
3. Responsible for the purchase of equipment and supplies necessary for the proper operation of the School Department.
4. Responsible for maintenance, lease agreements, and service contracts of all office equipment, including but not limited to computers, copy machines, telephones, postage meters, etc.

Grants and Insurance Management

1. Identifies, researches, and applies for grant opportunities to secure additional funding that supports District programs and initiatives.
2. Manages grant compliance and reporting to ensure alignment with funding requirements and District goals.
3. Manages and maintains all School Department insurance programs, including property, liability, and workers’ compensation coverage.
4. Ensures adequate protection of District assets, oversees claims processing, and coordinates with insurers, the Human Resource Director,  and legal counsel to address risk management and compliance.

Perssonel

1. Assist in recruitment, interviewing, and selection of all business office employees.
2. Assist the Superintendent and School Committee during negotiations for successor collective bargaining agreements, including providing support materials and financial analysis.
3. Recommend appropriate changes or updates to the School Department personnel policies and procedures handbook.
4. Implements all union and support staff contracts and serves as the liaison between school employees and the Town office, facilitating matters such as open enrollment and benefits administration.
5. Maintains and monitors compliance with all collective bargaining agreements and Memoranda of Understanding/Agreement (MOUs/MOAs), ensuring that contractual obligations are consistently followed and properly implemented across all applicable departments and personnel.
6. Works collaboratively and closely with the Director of Human Resources and Town Hall to ensure alignment of district operations, policies, and personnel practices. 
7. Recognizes and respects the shared responsibilities between this position and the Human Resource Director, and Town Hall, maintaining clear communication and partnership to support effective decision-making, staff support, and compliance with all applicable regulations.

Lease and Facilities

1. Participate in facilities planning and development to support School Department programs.
2. Participate in planning to ensure adequate facility support for School Department transportation operations.
3. Coordinate facility lease agreements and vehicle insurance lease and purchase agreements for the School Department.

District Programs and Operations

1. Serves as the District’s Cafeteria and Transportation Director.
2. Monitor the general operations and financial procedures of the District’s food service program and transportation services.
3. Coordinate, seek bids for, and recommend outsourcing options and contracts for food and transportation services in collaboration with the Superintendent and School Committee, ensuring competitive pricing and alignment with District goals.
4. Partner with outsourced food service contractors to ensure compliance with all required food safety and nutrition standards.
5. Prepare and submit all necessary state-mandated documents and claims accurately and on time for the cafeteria and other district programs.
6. Manage the cafeteria point-of-sale system, including student data, financial records, and profit and loss reporting for the food service program.
7. Prepare, review, and process all tuition and fee assistance programs offered through state, federal, and district sources, ensuring compliance with eligibility requirements and timely distribution of support to qualifying families.
8. Coordinates with the Director of Facilities and Maintenance to ensure timely maintenance and repair of kitchen equipment.
9. Coordinates with the Van Coordinator to oversee the maintenance and service schedule of district-owned vans, ensuring safety and compliance. 

Other

1. Ability to work collaboratively with school personnel, local and state regulatory personnel, local municipal officials, vendors, service providers, and the general public.
2. Evaluates all staff under their supervision in accordance with the District’s evaluation schedule and procedures, providing constructive feedback and supporting professional growth and accountability.
3. Attend School Committee meetings, Finance Committee meetings, Board of Selectmen Meetings, and other meetings as requested by the Superintendent, as needed.
4. Collaborates on school building projects and serves as a member of related committees, providing financial oversight, analysis, and guidance to ensure the responsible use of district resources.
5. Stays informed of and ensures compliance with all changes in employment laws, regulations, and human resource policies
6. Perform other related  duties as may be assigned by the Superintendent
7. Other essential functions of the position:
1. Maintains a record of regular attendance and notifies the Superintendent when absent
2. Possesses a working knowledge of technology and Google applications
3. Maintains physical agility and strength to perform job-related tasks as appropriate
4. Be able to work in a noisy, stressful, high-pressure environment and maintain safety for students and staff.
5. Be able to work independently and collaboratively
6. Work with purpose to complete tasks with accuracy and efficiency
7. Completes and adheres to all district-wide mandatory training
8. Adheres to school and district emergency procedures
9. Pursues professional training to maintain and improve skill set
10. Communicates effectively verbally and in writing
11. Ensures confidentiality regarding all personal information of students and staff

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:   Twelve-month work year

SALARY:  $95,000.00 to $115,000 to be negotiated based on qualifications and experience

EVALUATION: The Superintendent will evaluate the performance of this position annually.