Director of Business and Finance

Position Overview

The Director of Business and Finance reports directly to the Superintendent of Schools and is a key member of the district’s leadership team. This role is responsible for the effective implementation, supervision, and strategic direction of all financial and business operations, non‑instructional support functions, and long‑range facilities planning.

Areas of Responsibility

I. Fiscal Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Budget Development: Plans, executes, and monitors the annual operating and capital budgets; assists the Superintendent in providing and presenting information to the School Committee and Town boards.
• Requests & Formatting: Provides general supervision for budget development by collecting, collating, and formatting all requests from principals, directors, and department heads.
• Financial Controls: Organizes and maintains effective budgetary control procedures, guaranteeing a balance in all categories between allotments and actual expenditures.
• Long‑Range Projections: Prepares multi‑year financial projections addressing strategic efforts, including enrollment changes, system‑wide goals, and facilities.
• Trend Analysis: Continually analyzes cost patterns and trends; reports regularly to the School Committee on the status of all budgetary accounts.
• Fiscal Systems: Institutes and maintains effective management procedures and accounting systems to ensure sound fiscal control and proper recording of receipts/expenditures per Commonwealth statutes.
• Grant Management: Maintains financial controls for all revenue, including grants (Special Education and general), capital, and revolving accounts; investigates and processes applications for educational/construction grants from federal, state, and private sources.
• Special Education Finance: Works closely with the Director of Student Services on the special education budget, including grants, expenditures, and out‑of‑district tuitions.

II. Reporting, Audits & Legal Compliance

• Statutory Reporting: Collects, collates, and submits mandated state and federal reports, including the “October School System Summary Report” and the “End‑of‑the‑Year Report.”
• Audit Oversight: Provides information during annual financial audits and performs all recommended corrections.
• Legal Application: Understands, communicates, and applies statutes from the State Department of Education, the Commonwealth, or the Town of Milton through cooperation with Town Hall.
• Communication: Prepares statistical and narrative reports, including financial statements, for the Superintendent, School Committee, and stakeholders.
• Policy Development: Participates in system‑wide policy development and supports the Superintendent with special projects and committees.

III. Procurement & Contract Management

• Chief Procurement Officer: Serves as the School Committee’s Chief Procurement Officer; develops and administers compliant procurement systems for supplies, services, and equipment.
• Bidding & Awards: In conjunction with the Town CPO, prepares all necessary bid documents, specifications, and legal notices; conducts bid openings and recommends awards based on adherence to requirements.
• Warrant Oversight: Oversees the School Committee’s approval of payroll and accounts payable batches/warrants.
• Vendor & Supply Management: Manages contracts with all outside vendors; purchases items necessary for operations and maintains a current, efficient inventory system.

IV. Operations & Staff Supervision

• Personnel Management and Business Office Leadership: Supervises and manages Business Office staff, Community School Director, Food Service Director, and oversees Custodial staff by working closely with the Director of Consolidated Facilities; ensures appropriate training for staff.
• Hiring Process: Advertises vacancies, reviews applications, and recommends qualified candidates to principals and the Superintendent.
• Training Initiatives: In conjunction with Directors, plans and oversees pre‑service and in‑service activities for custodial and food service staff.
• Labor Relations: Serves as a key member of contractual negotiating teams, providing financial data and forecasting for fiscal proposals.
• Departmental Oversight: Provides program oversight to the Director of Consolidated Facilities (facilities/maintenance of all physical plant facilities) and the Director of Food Services (compliance with federal/state/local laws).

V. Transportation Systems

• System Design: Assumes responsibility for a workable transportation system for the daily instructional program and extracurricular activities.
• Contractual Prep: Prepares specifications for all contracts pertaining to transportation.
• Route Logistics: Defines and directs the development of bus routes and assignments for all eligible students.
• Special Needs Access: In conjunction with the Director of Student Services; monitors the budget for special education transportation by meeting with the Director of Student Services and the Superintendent on a regular basis.
• Safety & Liaison: Recommends transportation rules and regulations; acts as direct liaison with parents/citizens on complaints; arranges safety standard meetings for drivers.
• Insurance: Completes all reports for insurance and other purposes pertaining to school transportation.

VI. Building Programs & Capital Projects

• Construction Management: Works in conjunction with building committees, architects, and contractors to expedite the construction, equipping, and completion of structures.
• MSBA & Financial Certification: Assists the Town Accountant in filing notices, votes, contracts, invoices, and financial certification papers required for state reimbursement (MSBA).
• Capital Coordination: Coordinates all capital expenditure projects and facilities for summer school and adult education.

VII. Pupil Accounting & District Administration

• Census & Projections: Develops and supervises the annual School Census; provides student population projections.
• Emergency Decision Making: In the absence of the Superintendent, makes decisions on emergency school closings and contacts appropriate agencies regarding storms or emergencies.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of public educational institutional demands, personnel administration, and state/federal laws pertaining to schools and finance.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills; ability to explain complex information clearly to stakeholders including Milton School Committee, Select Board members, Finance Committees, and the public.
• Character: Demonstrated high standards of ethics, honesty, integrity, and superior communication skills.

Additional Requirements

• Must be certified or certifiable as a School Business Administrator by the MA DESE.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience preferred.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.