LEA Business Manager I

Jackson County ISD•Jackson, MI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The LEA Business Manager will provide financial leadership for the local districts / schools to which they are assigned. This includes the budgeting, accounting, reporting, and control procedures for all of the funds maintained by the assigned local districts. A customer service focus must be present in the performance of all job duties. The LEA Business Manager I must be a collaborative leader and have the ability to manage all the financial matters of the districts. The LEA Business Manager I must be able to work effectively and communicate well with fellow ISD employees as well as all stakeholders of the local districts.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business is required.
Five years' experience in Michigan public school finance or comparable business office positions required.
MSBO Business Office Manager (or equivalent) certification will be required and must be pursued if not already held by anyone in this position.
Valid Michigan driver's license and good driving record required.
Demonstrated knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and good understanding of current trends in accounting, particularly related to public finance, is required.
Knowledge and experience in sound business operations of a multi- department organization is required.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required along with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Must be "proficient" or "master" user of Microsoft Word and Excel.
Must have successful experience in using a current financial software package/technology.
Must be organized and dependable.
Must work well within given time and cost constraints.
Must respect and maintain confidentiality.
Must carry out all responsibilities with awareness of all requirements and standards established by the Board of Education.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in accounting, finance, or business is a plus.
Previous experience as a business manager in Michigan schools.
Familiarity with schools in Jackson County would also be a plus.
MSBO Chief Financial Officer certification preferred.
Proficiency in Munis financial software is preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for all accounting and financial matters of the district
Maintain chart of accounts for the accounting system
Employ sound accounting practices to ensure adequate records revealing the administration of the budget
Prepare, enter and maintain general journal entries as necessary
Maintain written manuals, procedures, suspense files, requisitions, purchasing, budgeting and payments in compliance with acceptable accounting standards and district, state and federal guidelines
Preparation of the district's annual budget
Budget development and all steps related to review and approval with the Superintendent and Board of Education
Prepare all budget amendments as required
Prepare monthly reports tracking actual spending versus budget
Month end close of financial system
Reconciliation of identified key cash and other balance sheet accounts
Monthly reconciliation of all bank statements
Preparation of various schedules and data gathering for annual audit requirements
Key interface with the auditors during the annual audit
Write the Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for Audit Report
Submission of all required reports and related follow-up actions as appropriate
Maintain system of internal control procedures for the district
Monitor all funds for proper accounting and approval of expenditures for all funds
Assist the Superintendent in carrying out all necessary functions of the district's operation according to the adopted budget, policies of the district, laws of the state and generally accepted accounting principles
Preparation of required reports and schedules: Monthly Financial report, Balance Sheet, Revenue & Expenditure details, Cash Flow, All reports for various title funds including annual consolidated application, Required local, state and federal reports (FID, SE-4096, etc.)
Oversee financial functions being performed for the district by other ISD staff members
District payroll and related payroll taxes
Ensure all of the district's financial obligations are paid on a timely basis
Require a regular requisition procedure from all employees properly channeled through principals, directors and other staff members in sufficient time for cost-effective purchase of supplies through competitive bidding
Determine annual millage rates for operational and debt funds, prepare L-4029 for board approval
Reconcile property taxes received from the township
Invest all receipts and cash reserves according to district policies, the investment laws of the state and the cash flow needs of the district
Attend all board meetings, committee meetings and special meetings of the Board of Education and present financial information as needed
Participate in the negotiation of employment contracts for organized employee groups and individual contracts
Maintain and update the district Capital Asset Inventory on an annual basis
Using appropriate counsel, prepare and analyze bond issues, debt repayment schedules and long-range financial projections for the superintendent and board of education
Ensure that bids are periodically solicited for food service management and make a recommendation to the board
Ensure the district maintains adequate insurance for worker's compensation, general liability, errors and omissions to cover liabilities related to property and actions of district employees and that bids for such coverage are periodically solicited and reviewed
Use a personal motor vehicle to travel between work sites
Maintain professional certification and up-to-date knowledge of school finance issues
Maintain membership in appropriate professional organization (e.g., MSBO) and participate in regular continuing education, seminars and certification courses
Monitor and review state and federal legislation, particularly related to budgets and school financing, and advise Superintendent on issues impacting the district
Regular and predictable in-person attendance is required for this position