Director Of Finance

Joliet Public Schools District 86•Joliet, IL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Finance serves as a key leadership member of the Business Office, overseeing all financial and accounting operations of the school district. This position is responsible for strategic financial planning, budgeting, audits, levy development, and preparing reports for the Board of Education. The Director of Finance ensures compliance with state and federal regulations and supervises the Business Office staff. This position supports the district's strategic plan through data-driven decision-making and responsible resource allocation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required
Minimum of 5 years progressive financial leadership experience, preferably in a school district or municipal setting.
History of managing Illinois school finances, including budgeting, tax levy, and state/federal reporting, with extensive and specialized training in School District financial management.
Demonstrated experience supervising professional staff and managing complex financial systems.
Informed and knowledgeable in School District operations, National and State Educational law(s), and the Illinois Program Accounting Manual. (IPAM)
Ability to work with fellow employees and meet the public in a pleasant, composed manner, and to speak clearly and effectively.
Experience with electronic office software, e.g., MS Word and MS EXCEL.
Extensive knowledge of school finance, TRS, IMRF, ISBE requirements, and Illinois budgeting processes.
Experience preparing tax levies, multi-year forecasts, and audit-ready financial reports.
Familiarity with school business systems (HRIS) and ERP integration.
Strong analytical and presentation skills for board and community audiences.
Ability to develop and monitor financial strategies that align with district priorities.
Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills.
Proficiency in Excel, financial modeling tools, and Google Suite.
Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions and high-stakes deadlines.
Commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and service excellence.
Must have the ability to comprehend simple instructions, read correspondence and memoranda, and communicate effectively with all stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
CPA or Professional Educator License with a Chief School Business Official endorsement strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide financial leadership and direction in alignment with the District's mission, beliefs, and strategic plan.
Develop and monitor the annual budget in collaboration with department heads and the Assistant Superintendent for Business.
Oversee preparation and submission of the Annual Financial Report (AFR), budget, tax levy, and state-required filings.
Oversee day to day accounting operations, including accounts payable, payroll functions and general ledger maintenance.
Monitor and reconcile fund balances, general ledger activity and internal accounting controls.
Coordinate and manage the annual external audit process and ensure timely corrective action plans as needed.
Analyze and report on long-range financial forecasts, fund balances, debt schedules, and capital project budgets.
Supervise and evaluate the performance of the Business Office staff.
Ensure compliance with state, federal, and board policies including ISBE, TRS, IMRF, GASB, GAAP and fund accounting regulations.
Oversee administration of employee investment plans including 403 (b), 457, and other voluntary benefits.
Prepare regular financial reports for the Board of Education, including budget status, Treasurer’s, investments, and cash flow projections.
Serve as the liaison to auditors, financial institutions, bond counsel, and investment advisors.
Monitor and manage all district funds, including working cash, debt service, and capital projects to ensure compliance with financial policies.
Coordinate the implementation and use of financial software systems across departments
Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent for Business and district leadership on financial strategy, resource alignment and timely reporting.
Provide training and financial guidance to school administrators and department heads
Ensure timely submission of financial reports, claims for reimbursement, and other external reports.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the fiscal integrity and efficiency of the district.
Create and maintain the necessary accounting systems, records, and procedures required for effective financial management and to comply with the State Program Accounting Manual.