Director of Financial Operations

West Warwick Public Schools•West Warwick, RI

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Financial Operations is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for the comprehensive fiscal stewardship of the district's resources. This role ensures efficient use of funds, manages financial operations, and provides expert financial analysis and forecasting to support senior management in decision-making and long-term planning.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required
3-5 years of financial leadership experience, preferably in a public school district or similar organization.
Leadership, analytical, organizational, and communication skills
Proficiency in financial software
Ability to work with various stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and school data systems (e.g., Infinite Visions, Aspen, SchoolSpring).
Excellent communication, organization, and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the mission of public education.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or CPA preferred

Responsibilities

Leading financial planning and budgeting
Overseeing accounting and financial reporting
Managing compliance and audits
Asset management
Addressing risk management and contracts
Oversight of human resources and benefits
Food services, transportation, and facilities contracts
Leads the development and management of operating and capital budgets, including forecasting and analysis.
Develop and implement a long-range financial plan that supports the district’s strategic goals and capital improvement needs.
Provide data-driven projections for enrollment, tax revenue, and state/federal funding.
Advise the Superintendent and School Committee on the financial implications of policy decisions, collective bargaining agreements, and legislative changes.
Supervises finance staff.
Collaborates with Human Resources on employee benefits, position coordination, and ensures compliance with labor regulations.
Lead the annual budget process, coordinating with department heads and principals to allocate resources equitably across schools.
Present the annual budget to the public, school committee, and town council.
Monitor expenditure trends and implement corrective actions to ensure the district operates within its approved budget.
Oversee the daily operations of the Finance Department, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and General Ledger.
Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
Manages annual audits and ensures compliance with regulations, establishing and maintaining internal controls.
Manages insurance coverage and develops risk mitigation procedures.
Directs the purchasing process, including bidding, negotiation, and contract administration (transportation, food service, facilities).
Supervise the administration of federal (e.g., Title I, IDEA), state, and local grants to ensure compliance with strict reporting guidelines.
Manage the district’s debt service, bond issuances, and investment portfolios to maximize returns while ensuring financial stability.
Handles investment activities, fixed asset control, and debt management.
Translate complex financial data into accessible reports and presentations for non-financial stakeholders.
Serve as the liaison to the District and the Town’s Director of Finance and represent the district in community forums regarding fiscal matters.