Executive Director, Fiscal Services

Berkeley Unified School District•Berkeley, CA

About The Position

Under policy direction, the Executive Director, Fiscal Services plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and directs the District’s financial and accounting activities and operations. The role manages preparation of financial analyses and reports, oversees development of annual operating, capital, program, grant, and fund budgets and long-range financial forecasts, manages financial planning for programs authorized by the Board of Education, and directs and supervises the payroll department. The Executive Director provides expert professional assistance to District management and the Board on financial, accounting, and related matters. The position manages a broad program of District financial services, including budgeting, financial forecasting and analysis, financial reporting, accounting, and public retirement system matters. Its responsibilities are broad in scope and require administrative discretion on complex, interpretive, and evaluative issues. The Executive Director leads Fiscal Services staff and supervisors; directs payroll, employee benefits, budget administration, financial planning, general accounting, position control, financial systems, and internal controls; and coordinates annual audits with external auditors. The role reviews reports and financial data, interprets laws and regulations, advises District personnel and external customers, and presents budget information to senior management and the Board. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field, and at least seven years of increasingly responsible financial and accounting experience, including at least five years in a supervisory or management capacity, or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Managerial experience in a public agency and a master’s degree in finance or business administration are preferred. A CPA, CIA, or CMA credential is highly desirable. A valid California driver’s license, vehicle insurability, and employment clearances including fingerprinting and tuberculosis screening are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university in accounting, finance, business administration, or a closely related field, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
At least seven years of increasingly responsible financial and accounting experience, including at least five years in a supervisory or management capacity, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Valid California Driver’s License and vehicle insurability in accordance with District requirements.
Employment eligibility clearances, including fingerprinting and tuberculosis and/or other required screening.
Knowledge of general, fund, and governmental accounting; financial statement preparation; and financial control and reporting.
Knowledge of cost and fixed asset accounting, internal controls, audit practices, and GAAP, GASP, and GASB standards.
Knowledge of public agency budgeting and laws and regulations concerning the financial administration of public-school districts.
Knowledge of business data processing for accounting and financial information, public administration, purchasing, contracting, public records, research, analysis, management, and supervision.
Ability to manage and integrate finance and accounting operations; analyze complex financial data; interpret and apply policies and laws; evaluate controls and recommend improvements; and perform complex mathematical calculations and analyses.
Ability to prepare clear financial statements, reports, and written materials; exercise independent judgment, tact, and diplomacy; and maintain effective working relationships with District and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Managerial experience in a public agency is preferred.
A master’s degree in finance or business administration is preferred but not required.
Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, or Certified Management Accountant credential is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, manage, and evaluate Fiscal Services department work, operations, plans, processes, procedures, and policies.
Coordinate department functions and collaborate with other managers on District-wide strategic plans, goals, and policy issues.
Direct payroll and employee benefits operations to ensure accurate and timely pay and benefits; review, approve, and process payroll and related forms.
Direct and reconcile payroll tax returns and retirement reports, including W-2s, PERS, STRS, and Tax-Sheltered Annuities (TSA).
Supervise, evaluate, coach, and develop supervisors and staff; establish performance expectations and address performance deficiencies in accordance with District policies and agreements.
Lead staff selection, compensation, training, and day-to-day management practices to develop and retain competent, customer service-oriented employees.
Direct District budget administration, including budget development, policies and procedures, budget request analysis, presentations, dispute resolution, expenditure monitoring, and status reporting.
Conduct or oversee financial planning and analysis, create financial forecasting models, assess economic and legislative impacts, and advise departments on Board-authorized programs and complex agreements.
Manage general accounting operations and ensure records comply with applicable standards, laws, regulations, and policies.
Direct financial controls and accounting for grants and other funds; ensure accounting for revenues and expenditures follows GAAP, GASP, and GASB requirements.
Prepare or oversee required state and local reporting; ensure vendors and contractors are paid in accordance with contract terms; oversee District-wide position control and payroll processes.
Review and analyze accounting, financial, and management reports; identify issues and recommend improvements to the District’s financial performance.
Provide financial expertise and guidance to staff, senior management, District personnel, and external customers; advise on funding availability and interpret applicable rules and regulations.
Oversee the development, enhancement, and administration of enterprise financial systems and lead process improvement and implementation of policies, standards, and internal controls.
Coordinate Fiscal Services activities with external auditors for the annual audit.
Perform related duties as assigned.