FRUITPORT COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

NOTICE OF INTENT TO EMPLOY

LOCATION: Fruitport Community Schools Administration Building

POSITION: Director of Business Services

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

LENGTH OF CONTRACT / CLASSIFICATION: 12 Month Director’s Level Position

SALARY: Non-Affiliated Administrator’s Wage and Benefit Handbook: S1 Salary Schedule. Compensation for this position is determined according to the District's approved salary schedule and is based on applicable years of relevant experience. The annual salary range is $133,750 to $174,250, with initial placement on the salary schedule reflecting verified experience.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Services oversees the District’s financial and operational functions as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This position provides strategic direction for budgeting, financial planning, business operations, and fiscal accountability while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and reporting requirements. The Director is responsible for maintaining the District’s financial stability through effective resource management and long-term planning that supports educational priorities and organizational objectives. In addition, the Director serves as a trusted advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Education, providing financial analysis, recommendations, and guidance on district initiatives and strategic decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience

A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related discipline is required.
A master's degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), is preferred.
Preference will be given to candidates with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in school district or intermediate school district (ISD) financial management, accounting, budgeting, or grant administration.
Prior supervisory or management experience of at least two (2) years is preferred.

Certification

Possession of, or the ability to obtain within a timeframe established by the District, the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) certification is required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fiscal Management and Strategic Planning

Direct the development, implementation, and oversight of the District's annual budget to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and Board of Education goals.
Develop multi-year financial plans, revenue and expenditure projections, and fiscal scenarios that support long-term financial stability.
Evaluate financial, enrollment, staffing, and operational data to guide resource allocation and strategic planning.
Provide financial guidance and recommendations to the Superintendent, Administrative Team, and Board of Education regarding fiscal policy and organizational initiatives.

Financial Compliance and Accountability

Ensure the accurate and timely completion of all required financial reports for local, state, and federal agencies, including annual financial reporting and public transparency requirements.
Maintain compliance with applicable accounting standards, state school finance laws, grant requirements, and governmental regulations.
Coordinate the District's annual external audit, including preparation of supporting documentation, resolution of audit recommendations, and implementation of corrective actions when necessary.
Oversee payroll tax reporting, deposits, and related compliance obligations.

Treasury and Financial Administration

Manage District cash flow, investments, banking relationships, and fund balances in accordance with Board policy and legal requirements.
Prepare financial documentation associated with state borrowing programs and other financing opportunities as needed.
Monitor taxable value changes, tax appeals, and State Equalized Valuation (SEV) adjustments while working collaboratively with municipal and county tax officials.

Capital Planning and Debt Management

Prepare financial analyses, projections, and informational materials related to bond proposals, millage elections, and other capital funding initiatives.
Support long-term capital improvement planning, oversee capital equipment budgeting, and maintain accountability for fixed assets and inventory records.

Business Office Administration

Provide leadership and oversight for all business office operations, including accounting, purchasing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and financial recordkeeping.
Ensure pupil accounting functions are administered accurately and in compliance with all state reporting requirements.
Coordinates payroll processing, employee benefit expenditures, and staffing allocations.
Work collaboratively with the Director of Food Service to support budget preparation, financial monitoring, and program reporting.
Work collaboratively with the Director of Curriculum to support grant administration, academic programs, and program reporting.

Risk Management

Direct the administration of the District's insurance and risk management programs, including property, liability, workers' compensation, employee benefits, transportation, and other coverage.
Coordinate insurance renewals, claims administration, and strategies designed to reduce organizational risk.

Labor Relations and Financial Analysis

Provide financial analysis and cost projections to support collective bargaining, contract negotiations, and long-term labor planning.
Assist district leadership with fiscal interpretation of negotiated agreements and contract administration.

Leadership and Professional Collaboration

Represent the District in interactions with local, county, state, and professional organizations on matters related to school finance and business services.
Monitor legislative, regulatory, and funding changes affecting public school finance and recommend appropriate operational or fiscal adjustments.

Personnel Leadership

Supervise, mentor, and evaluate business office personnel while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Participate in the recruitment, selection, onboarding, assignment, evaluation, and professional development of departmental staff in accordance with District policies and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Establish and maintain effective internal controls, promote cross-training, and ensure continuity of business operations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting principles, Michigan public school finance, budgeting practices, and financial management.
Ability to analyze complex financial information, develop forecasts, and prepare comprehensive financial reports.
Thorough understanding of applicable statutes, regulations, accounting standards, and compliance requirements.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present financial information clearly to a variety of audiences.
Proficiency with financial management software, spreadsheet applications, and integrated accounting systems; experience with Munis or comparable ERP software is desirable.
Demonstrated ability to establish productive working relationships with employees, administrators, auditors, bargaining units, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
Completes all other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Candidates must be available to attend interviews for the position during the week of July 20, 2026.

Internal candidates interested in applying for this position may do so by sending a letter of interest to Superintendent, Jason Kennedy, 3255 E. Pontaluna Rd, Fruitport, MI 49415.

External candidates may apply online by clicking on the Employment link under the Department tab on our district website at www.fruitportschools.net.

POSTING DATE: June 30, 2026

ENDING DATE: July 17, 2026

The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment.