Director of Finance

District: TRISD (School District)
Reports To: Superintendent
Position Type: Full-Time / Administrative

Job Overview

The Director of Finance directs and manages the operations of all financial and business affairs of the district. This includes accounting, purchasing, data processing, risk management, employee salaries and benefits, and printing services. Operating under board policy guidelines, the Director provides managerial direction and coordination to key district functions and serves as the chief financial advisor to the Superintendent and the Board of Trustees.

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Certification

Degree: Master’s degree in a business-related field or educational administration.

Minimum Experience

Experience: Five (5) years of proven experience in school business management or public sector organizations.

Special Knowledge & Skills

Advanced technical knowledge of school finance, budgeting, and accounting systems.
Working knowledge of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Financial Accountability System Resource Guide and general economics.
Strong proficiency in data processing systems, accounting software, and financial applications.
Proven ability to manage budgets, implement policies/procedures, and supervise diverse personnel.
Exceptional communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills to coordinate across district functions.

Major Responsibilities & Duties

1. Administration & Fiscal Management

Systems Control: Plan, execute, and maintain robust internal controls, budgeting, accounting, purchasing, payroll, fixed assets, and investments.
Record Keeping: Maintain complete, systematic, and accurate records of all district financial transactions using dedicated business office software.
Reporting & Analysis: Prepare monthly financial statements, cost reports, and budget amendments for presentation to the School Board. Compile financial projections, analyses, and funding applications.
Cash Flow & Investments: Perform daily analysis of cash flow to determine funds available for investment and bill payments. Balance bank statements and collaborate with banking/investment officials to resolve discrepancies. Ensure all funds are managed prudently.
Compliance & Audits: Stay informed of and comply with all state and local regulations governing public education business administration. Oversee budget workshops, public hearings, School FIRST ratings, annual audits, debt management, and investment programs.
Tax Administration: Communicate regularly with the County Appraisal District regarding property tax payments and wire transfers.

2. Financial Ethics & Anti-Fraud Compliance

Regulatory Compliance: Adhere strictly to all internal controls, board policies, and local, state, and federal laws regarding the district’s financial affairs.
Data Integrity: Ensure that all information in filed district reports and documents—including expenses, attendance records, production reports, and travel statements—is true and accurate.
Accountability: Maintain strict confidentiality of all data, files, and financial records. Safeguard against unauthorized access to electronic data and assigned computer systems.
Ethical Conduct: Act with absolute honesty in all district business transactions. Refrain from accepting or soliciting gifts, favors, or benefits that could influence professional duties. Disclose any potential conflicts of interest immediately.
Reporting Violations: Promptly report any suspected violations of the code of ethics (such as theft, fraud, or workplace dishonesty) directly to the Superintendent.

3. Human Resources & Compensation Management

Staffing Plans: Collaborate with principals and district administrators to forecast staffing needs and build robust recruitment and retention strategies.
Compensation & Benefits: Direct the administration of the district’s compensation program, including maintaining job descriptions, administering salary surveys, and handling position reclassifications.
New Hires: Develop, implement, and monitor procedures for clear salary administration and proper placement of new hires.
Benefits Oversight: Oversee the district’s leave, health insurance, optional employee benefits, workers' compensation, and unemployment benefit programs, including managing relationships with third-party administrators and insurance vendors.
Department Development: Define and evaluate job performance expectations for assigned business office staff. Create training options and performance improvement plans to optimize department operations.

4. Federal & State Programs

Funding Procurement: Actively solicit federal and state funds, participating directly in grant-writing activities to obtain programmatic funding.
Grant Monitoring: Monitor all grant-funded programs and their expenditures to guarantee total compliance with respective guidelines and regulations.
Cost Effectiveness: Ensure all state and federal programs are structured wisely, run cost-effectively, and meet documented needs.

5. District Alignment & Student Services

Instructional Support: Ensure that all financial and business operations explicitly support the instructional goals, academic objectives, and performance benchmarks of the district's campuses.
Operations Support: Demonstrate clear support for the district’s student management system and behavior expectations regarding operational aspects like transportation, food services, and classroom facilities.
Strategic Planning: Develop short- and long-range goals and objectives for the district's business operations.

General Expectations & Professionalism

Role Modeling: Exhibit a positive attitude and serve as a constructive role model for students and the community.
Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with colleagues, students, and parents. Maintain self-control and exercise common sense at all times.
Dependability: Report to work on time and maintain consistent attendance, absenting only with good cause.
Problem Solving: Use sound judgment and display initiative when making decisions or troubleshooting issues.
Growth Mindset: Respond positively to supervision, directives, and evaluative feedback. Actively participate in professional development and share new insights to improve ongoing performance.