Job Description Summary: The Director of Finance oversees all district financial and business functions, including budget development, accounting, audits, bonding, grants, purchasing and payroll.  Working closely with the Superintendent, the Director ensures that financial resources align with district strategic goals and comply with legal requirements. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or Accounting, with a substantial fund accounting background.

• Prior Business Manager experience in finance required.
• Appropriate maintenance of administrative continuing education requirements.
• Possession or eligibility for MSBO Chief Financial Officer Certification.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Michigan Public School Accounting Manual.
• Demonstrated experience in budget development, financial forecasting, audits, and risk management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree (CPA or MBA).
• Experience working in school finance and/or accounting.
• Experience with capital projects, bond financing, or facilities operations.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining and contract negotiations.
• Experience working with community stakeholders and external partners.
• Knowledge of internal controls, external audits, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the district’s financial strategy, including budget development, forecasting, and long-tern planning, ensuring alignment with the goals set by the Superintendent and Board of Education.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, audits, and reporting requirements.
• Supervise the Business Office team, ensuring effective and efficient financial operations, including payroll, accounts payable, purchasing, and overall district financial health.
• Administer liability and casualty insurance programs and benefits administration in compliance with laws and policies.
• Support the Superintendent in collective bargaining, including contract interpretation and alignment with financial goals.
• Develop and implement internal control policies to ensure financial compliance and risk mitigation strategies.
• Prepare audit workpapers and ensure alignment with the Michigan Public School Accounting Manual, maintaining an accurate chart of accounts.
• Guide financing of bonds, sinking funds, and capital improvement projects to align with district infrastructure goals.
• Manage district cash flow, investment activities, and tax levies, ensuring compliance with the Headlee Amendment, Truth in Taxation, and other legal requirements.
• Provide strategic oversight on capital planning and facility development in coordination with the Superintendent and Supervisor of Facilities and Operations.
• Provide recommendations on bond and millage elections, including financial projections, timing, and communication to the public.
• Monitor school and departmental budgets for cost-effective use of resources across operations.
• Oversee vendor management, ensuring compliance with purchasing agreements and contracts.
• Ensure vendor performance evaluations and negotiations for major contracts to align with district cost-effectiveness.
• Administer the district-wide purchase card program, ensuring effective management and compliance.
• Collaborate with school and district leaders on personnel management, payroll compliance, and policy enforcement.
• Engage with community stakeholders on matters related to bond measures, capital projects, and public transparency in financial decisions.
• Serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet Team, attending board and committee meetings to provide business and operational insights.
• Attend Board of Education meetings and prepare financial reports and memos for Board action and decision-making.

Reports to:      Superintendent

Supervises:     Business Office personnel

Terms of Employment:          This is a full-time, Exempt, 12-month administrative position.

Compensation:          Salary will be determined based on experience and qualifications.  This

position also includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Application Process:  Interested candidates should apply via the district’s online application system at www.hillsdale-isd.org.  Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is selected.

Contact information:             For questions or further information, please contact Kim Svacha, HR Director at kim.svacha@hillsdale-isd.org or 517-689-1802.

Hillsdale County Intermediate School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, or sexual orientation), marital status, disability or any other legally prohibited basis in admission or access to District programs and activities.  EOE.