Director - Finance (Accounting)MM:61:T3

$104,971 - $118,854/Yr

Marion County Schools - Ocala, FL

Full-time - Director

Onsite - Ocala, FL

About the position

The Director of Finance is a pivotal role within the Marion County Schools, responsible for overseeing the accounting and financial reporting functions of the District. This position plays a crucial part in ensuring that the District adheres to appropriate control procedures and complies with generally accepted governmental accounting standards, as well as the regulations set forth by the Florida Department of Education. The Director will coordinate financial and operational audits conducted by the Auditor General and other external auditors, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial practices. In this role, the Director of Finance will support activities aimed at achieving the strategic goals identified in the District's strategic plan. This includes managing the financial planning for the District, directing the cash management program, and supervising the preparation of financial reports. The Director will also oversee the accounting department, ensuring that billing and collection control procedures are effectively coordinated and that cash receipts are accurately recorded and deposited. Additionally, the Director will monitor charter school financial statements and provide funding advice for Capital Improvement and Debt Service programs. The Director of Finance will maintain effective community relations, interpreting financial matters to the community and providing coordination between various units within the Business Services department. This role requires advising and assisting the Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent, and other District staff on accounting policies, as well as providing technical assistance to assigned employees. The Director will also be responsible for cross-training personnel within the department and attending conferences to stay updated on new policies and practices. Furthermore, the Director will prepare all required reports, maintain appropriate records, and ensure that the financial status of the School District is communicated effectively to the Superintendent and Board. This position also involves supervising assigned personnel, conducting performance appraisals, and making recommendations for employment actions. The Director will direct and coordinate all accounting functions, including the preparation of financial reports and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, ensuring that all financial activities align with the goals and objectives of the District.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the operations of the accounting and financial reporting function of the District.
• Ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards and Florida Department of Education regulations.
• Coordinate financial and operational audits with external auditors.
• Support activities to achieve priority goals identified in the District's strategic plan.
• Manage the financial planning for the District.
• Direct the District's cash management program.
• Supervise the preparation of financial reports.
• Assign and supervise work within the accounting department.
• Coordinate accounting, billing, and collection control procedures.
• Record cash receipts and deposit all funds, assisting in the District's investment program.
• Monitor charter school financial statements and advise administration on financial issues.
• Provide funding advice for Capital Improvement and Debt Service programs.
• Oversee the accounts payable system for the District.
• Maintain effective community relations and interpret financial matters to the community.
• Coordinate activities between units within the Business Services department.
• Advise the Chief Financial Officer and Superintendent on accounting policies and their application.
• Provide technical assistance to assigned employees as needed.
• Facilitate cross-training of personnel within the department.
• Attend conferences and workshops for professional development.
• Prepare reports and maintain appropriate records.
• Direct and coordinate all accounting functions and the preparation of financial reports.

Requirements

• Master's degree with specialization in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration, or a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration with CPA or CGFO designation.
• Five years of experience in Accounting or School Finance with progressively increasing leadership roles.
• Basic understanding and knowledge of current technology as required for the position.
• Valid Florida driver's license for required travel.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a school finance environment.
• Familiarity with governmental accounting standards.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $104,971 - $118,854 annually, depending on experience.
• Full-time work schedule with potential for professional development opportunities.