Job Description:

JOB GOAL: 

To plan, organize, and direct the financial operations of the District to ensure fiscal integrity, compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and the effective use of financial resources to support student achievement. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and not a comprehensive listing of all duties performed. 

The Director of Finance will: 

• Provide leadership and oversight of all financial operations, including general accounting, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.  

• Ensure compliance with the Arizona Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR), state statutes, federal regulations, and District policies.  

• Oversee preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for internal and external stakeholders.  

• Manage the District’s annual budgeting process, including development, monitoring, and revisions in collaboration with District leadership.  

• Monitor cash flow and financial forecasts to ensure fiscal stability and sustainability.  

• Reconcile all District funds and ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end closing processes.  

• Serve as the District liaison for financial audits and coordinate all audit activities, including preparation of schedules and responses to findings.  

• Provide guidance and training to site and department staff on budgeting, purchasing, and student activity funds in compliance with USFR.  

• Review and approve expenditures to ensure budget availability and compliance with procurement requirements.  

• Oversee administration of grants, including budget development, compliance, and reporting in accordance with federal and state requirements (including Arizona Department of Education guidelines).  

• Provide oversight of District-wide safety operations, including coordination of emergency operation plans and safety procedures. 

• Provide oversight of the Lead Registrar and school registrars, including student registration processes, to ensure accurate data collection, consistent implementation of district procedures, and ongoing compliance with all applicable Arizona state requirements across all schools in the district. 

• Serve as custodian of District funds, including responsibility for revolving funds in accordance with USFR and Arizona statutes.  

• Support the administration of employee benefits and coordinate financial aspects of the District’s health insurance programs.  

• Supervise, evaluate, and develop finance department staff to ensure high performance and continuous improvement.  

• Serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Management Team.  

• Prepare and present financial & audit reports to the Governing Board and leadership team.  

• Assist in long-range financial planning, including enrollment trends, staffing impacts, and capital planning.  

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Finance & Operations.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines 

1. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. 
2. Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental or school district finance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position. 
3. Strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles and financial reporting required. 
4. Knowledge of Arizona school finance, including the Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR) and applicable state and federal regulations, preferred. 
5. Experience with budgeting, financial analysis, and audit preparation required. 
6. Proficiency in financial systems, spreadsheets, and standard office applications required. 
7. Experience in an Arizona public school district preferred. 
8. Supervisory or leadership experience preferred. 

REPORTS TO: 

Chief, Finance & Operations 

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS   

A valid State Driver’s License may be required.     

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT 

This is a primarily sedentary position, involving sitting for a significant portion of the time, with occasional walking and standing. This role also requires the ability to manage multiple demands from various individuals while effectively interacting with the public and staff. 

Thank you for your interest in Crane Schools! We are only able to accept applications submitted on our website, craneschools.org.