Chief Financial Officer/Business Officer

About the Role

To assist in the administration of the district's business affairs so as to provide the maximum services to the children for the financial resources available.

Qualifications

• Proper licensure by the Mississippi Department of Education
• Must obtain School District Business Administrator License
• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in accounting
• Minimum of 5 years experience in public education
• Accounting degree and CPA preferred
• Demonstrated aptitude or competence for assigned responsibilities, as determined appropriate by the Board

Responsibilities

• Directs and oversees all financial accounting.
• Maintains a complete and systematic set of records of all financial transactions of the district.
• Sets up and controls an encumbrance accounting system.
• Provides accounting services essential to the preparation, administration, supervision, and control of the budget.
• Obtains the annual budget requirements for all departments and prepares preliminary budget estimates.
• Develops and manages the school district budget in collaboration with the Superintendent and Board of Trustees.
• Collaborates with school principals, directors, and other administrators in developing the district budget.
• Develops budget projections and forecast scenarios.
• Prepares budget amendments and submits them to the Board of Trustees for approval.
• Prepares and conducts an annual budget hearing with the Board of Trustees, Superintendent, and community.
• Records details of school financial transactions in appropriate journals and subsidiary ledgers (e.g., requisitions, payroll records).
• Summarizes and balances entries recorded in individual journals and ledgers, and transfers data to general ledgers.
• Prepares financial statements, income statements, and cost reports to reflect the district’s financial condition.
• Traces errors and records adjustments to correct charges or credits posted to incorrect amounts.
• Supervises accounts receivable processes and procedures.
• Supervises purchasing, accounts payable, and fixed‑asset processes and procedures.
• Monitors and approves purchase requests (except food‑service and activity funds) under $1,500.
• Supervises payroll and benefit processes and procedures.
• Coordinates supervision of student activity accounts with school principals and the central office accountant.
• Reviews monthly activity‑fund reports.
• Transfers funds monthly for accounts payable and payroll to their respective clearing accounts.
• Verifies that all bank‑statement reconciliations are complete and accurate.
• Prepares and submits monthly financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
• Reviews and submits the current monthly docket of claims and preceding payroll expenditures to the Board for approval.
• Submits monthly requests to School Financial Services for applicable grant funds.
• Works closely with accounting staff to ensure district compliance with MS Code, GAAP, MDE, OSA, and federal regulations.
• Prepares annual financial statements and submits them to independent auditors for audit.
• Arranges for annual audits of all accounts by an independent CPA approved by the Board of Trustees.
• Cooperates with auditors by providing required financial documentation.
• Prepares and submits annual FETS to MDE.
• Prepares any other necessary financial and budget reports resulting from the accounting function.
• Complies with and submits all applicable financial requests or surveys required by MDE.
• Arranges for annual insurance policies (buildings, automobiles, EOL, casualty, theft, workers’ compensation) and submits them to the Board for approval.
• Manages the district’s borrowing and investments.
• Recommends purchase and oversees maintenance of accounting supplies, equipment, and software.
• Reports to the Superintendent on accounting affairs and recommends changes and improvements as necessary.
• Assists the Superintendent with various aspects of capital projects.
• Recommends policies and procedures to improve district fiscal operations.
• Provides training meetings on accounting/financial developments.
• Attends and participates in monthly board meetings.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participates in and completes the approved district Staff Development Program.
• Participates in continuing‑education programs to further knowledge and maintain the School District Business Administrator License.
• Performs other tasks and assumes additional responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor.
• Demonstrates a commitment to professional growth.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Maintains appropriate professional appearance.
• Demonstrates regular attendance and punctuality.

Job Specifics

• Office/Room Location: Poplarville School District – Central Office Finance Department
• Scope of Work: Process and maintain district financial records.
• Smartphone: Required for communication with the Superintendent, administrators, and staff.

Compensation

This position is based on a twelve‑month agreement; the total days worked will be reported on a yearly worker agreement. Compensation and work year are established by the Superintendent and approved by the Board of Trustees on an annual