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Opportunity to serve as Director of Finance and Operations for one of MA’s oldest and largest Special Education Collaboratives. Collaboratives are a unique part of the public special education system. In this position you will work with the Executive Director to manage a 25-million-dollar budget, and support highly specialized programs serving over 400 students with special needs each year. The ideal candidate will have experience and licensure as a School Business Administrator and/or similar experience managing tuition-based budgets.Candidates with municipal finance experience also highly preferred.
They will be committed to the mission of providing high quality special education in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, and will have strong accounting and business administration skills, as well as the ability to work as part of a dynamic and diverse leadership team.Position Description: The Director of Finance and Operations is responsible for all financial and operational functions of NEC. This includes leadership and oversight in the areas of: budget development and management, financial forecasting; accounting; purchasing, procurement, and contracting; facilities maintenance and capital planning; real estate acquisition and lease management; payroll and employee benefits.The Director will work closely with the Executive Director to manage all functions related to finance, budget, facilities and capital planning, technology, procurement, food services, transportation, and human resources. Specific Responsibilities: Overall Leadership: ?Act as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and Board, and contribute to the decision-making process for the Collaborative Leadership Team.?Establish and maintain strong working relationships with Treasurer, Board Members, Leadership Team, Bank, Auditors, contractors, insurance brokers, and vendors.Finance, Accounting, and Budget: ?Work with Executive Director and Board to develop and maintain appropriate financial policies and procedures. ?Provide accurate and timely reports to the Executive Director, Board, and state and federal agencies as required.?Oversee the daily financial operations of the Collaborative to include providing leadership and expertise to ensure that the system of internal financial controls effectively and efficiently safeguards the assets of the Collaborative; report to the Executive Director any findings of inadequate controls.?Direct financial accounting, management and reporting in accordance with Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) requirements, banking requirements, and payroll tax/benefit filing, and all other relevant funding and regulatory requirements.?Develop, in conjunction with the Executive Director and Program Leaders, the annual operating budget for the Collaborative and participate in presenting the budget to the Board of Directors.?Lead long-term budget planning.?Manage/oversee the accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll functions.?Facilitate and manage all external and internal audits, ensuring that all audit issues are resolved, compliance issues are met, and the preparation of annual financial statements are in accordance with GAAP and federal, and state regulators.
?Collaborate with Director of Development, Grants Manager, and Program Leaders on the writing, submission, implementation, reporting and evaluation of grants and special projects. Manage the associated separate corporations financial reporting.?Monitor all expenditures and report account status to all administrators on a monthly basis. ?Manage and analyze cash flow and investments, in conjunction with NECs Treasurer.?Manage all general obligations of the agency, including leases, mortgages, mortgage covenants, and other leveraged agreements as the Board of Directors may enter into from time to time.?Manage all contracts entered into with DESE, DPH or other state agencies.?Ensure all revenue is billed, documented and collected accurately and in a timely manner.Purchasing and Procurement: ?Develop and oversee systems and processes to ensure that purchasing and procurement practices are efficient, compliant, and effective, within an internal control framework.?Administer the process of procurement and act as the Chief Procurement Officer for the Collaborative, ensuring compliance with Massachusetts Purchasing and Procurement laws and regulations. oDevelop, distribute and award all bids and RFPs related to Collaborative service acquisition, supply purchases and construction projects.oReview and make recommendations on all contracts entered into by the Collaborative.?Supervise the processing of all payroll and accounts payable expenditures, and ensure compliance with warrant process.
Payroll and HR: ?Work with HR Coordinator in annual benefit renewal.?Oversee payroll functions.?File necessary tax returns and associated reporting ?Participate in Collective Bargaining process.Facilities and Capital: ?Manage and supervise Director of Facilities to ensure that all properties are maintained effectively and efficiently, and that issues are handled effectively and promptly.?Develop, maintain and manage NECs capital plan, including the development and management of a funding plan for ongoing and projected capital needs, with input from all administrators.?Oversee building renovation/construction projects and lease arrangements.?Lead periodic annual facilities’ conditions assessment and annual budgeting process with the Facilities Manager.?Manage the annual renewal of property and casualty insurances, ensuring that the agency has adequate liability coverage.?Supervise and monitor the school lunch program, including supervision of the Food Service Coordinator, in cooperation with the school program leaders, ensuring compliance with all regulations and contracting requirements. Additional: ?Attend all Board of Directors meetings and sub-committee meetings.?Participate in MASBO events and other professional development opportunities.?Performance of other job-related duties as assigned by the Executive Director?Maintain thorough and up to date knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations & NEC policies and procedures relating to finance, budgeting, facilities and human resources?Perform other related duties as the Executive Director may assign.Qualifications: Required Experience and Training: ?Licensed, or qualified to be licensed, as a MA School Business Administrator ?Certified, or potential to be certified, as a Massachusetts Certified Purchasing Official (MCPPO) ?Masters degree in business administration, accounting, school administration and/or an appropriate academic discipline; ?A minimum of five years professional experience in the field of financial management, preferably in a public school, educational collaborative, or private day school setting, with deep working knowledge of accounting, business practices, budget development and operations; Experience as a School Business Manager, Finance Director, or similar position preferred.Required knowledge and skills: ?Expert level proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to perform robust financial analyseswhat technology skills are required/preferred; familiarity with computerized payroll, accounts payable, account receivable, and general ledger systems ?Effective management, interpersonal and leadership skills; experience facilitating communication between divergent groups and in group decision-making. ?Strong organizational, analytical and communication skills to support data management, forecasting, and overall decision making, including the effective utilization of technology and information management tools.?Commitment to strategies that enhance diversity, inclusion and equity among staff and program participants.Additional Preferred knowledge and skills: ?Experience with assisting in labor relations and negotiations preferred?Experience managing construction, renovation and other capital projects and planning, in a regulated setting?Experience with Infinite Visions (School ERP)Terms of Employment: ?12-month position (260 days, with 25 vacation days per year)?Salary to be negotiated based on experience; Range from 125,000-140,000
