Director of Business Services

The posting

The successful candidate is expected to begin in January or February 2027, allowing for a dedicated transition period with the current Director of Business Services. During this time, the incoming Director will work alongside the current Director to gain a strong understanding of the Agency's financial operations, systems, processes, and responsibilities.

The incoming Director will assume full responsibility for the position beginning April 1, 2027.

Job Summary

Provides strategic leadership and direction for the Agency's financial and business operations. Leads the planning, development, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of fiscal operations, including budgeting, financial planning and forecasting, accounting, payroll, purchasing, grants and contracts, internal controls, risk management, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. Serves as a strategic financial advisor to the Chief Administrator, Board of Directors, and Agency leadership and provides leadership, supervision, and development for Business Services staff.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field.
2. Minimum of five years of successful experience in accounting, school finance, business administration, or a related field.
3. Iowa School Business Official authorization or ability to obtain and maintain appropriate authorization.
4. Experience with Iowa school or public-sector finance preferred.
5. Demonstrated experience leading financial operations, managing complex budgets, and supervising staff.

Essential Functions

1. Financial Leadership and Strategy: Provide leadership and overall coordination of the Agency's financial and business operations. Advise the Chief Administrator, Board, and Agency leadership regarding financial condition, trends, risks, opportunities, and long-range financial planning.
2. Budgeting and Financial Management: Lead development, administration, monitoring, forecasting, and amendment of the Agency budget. Provide financial analysis and information to support informed decision-making and effective allocation of Agency resources.
3. Accounting and Financial Reporting: Ensure accurate and timely accounting, financial reporting, cash management, and financial records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), applicable Iowa requirements, and state and federal regulations.
4. Internal Controls and Compliance: Develop, implement, and monitor appropriate financial policies, procedures, systems, and internal controls to safeguard Agency assets, promote fiscal accountability, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, Board policies, and funding requirements.
5. Audit, Grants, and Contracts: Coordinate financial aspects of Agency audits and maintain appropriate records and documentation. Provide fiscal oversight of Agency grants, projects, contracts, leases, and agreements and ensure required state and federal financial reports are completed accurately and timely.
6. Business Operations: Provide leadership and oversight for Business Services functions, including accounting, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, purchasing, cash management, and other assigned business operations. Ensure accurate and timely reporting and billing to public, nonpublic and charter school districts.
7. Risk Management: Lead the Agency's risk management and insurance programs, evaluate coverage and financial exposure, and represent or coordinate the Agency's response when claims are filed.
8. Board Responsibilities: Serve as Treasurer of the Agency Board of Directors. Prepare and present financial information and reports to the Board and support the Chief Administrator in communicating the Agency's financial position and outlook.
9. Staff Leadership: Supervise, develop, evaluate, and provide ongoing coaching and support to assigned staff. Establish clear expectations, priorities, and systems that promote effective, efficient, and responsive Business Services operations.
10. Agency Leadership and Collaboration: Collaborate with the Chief Administrator, Director of Human Resources, and other Agency leaders to align financial and operational decisions with Agency priorities. Participate in Agency leadership activities and serve on the Agency's collective bargaining team as assigned.
11. External Partnerships: Serve as a liaison with the Iowa Department of Education, other AEAs, local school districts, auditors, financial institutions, insurers, and other external partners. Serve as a resource to local school districts regarding school finance and business operations.
12. Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities to improve financial systems, technology, processes, internal controls, and operational efficiency. Maintain professional knowledge of emerging financial, regulatory, and school-business practices.
13. Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Administrator.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Extensive knowledge of accounting, financial management, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, business operations, and applicable state and federal requirements.
2. Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
3. Ability to analyze complex financial information and communicate it clearly to the Board, administrators, staff, and other stakeholders.
4. Ability to develop short- and long-range financial plans and provide sound financial recommendations.
5. Ability to effectively supervise, coach, evaluate, and develop staff.
6. Ability to establish collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
7. Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate high ethical and professional standards.
8. Knowledge and effective use of financial information systems and technology.

Working Conditions

1. Ability to travel between Agency and school district locations as needed.
2. Normal, routine levels of sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, carrying, and other activities associated with an administrative office position.

Grant Wood Area Education Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws.