Director of Finance (NY) New York School for the Deaf

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Finance establishes strategic direction and provides leadership and integrity for the School’s financial and operational systems. This role serves as a key advisor to senior leadership and the Board, ensuring a structurally balanced budget, a fiscally sound multi-year financial outlook, and effective stewardship of resources in support of the School’s educational mission. The Director of Finance oversees finance and business operations, including budgeting, accounting, payroll, purchasing, cash management, risk management, financial planning, analysis, and reporting, and also provides oversight of food services, transportation, facilities-related contracts, and other non-instructional operations.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
Financial Leadership and Budget Management
-Oversees all financial and accounting functions of the School in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and auditing standards.
-Develops, administers, and monitors annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the Superintendent and senior leadership.
-Prepares accurate and timely budget reports, financial statements, projections, and variance analyses for the Superintendent, Board, and external agencies.
-Provides strategic financial guidance, including cost-containment strategies, long-term financial planning, and responsible allocation of resources.
-Monitors expenditures and revenues to ensure adherence to approved budgets and recommends adjustments as needed.

Accounting, Payroll, and Internal Controls
-Directs accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
-Ensures the establishment and maintenance of strong internal controls, audit trails, and backup accounting systems.
-Coordinates and serves as primary liaison for internal and external audits and ensures timely resolution of audit findings.
-Maintains banking relationships and oversees cash management, investments, and financial accounts as authorized.

Purchasing, Contracts, and Compliance
-Oversees purchasing, procurement, and contract administration in accordance with School policies and regulatory requirements.
-Reviews and approves purchase requests, service agreements, and contractual expenditures for budgetary appropriateness.
-Ensures compliance with state education department requirements, grant regulations, and other funding mandates.

Operational Oversight
-Provides administrative oversight of non-instructional operations, which includes transportation, food services, facilities-related contracts, and other business services.
-Collaborates with internal departments to ensure operational efficiency and continuity of services.

Leadership and Supervision
-Supervises and evaluates assigned business office and operational staff.
-Recommends hiring, transfer, promotion, discipline, or termination of staff in collaboration with Human Resources and the Superintendent.
-Establishes clear procedures, workflows, and expectations to support accountability and performance.

Reporting and Board Relations
-Prepares reports and presentations for the Board, Finance Committee, and regulatory agencies as required.
-Responds to Board and administrative inquiries with clear, accurate, and timely financial information.

Technology and Systems
-Utilizes financial management systems, workflow automation, and project management tools to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
-Ensures financial records are maintained in both electronic and print formats in accordance with record retention requirements.

Other Duties
-Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent in support of the School’s mission and operational needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Educational Administration, or a related field.
New York State certification as a School Business Administrator (SBA), School District Business Leader (SDBL), School District Administrator (SDA), or School District Leader (SDL), or eligibility to obtain such certification as determined by the School.
Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in school district finance and business operations.
Knowledge of NYSED 4201 Schools funding structure, preferred
Fluency in American Sign Language and a SCPI level of Intermediate preferred.
Strong knowledge of internal controls, audits, and regulatory compliance.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work flexible hours as the needs of the program dictate