Division: Finance and Operations
Reports To: Superintendent
Classification: 1.0 FTE (Professional/Exempt)
Salary Range: $189,404.80 (Step 1/Year 1) - $213,171.31 (Step 5/Year 5) Summary: This is a key leadership position that is responsible for the finance and operations department at ESD 123, working under the supervision of the ESD 123 Superintendent. This position collaborates with regional school districts, offering guidance and support in budgeting, statistical reporting, and auditing. Additionally, they lead and manage the fiscal department’s staff, all financial matters for ESD 123, and oversee various cooperatives, including workers’ compensation and unemployment. The role also encompasses overseeing the technology department and the organization's facilities.

Essential Functions:

• Provide strategic department leadership in the financial and operations aspects of ESD 123 including the development and monitoring of department and program goals, performance measurement and continuous improvement plans.
• Prepare a wide variety of often complex materials (e.g. budgets, funding requests, reports, analysis, recommendations, policies/procedures, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and issues, compliance requirements, providing audit references, presenting, and/or providing supporting materials for requested actions.
• Serve as a consultant and advisor to local districts giving assistance in budget preparation, statistical reporting, and other areas of school finance, and is responsible for the accuracy of local school district statistics and finances.
• Assists in the oversight of maintenance of the ESD equipment and facilities.
• Facilitate communication between the Superintendent of public instruction and local school districts on matters of finance, financial reporting, and state reports.
• Assemble districts’ financial data and reports on trends; provides technical assistance as requested.
• Analyze, prepare, and review school district cooperative budgets with appropriate executive and advisory committees.
• Reads, interprets, and communicates rules, regulations, and directives to the appropriate school district personnel in an effective, professional manner.
• Assembles districts’ financial data and reports on trends; provides technical assistance as requested.
• Prepares and assists districts in the assembly and preparation of local school district annual financial and personnel reports.
• Facilitates meetings that frequently involve a range of issues (e.g. financial procedures, regulatory requirements, community involvement, actions involving outside agencies, etc.) for the purpose of identifying appropriate actions, developing recommendations, and supporting other staff.
• Assists in the management of district cooperatives.
• Respond to changing needs of regional districts and partnerships to better support students, customers, families etc.
• Perform all supervisory personnel functions for ESD 123 staff (e.g., making recommendations to hire, supervising, screening, interviewing, training, evaluating, providing in-service opportunities/professional development etc.).
• Follow all Board policies and procedures. 
• Maintain confidentiality.

• Oversee hiring process in assigned areas and supervise and evaluate staff as assigned.

• Effective decision making, problem solving, organizational, and time management skills.
• Participate as a member of the Executive Advisory Council.
• Manage assigned programs including budget, iGrants, EGMS, operations (Technology and Facility Departments) and supervision of pertinent staff.
• Participate in AESD meetings and initiative.
• Performs related duties as assigned.*

• BA degree with emphasis in accounting, business administration, public administration, computer science or a combination. Master’s degree in a job-related area preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of job-related experience with proven experience in innovative and creative designing of entrepreneurial business development opportunities (cooperatives, trust, pools).
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, oral and written communication and presentation skills; ability to work independently; excellent organizational skills and commitment to follow through on tasks; ability to learn and apply new skills to accommodate changing work environment; ability to positively motivate, lead, direct and collaborate in a team-oriented environment.
• Experience working with automated accounting systems as well as building and maintaining electronic spreadsheets and systems.
• CPA and/or WASBO certification preferred.
• Successful experience in either regional educational service agency or school district desired.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and appropriate insurance.

WSP/ FBI background clearance required.

• Organizational management, building systems to improve internal and external operations, and aspects of building effective teams.
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and schedules, deal with frequent interruptions, and work as part of a team.
• Excellent organizational skills and commitment to follow through on tasks and to apply new skills to accommodate changing work environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated through the ability to build trusting, collaborative relationships.
• Exceptionally high commitment to task accomplishment and flexibility in working hours and days.
• Effective communication strategies both oral and written.
• Support and implement ESD policies, regulations, procedures and administrative directives.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, school district staff and administrators, OSPI staff, other ESD 123 staff, board members, and the general public.
• Maintains dress and appearance appropriate to a professional office setting.

Position Benefits:

• Access to full benefits (SEBB medical, vision, and dental insurance. WA DRS SERS retirement plan. Medical reimbursement account, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance etc.).
• Access to the agency's wellness and employee assistance program
• 12 days paid sick leave (accrued monthly).
• 15 days paid vacation leaves (accrued monthly). 20 paid vacation days after the first year.
• 13 days paid holidays.

Traits That You Must Possess:

• Proactive self-starter. A strong sense of taking initiative moving forward without waiting to be told what to do and how to do it.
• Flexible and can thrive in a fast-paced environment where you may have to wear several hats.
• Possess confidence while being humble – lack excessive ego or concern about status. Willing to share credit, emphasize team over self and define success collectively rather than individually.
• Hungry – always looking for more. More things to do, learn, and take responsibility for. Constantly thinking about the next step or opportunity.
• Smart – have common sense about people. Good judgment and intuition around the subtleties of group dynamics and the impact of your words and actions. 

Our Staff Culture is exemplified by the following statements:

• “Yes, that is possible. Let me handle it, I’ll figure it out.”
• “I am not sure, but I will find out for you.”
• “I have not done that before, but I can do it.”
• “I take a see-it, own-it, solve-it, do-it approach.”

About our Team and Agency:
Helping students realize their dreams and aspirations is at the heart of everything we do at ESD 123. We accomplish this by embracing our employees as One Team, and operating with loyalty and commitment through compassion, dedication, and collaboration. At ESD 123, we strive to offer the highest quality customer experience by committing to our Culture Playbook, and always looking for ways to say, “Yes, and…” Each member of our ESD team must be humble, hungry, and smart, with a focus on making his or her teammates look good while working toward achieving our mission. 

We want this position to be one that you are or can be passionate about and look forward to embracing. We want you to grow, be challenged, and have fun while doing things that you are skilled at and enjoy. We are looking for someone who is proud to join our ESD One Team! 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
Work is performed primarily in an office environment; however, travel may be required to local school districts and program sites, and for workshops, committee representation and conferences at local, regional, and state level. Sitting for extended periods of time may be required. Lifts and carries a maximum of 35 pounds. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards: Those present in a normal office environment; no known significant hazards.