What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Finance position at Barrington Public Schools?
Director of Finance
Reports To: Superintendent of Schools
Supervises: Business Office Personnel
Position Purpose
The Director of Finance serves as a senior administrative leader and reports directly to the Superintendent. The position is responsible for ensuring the fiscal integrity, operational efficiency, and strategic allocation of resources across Barrington Public Schools.
The Director oversees all business and financial operations, including budgeting, payroll, procurement and grants. This role ensures that district resources are used effectively and efficiently to support educational excellence, compliance, and long-term financial sustainability.
Qualifications
Advanced degree in Business Management, Accounting, or Education.
Strong preference: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in high-level administration; education experience preferred.
Demonstrated ability in fiscal management, financial forecasting, and reporting.
Thorough knowledge of GAAP, GASB, and school district budgeting practices.
Proven proficiency in electronic data processing and management information systems.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
Eligible for or holder of a Business Official Certification as required by RIDE.
Other combinations of training and experience may be considered appropriate by the School Committee.
Scope of Responsibility:
The Director of Finance provides executive oversight of the district’s financial, operational, and administrative systems. This includes strategic leadership in the areas of budgeting, procurement, and benefits administration. The Director ensures full compliance with state, federal, and local laws and represents the Superintendent in all financial and operational matters as needed.
Core Responsibilities:
Financial Leadership
Develop and monitor the district’s accounting, payroll, and budgeting systems.
Coordinate preparation and lead in planning the annual operating and capital budgets.
Provide multiyear projections of revenues and expenditures, monthly and year-end financial statements to the Superintendent and School Committee.
Maintain strong internal audit controls and ensure GAAP/GASB compliance.
Supervise collection, safekeeping, and disbursement of all district funds.
Oversee UCOA, Medicaid Reimbursement, and other state and federal financial reporting.
Attend monthly school committee meetings.
Strategic Resource Management
Serve as the Superintendent’s designee for fiscal matters.
Conduct fiscal analyses for labor contract negotiations and prepare financial impact statements.
Lead long-range financial and capital improvement planning.
Administer district-wide insurance, risk management, and asset protection programs.
Oversee all procurement and bid processes in compliance with district policies.
Leadership and Operational Management
Supervise and evaluate Business Office support staff and assist with training.
Strong leadership background required in order to provide leadership and guidance to the business office staff.
Advise and support the administrative assistant in efforts to coordinate the school lunch program through the contracted Food Service Company.
Direct data processing systems that support fiscal and operational decision-making.
Governance, Compliance, and Reporting
Prepare all required financial and statistical reports for state, federal, and local agencies.
Oversee records retention and ensure compliance with all regulatory mandates.
Represent the Superintendent on district and community committees, councils, and commissions as needed.
Ensure all operations and financial procedures comply with School Committee policy and professional standards.
Performance Standards
Demonstrates ethical and transparent fiscal leadership.
Maintains open and effective communication with administrators, staff, and all community partners.
Provides timely, accurate financial data for informed decision-making.
Upholds professional and legal standards for all financial and operational functions.
Models professionalism, accountability, and strategic problem-solving aligned with the mission of Barrington Public Schools.
Core Competencies
Data Oriented: Consistently achieves results by approaching work informed by data.
Directs Work: Provides direction, delegates, and removes obstacles to get work done.
Manages Complexity: Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
Values Differences: Recognizes the value of different perspectives, commits to being self-aware and respectful, and seeks to learn from new and different voices.
Terms of Employment
Twelve-month position, attend evening meetings as necessary.
Salary and benefits established by the School Committee
Evaluation
Performance will be evaluated annually by the Superintendent of Schools in accordance with School Committee policy and administrative evaluation procedures.