Business Manager @ Learning Services Center

TERMS OF POSITION

• Exempt position
• 260 days/year
• $115,200 - $144,000 annual compensation
• $50 monthly cell phone stipend
• Benefits included

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Business Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the financial stability, fiscal integrity, and regulatory compliance of the district. This position oversees district-wide financial operations including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance with state and federal requirements.

The Business Manager provides financial leadership and technical guidance to finance staff while working collaboratively with district administrators to support sound fiscal decision-making aligned with district priorities. The position ensures consistent accounting practices, strong internal controls, and transparent financial reporting that supports the effective stewardship of public resources.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Financial Oversight & Reporting

• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, including preparation of annual financial statements.
• Conduct state and federal financial reporting and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Prepare required Washington State financial reporting documents, including the F-195 Annual Budget and F-196 Annual Financial Report.
• Monitor and analyze revenue and expenditure reports to ensure fiscal accuracy and transparency.
• Provide regular financial data and analysis to the administrative team and prepare reports as requested.
• Monitor the financial condition of the district and recommend corrective actions when necessary.

Accounting & Compliance

• Serve as the district’s primary contact for financial audits, coordinating audit preparation and responding to auditor requests.
• Prepare and review monthly journal entries to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Prepare and review monthly bank reconciliations in addition to County Treasurer balancing.
• Monitor and review aged receivable reports and support timely collection of outstanding revenues.
• Monitor financial activity across all district funds, including General Fund, Capital Projects Fund, Debt Service Fund, and ASB Fund.
• Prepare and submit Capital Projects reimbursement requests as required.
• Review purchasing procedures to ensure compliance, accuracy, internal control alignment, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure accurate accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and revenue management within legal and budgetary limitations.
• Direct cash management and investment strategies for district funds.
• Develop and maintain the district chart of accounts.
• Ensure financial records are properly maintained to comply with mandated requirements.
• Monitor fund balances to ensure fiscal practices are followed and revenues are maximized.
• Develop and review procedures supporting strong internal controls.
• Maintain trial balances and fund statements for internal and external reporting.
• Oversee review and approval of purchase orders and ensure proper program coding.
  
  

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Prepare and submit monthly grant claims and ensure grant expenditures align with approved budgets and program requirements.
• Monitor expenditures and revenues against budget expectations.
• Balance monthly financial activity to the County Treasurer.
• Prepare required reports and expense claims for state and federal agencies.
• Monitor all grants including revenues, expenditures, accounting codes, and reporting requirements.
• Implement and process budget transfers and adjustments as needed.
• Assist in development of staffing and financial models based on enrollment projections and district needs.

Enrollment & Staffing Analysis

• Confer with building principals and administrators regarding financial operations, coding methods, cost estimating, and interpretation of budget reports.
• Provide orientation and training to administrators, department heads, and district staff regarding fiscal procedures.
• Assist in training district personnel regarding budgeting, financial reporting, and personnel reporting requirements.

Policy & Advisory Responsibilities

• Assist in levy and bond planning by providing financial analysis and supporting data.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support financial transparency.
• Assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of district financial procedures.
• Advise district personnel regarding accounting standards, processes, and compliance requirements.
• Maintain current knowledge of laws, regulations, and procedures governing school finance.
• Maintain liaison with other school districts, Educational Service Districts, OSPI, and external agencies regarding fiscal services.

Oversight of Accounting Operations

The Business Manager provides oversight and technical guidance to finance staff to ensure consistent, accurate, and compliant accounting practices districtwide. Responsibilities include:

• Oversee and guide finance staff in supervising receipting and billing procedures.
• Oversee and support staff maintaining accounts receivable records and monitoring collections.
• Guide staff responsible for billing processes and interfund transfer reconciliations.
• Oversee maintenance of general ledger subsidiary systems.
• Review and guide staff work supporting preparation of financial statements.
• Oversee processes ensuring revenues are balanced to appropriate funds.
• Oversee reconciliation of revenues with the County Treasurer.
• Oversee maintenance of fixed asset accounting records.
• Monitor and guide building-level accounting procedures to ensure consistency across schools.
• Oversee preparation of audit documentation and staff support during audits.
• Provide oversight and guidance to staff assisting with budget preparation.
• Ensure accurate coding of revenues and expenditures.
• Ensure accounting records are properly maintained.
• Oversee staff supporting month-end closing processes.
• Provide guidance and technical support to building secretaries regarding accounting procedures.
• Oversee procedures related to daily deposits to ensure compliance with internal controls.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Assist other personnel as required to support efficient business office operations.
• May supervise finance staff as assigned.
• Foster collaborative working relationships with administrators and district staff to support effective financial operations.

Professional Development

• Participate in ESD 171 training for new business managers during the first year of employment, regardless of previous experience.
• Regularly participate in professional development opportunities offered by ESD 171 and professional finance organizations.

General Expectations

• Follow all applicable board policies and administrative procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial and personnel information.
• Take reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assist in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulations, and board policies.
• Willing to work flexible hours to accommodate cyclical workloads
• Maintain a flexible work schedule as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a leadership position, recognizing that workload demands may vary throughout the fiscal year and may require extended or adjusted hours to meet critical financial deadlines, reporting requirements, and district operational needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.  Significant school district accounting experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Associate degree (AA) in Accounting or Business Administration may be considered when combined with significant progressively responsible school finance experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of successful experience in school district finance, accounting, or budgeting.
• Prior supervisory experience in accounting or finance operations.
• Strong knowledge of Washington State school district financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Experience with budget development, financial forecasting, and enrollment analysis.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in financial management systems (WESPaC, Skyward, or similar software).
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage a schedule to meet all work requirements and deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified School Business Official (CSBO), CPA, or WASBO Certification.
• Experience supervising accounting or finance personnel.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining, financial analysis, and contract management.

The Moses Lake School District #161 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boys Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Title IX, Civil Rights, Affirmative Action, and Equal Opportunity officer, Michelle Musso, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766-2650, mmusso@mlsd161.org; OR Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Samantha Burgess, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766- 2670, sburgess@mlsd161.org

Salary : $115,200 - $144,000