Assistant School Business Manager

Reports To

Executive Director and Director of Finance and Operations

Location

Collaborative Administrative Office with travel to SEEM Collaborative program sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Public Administration, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in school finance, municipal finance, or educational administration.
• Experience working in a public school district or educational collaborative environment preferred.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts public finance, school budgeting, and procurement regulations.
• Proficiency with financial software systems (e.g., QuickBooks or municipal accounting systems) and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• DESE School Business Administrator License preferred or ability to obtain within 3 years of start date.
• Purchasing certification or training in public procurement (M.G.L. c.30B) preferred.

Job Purpose and Overview

The Assistant School Business Manager supports the effective management of the collaborative’s financial, operational, and administrative functions in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) regulations governing educational collaboratives (603 CMR 50.00) and applicable state and federal laws.

Working under the supervision of the Director of Finance and Operations, the Assistant School Business Manager assists in overseeing financial operations, procurement, human resources administration, facilities management, and compliance activities. The position helps ensure that the collaborative maintains sound fiscal management, strong internal controls, and compliance with Massachusetts public finance regulations, audit requirements, and procurement laws.

The role requires strong financial and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with administrators, program leaders, and member districts to support efficient and transparent operations.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Assist in the preparation, monitoring, and reporting of the collaborative’s annual operating budget in collaboration with the Director of Finance and Operations.
• Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and DESE collaborative financial reporting requirements.
• Process invoices, purchase orders, payroll documentation, and other financial transactions in accordance with established internal controls.
• Assist with the preparation of financial reports for the Collaborative Board of Directors, Executive Director, and member districts.
• Support compliance with DESE financial reporting requirements, including annual financial statements and required submissions.
• Complete journal entries, budget transfers, and account reconciliations in accordance with audit standards.
• Assist with the collaborative’s annual independent financial audit and any reviews conducted by DESE or other state agencies.
• Support development of long-term financial projections, tuition rate calculations, and program cost analyses.

Human Resources Administration

• Assist with personnel administration including recruitment processes, employment documentation, and personnel record maintenance in accordance with applicable employment laws.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee records and sensitive personnel information.
• Support payroll administration, benefits coordination, and staff attendance tracking.

Facilities, Risk Management, and Safety

• Support the Director of Finance and Operations in coordinating facilities maintenance, repairs, and vendor contracts across collaborative sites.
• Assist in ensuring that collaborative facilities meet health, safety, and regulatory requirements, including required inspections and documentation.
• Maintain records related to risk management, insurance, and safety compliance.
• Coordinate with vendors and service providers to ensure safe and effective operation of collaborative facilities.

Administration and Operations

• Support the daily operations of the collaborative’s business office.
• Supervise administrative staff as assigned by the Director of Finance and Operations.
• Assist with management of collaborative assets, inventory systems, and insurance documentation.
• Prepare operational and financial reports to support leadership decision-making.
• Support implementation of efficient administrative systems, financial software, and digital tools.

Procurement and Contract Management

• Assist with procurement of goods and services in accordance with Massachusetts public procurement law (M.G.L. c.30B) and collaborative purchasing policies.
• Maintain documentation for bids, quotes, contracts, and vendor agreements.
• Support contract monitoring and ensure vendor services meet established standards.
• Promote responsible stewardship of public funds and cost-effective purchasing practices.

Governance and Strategic Support

• Provide financial and operational information to support Collaborative Board and leadership team decision-making.
• Participate in meetings with leadership staff and governing board committees as needed.
• Contribute to initiatives that improve operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and service delivery.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Director of Finance and Operations.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of SAFIS fingerprinting and a CORI background screening.

Equal Opportunity Employer SEEM Collaborative is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.