What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Director Fiscal Administration and Contracts position at Wake County Public School System?
Overview
POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)
SENIOR DIRECTOR
WORKING TITLE
Senior Director-Fiscal Administration and Contracts
SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT
Finance
LOCATION
Crossroads I, Cary, NC
PAY GRADE
Senior Director-Band 1
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
No
WORK WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a Hybrid Telework workweek
POSITION PURPOSE:
Serves as an advisor and key member of the financial management team. Provides financial oversight of budget and financial transactions and provides counsel and assistance to division/department leadership in planning, developing, and implementing financial activities for Central Services departments. Responsible for fiscal accountability in compliance with state and federal statutes and guidelines. Provides leadership and supervision for fiscal director and senior administrators operating in major Central Services departments including academics and student supports and facilities and operations. Performs complex analysis and prepares specific reports for management.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)
Extensive knowledge of personal computers and related software, including Microsoft Office Suite and Oracle or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems; Google Apps;
Comprehensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and governmental accounting principles;
Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local budgeting and finance requirements;
Considerable knowledge of human resource position allotments and payroll procedures;
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
Strong research and analysis skills;
Extensive contract and purchasing knowledge and skills;
Ability to develop short and long-term initiatives;
Ability to complete complex tasks and minimize errors with attention to detail;
Ability to work independently and complete tasks in the absence of clear direction;
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, administrators, teachers, support staff, vendors, and federal and state contacts.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field; AND
Five years of related experience; AND
Evidence of successful administrative/leadership experience.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master’s degree in accounting or related field;
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and/or Certified School Business Director;
Experience with Oracle ERP;
Experience in Finance in a public school district.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides executive leadership and day‑to‑day oversight of the Academics and Student Supports fiscal team and the Director of Facilities and Operations finance functions, ensuring alignment with district priorities, financial accountability, and operational excellence.
Ensures compliance and consistency of fiscal operations across central services divisions by directing training, guidance, and support aligned with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, board policies, and district procedures.
Collaborates with the Finance Officer and Board Attorneys to develop, implement, and maintain standardized district wide procedures for contract negotiation, review, approval, and execution.
Designs and delivers contract management training for Central Services departments and schools to promote compliance, transparency, and effective stewardship of public funds.
Advises and partners with department leaders in the development and implementation of short‑term and long‑range budget strategies, ensuring optimal use of financial resources during annual and multi‑year budget planning.
Reviews and validates budget business cases and projected state, local, and grant revenues to ensure accuracy, sustainability, and alignment with district financial assumptions.
Analyzes financial operations and performance across Central Services and instructional departments, providing strategic recommendations to improve budgeting practices, internal controls, and resource utilization.
Prepares and presents periodic financial and budgetary reports, including narrative analysis, for internal leadership use, districtwide distribution, and external stakeholders as required.
Maintains expert knowledge of evolving legislation, regulations, and accounting standards, including state and federal funding requirements, to ensure fiscal practices remain compliant and forward‑looking.
Serves as the district’s primary financial liaison for state and federal agencies during programmatic and financial audits, coordinating responses and ensuring timely resolution of findings.
Oversees the effectiveness of internal controls governing financial transactions within Central Services, ensuring integrity, accountability, and risk mitigation.
Identifies and recommends financial systems, tools, and process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and transparency across the district’s financial operations.
Provides fiscal oversight of capital improvement funds supporting Instructional Services, ensuring expenditures align with approved plans, bond requirements, and long‑term facility strategies.
Performs other related duties, as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force. The work frequently requires driving automotive equipment.
EFFECTIVE DATE: 6/2026
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.