Description

Applications will only be accepted through WECAN at https://wecan.waspa.org/Vacancy/255223.

Your leadership can make a difference here.

The School District of Cudahy is a diverse PK–12 district located just south of Milwaukee on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Serving approximately 2,200 students and supported by nearly 400 staff members, we are united by the belief that every student can achieve at high levels when surrounded by a strong, supportive team.

We are seeking a leader who is dynamic, collaborative, and willing to speak up when it matters most. Our district is engaged in important, sometimes heavy work — and we need someone who embraces challenge, values teamwork, and understands that progress requires both grit and positivity. We work hard, we hold high standards, and we celebrate the impact we make together.

If you are ready to lead with heart, courage, and commitment, we would love to meet you.

PURPOSE: The Director of Business Services has the responsibility with commensurate authorities to carry out the efficient and economic management of the business affairs of the school system through the coordination of ideas, personnel, materials, resources, equipment and methods to best accomplish the most desirable educational results. He/she must exercise leadership in a wide variety of tasks in conducting the business affairs of the school system. Direct management of Business Office personnel and Food Service operations. 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Reports to the Superintendent
• Duration: 260 days
• Evaluation: Performance will be reviewed annually prior to June 30th

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Financial Management: Plan, organize, control and direct District-wide Business Services and Operations activities including accounting, budget, information technology, nutrition service, purchasing, risk management, custodial, transportation, facility planning, maintenance and repair functions; establish and maintain related timelines and priorities; assure related activities comply with established standards, requirements, internal controls, laws, codes, regulations, ordinances, policies and procedures.  Specific responsibilities include:

• Budget and Financial Planning, including preparation of the annual school district budget under the direction and supervision of the Superintendent, and in cooperation with the Administrative team.
• Recommend periodic budget amendments to the Superintendent and School Board.
• Utilize the Wisconsin Uniform Financial Accounting Requirements (WUFAR) as the financial accounting system for the District as required by the Department of Public Instruction, in order to provide the Board of Education and Administration with accurate financial information as the basis for formulating policies and decisions.
• Calculate current state funding formulas to include revenue limit and equalization aid.
• Determine tax levy in accordance with state statutes.
• Maintain an effective system of internal controls and provide for the proper safeguards for the custody of public funds.
• Monitor and maintain banking services.
• Debt Management, including both short-term (cash flow needs) and long-term operating and capital financing, including lease/purchase, and the associated debt service and continuing disclosure requirements.
• Ensure that the financial records are audited at the end of each fiscal year by a Certified Public Accounting firm in compliance with the requirements for the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
• Process financial transactions on a timely basis, including the recognition of revenues and expenditures, and the payment of all claims submitted for approval before the Board of Education.
• Supervise the preparation of the payroll for all school employees.
• Ensure that all state and federal reports are filed accurately and on time.
• Oversee the accounting records of the district’s various funds, and the related subsystems (cash receipts, cash disbursements) following proper accounting procedures and practices as required by the State Department of Public Instruction.
• Properly record all revenues received and all disbursements made and prepare periodic financial reports for the Board of Education and all stakeholders.
• Monitor federal and state grants, including filing claims, time and effort monitoring, maintenance of effort (MOE) and indirect costs.
• Collect annual school district census as required by state statute for reporting to DPI.
• Conduct actuarial study for post-retirement benefits.
• Coordinate filing of necessary E-rate forms.

Negotiations Support

• Serve as the financial resource and advisor to all negotiation teams.
• Properly interpret and administer all contracts as negotiated.
• Stay abreast of negotiations trends.

Property Management

• Supervise procedures for approval of the purchase and distribution of supplies and equipment as requisitioned by proper school personnel within the confines of the current budget.
• Maintain a detailed record of all equipment by school, including an updated appraisal record of all school properties and equipment.
• Ensure that all property under the jurisdiction and control of the Board of Education is properly insured against loss or damage, keeping an accurate record of all policies in force.
• Make recommendations regarding insurance coverage to be provided.
• Assist in the planning of facility referenda, new buildings or additions, and purchasing of necessary equipment.
• Oversee the sale and disposal of buildings and equipment in accordance with Board Policy.

Auxiliary Services

• Oversee the operation of the food service program, including supervision of the Food Service Director.
• Oversee the District’s transportation program.
• Oversee the District’s financial administration software system in conjunction with the Director of Instructional Technology.  
• In conjunction with the Facility Manager, oversee the operations of the Buildings and Grounds Department.
• Periodically conduct an enrollment projection to assist with long term planning of facilities and programs.

Personnel Management

• In conjunction with the Director of Human Resources, resolve individual and group issues related to hours, working conditions, insurance, payroll, pensions and other personnel matters.
• Establish and maintain an accurate time and compensation record including the recording of leave for all employees of the Board.
• Select and maintain approved vendors for 403(b), 457 and other similar plans.
• Select and maintain approved vendors for Section 125 plans.
• Assist in the development, design, implementation, and communications of benefit plans (health, dental, vision, life, STD, LTD, etc.).
• Assist with the recruitment, recommendation, and assignment of personnel.
• Assist in the development, design, implementation, and communication of compensation plans.
• Supervise all personnel employed in the Business Office.
• Schedule and coordinate all work activities performed by the Business Office.
• Assist in the hiring and assignment of secretaries, maintenance workers, custodians and cleaners.

Community Reporting

• Provide relevant information to the Superintendent and Board regarding issues being communicated to the community through established District methods.
• Interpret and provide information to the community at large, the educational staff, and all stakeholders regarding the operations of the District.
• Provide accurate, timely, useful information on financial matters of the District.
• Follow up with parent and citizen inquiries of the District.

Policy Management

• Review relevant board and administrative policies and recommend changes.
• Assist with the District’s strategic plan development and implementation.
• Oversee the implementation of finance and auxiliary service-related policies.

General Administration

• Serve as secretary to the Board of Education for closed executive sessions and as needed.
• Prepare and present reports to the Board in accordance with the District’s Plan of Work.
• Attends all Board meetings and Committee of the Whole meetings.
• In the absence of the superintendent, assumes responsibility for general administration of District activities, including facility emergencies, the closing of schools, etc.
• Assumes other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Sound judgment in handling confidential and sensitive information
• Understand and adhere to all District policies and procedures
• Demonstrate a positive attitude to foster a welcoming atmosphere
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment with many interruptions
• Strong independent problem-solving and assessment abilities
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Must be able to effectively interact with others in person, by phone or in written communication.
• Models high standards of integrity and personal performance
• Ability to use web-based programs (Skyward:SIS, GoIDEA, Google Workspace), e-mail, and technology (laptop, Smartboard, etc.) effectively

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, crawl, bend, and remain in a stationary position for extended periods, with or without back support.
• Frequently required to perform physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, or moving items up to 25 pounds, with occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to maintain focus, concentration, and attention to detail across a variety of tasks.
• Must follow all safety practices and protocols at all times.
• May require use of standard tools and equipment during inspections or maintenance walkthroughs.
• Must be able to operate computers, printers, copiers, phones, and other standard office equipment.
• Vocal communication is required to express ideas and provide detailed or important instructions clearly and effectively.
• Hearing is required to understand normal spoken conversations, respond to inquiries, and distinguish between various sounds.
• Must be able to communicate effectively—both verbally and in writing—with staff, administration, parents, and other members of the educational community.
• Must be able to remain composed and exercise emotional control under stressful or emergency conditions.
• Proficiency in using web-based programs (Skyward, Google Workspace), email, and educational or operational technology (e.g., laptops, Smartboards).

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work will take place primarily in indoor school or office environments, with regular exposure to student noise, music, food odors, cleaning chemicals, and occasional facility-related noise.
• Duties may also require work in outdoor environments such as schoolyards, building grounds, or field trip locations, with exposure to varying weather conditions (hot, warm, cool, cold) and seasonal elements like mowed grass and snow removal.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support special events, emergency responses, or seasonal maintenance needs.
• Regular and consistent work attendance is expected.
• Travel between district buildings may be required; employees must use their own vehicle and will be reimbursed mileage per district policy.
• The employee shall remain free from the use of alcohol or illegal substances in the workplace, in compliance with Policy 3122.01, throughout their employment with the District.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The School District of Cudahy 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.

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this job description restricts the Supervisor’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The description reflects Supervisor’s assignment of essential functions and does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  This job description is subject to change at any time.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Master’s degree in School Finance, Educational Administration, Business Administration, or related field preferred
  Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience managing financial and business services in the public K-12 setting; 5 years of experience preferred.  
• Licensure: Wisconsin DPI School Business Administrator License Certification #5008 preferred, or willingness to obtain it. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred.
• Knowledge / Skills / Abilities: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work successfully and communicate positively with Administration, staff, and the public