"Alerted.org

Anticipated

ASSISTANT BUSINESS OFFICIAL

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Assistant Business Official serves as a key member of the district's administrative leadership team, combining technical expertise in school finance with exceptional interpersonal skills to create a collaborative, supportive, and welcoming environment. This position requires a dedicated professional who leads by example, builds strong relationships across all levels of the organization, and fosters a culture of respect, teamwork, continuous improvement, and service.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

The ideal candidate will be a true professional who:

+ Builds and Maintains Relationships: Establishes trust and rapport with staff, administrators, board members, and community stakeholders through consistent communication, integrity, and follow-through.

+ Leads with Purpose: Brings business office staff together as a cohesive team, creating an environment where collaboration, mutual respect, and shared goals drive success.

+ Motivates and Inspires: Recognizes staff contributions, provides meaningful feedback, and empowers team members to develop their skills and take ownership of their work.

+ Creates a Positive Culture: Fosters a productive and welcoming workplace where all staff members feel valued, supported, and encouraged to contribute their best work.

+ Collaborates District-Wide: Works proactively with all departments to provide financial guidance, support operations, and educate stakeholders on budget processes, compliance requirements, and financial best practices.

+ Serves as a Resource: Acts as an accessible, knowledgeable resource for directors, administrators, and staff throughout the district, approaching all inquiries with patience and a solution-oriented mindset.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Staff Leadership & Development

+ Lead, manage, and mentor all business office staff across accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, and budgeting functions.

+ Participate in hiring and training new team members, ensuring they are welcomed, properly onboarded, and set up for success.

+ Conduct regular team meetings to promote open communication, address challenges, and celebrate achievements.

+ Provide ongoing professional development opportunities and support career growth within the department.

+ Model professionalism, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving in all interactions.

Budget Management & Financial Planning

+ Prepare and propose budget transfers to the Board of Education (BOE).

+ Project fund balances, salary costs, and employee benefits for budget planning.

+ Establish voter-approved budgets and set up new budgets for upcoming fiscal years.

+ Close and open fiscal years in the financial system.

+ Track and explain differences between budgeted vs. actual expenditures and revenue.

+ Calculate property tax caps, estimated and actual tax rates, and contingent budgets.

+ Provide clear, accessible budget education and guidance to administrators and department heads.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

+ Generate final expenditure reports for capital projects and grants.

+ Produce financial reports for directors, administrators, and stakeholders in formats that are clear and actionable.

+ Regularly review financial statements, including trial balances, revenue status, and appropriation reports.

+ Run and investigate system audits and negative balance reports.

+ Maintain encumbrance systems and reconcile payroll postings and tax accounts.

+ Oversee recording and accuracy of fixed assets.

+ Translate complex financial data into understandable information for non-financial staff.

Capital Projects Oversight

+ Collaborate with Operations & Maintenance (O&M) and construction managers on capital project status and budget transfers.

+ Track change orders and certificates of completion for capital projects.

+ Serve as a liaison between business operations and facilities teams to ensure seamless communication and project success.

Compliance & Documentation

+ Supervise filing of required administrative salary cap forms.

+ Assist with 1099 preparation and budget presentations.

+ Approve hourly time for business office staff using the timekeeping system.

+ Ensure all financial operations meet state and federal compliance requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement & District Collaboration

+ Attend Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meetings, contributing insights and building community relationships.

+ Attend negotiation sessions and assess the financial impact of proposals.

+ Provide training and support to departments on purchasing procedures, budget monitoring, and financial systems.

+ Respond to inquiries from all departments with professionalism, courtesy, and a commitment to finding solutions.

+ Build partnerships across the district to improve processes and enhance service delivery.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

+ New York State Certification: School District Business Leader (SDBL) or School District Administrator (SDA).

+ Strong technical knowledge of school finance, accounting principles, and New York State Education Department requirements.

+ Proven leadership experience with demonstrated ability to supervise, motivate, and develop staff.

+ Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

+ Commitment to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and positive work environment.

Preferred:

+ Experience working in a New York State school district business office.

+ Track record of building effective working relationships across diverse teams.

+ Experience providing training and professional development to staff.

+ Strong presentation skills and ability to explain financial concepts to varied audiences.

CORE COMPETENCIES

+ Relationship Building: Creates authentic connections built on trust, respect, and open communication.

+ Team Leadership: Inspires and unites staff toward common goals while supporting individual growth.

+ Collaboration: Works effectively across departments and seeks input from diverse perspectives.

+ Service Orientation: Approaches all interactions with a helpful, can-do attitude.

+ Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates self-awareness, empathy, and skilled interpersonal navigation.

+ Adaptability: Remains flexible and positive in the face of changing priorities and challenges.

+ Integrity: Conducts all business with honesty, transparency, and ethical practice.

+ Technical Excellence: Maintains high standards for accuracy, compliance, and financial stewardship.

The Assistant Business Official plays a vital role in ensuring the district's financial health while simultaneously building a culture of excellence, collaboration, and mutual support that extends throughout the entire organization.

Salary: Compensation based on individual agreement with the Board of Education

Effective Immediately.

An equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workforce.

Application Deadline:10/31/2025

Job Number: 2526 LCSD 93