Finance Budget Director
Job Description
SUMMARY: Responsible for providing strategic leadership for all district budgeting functions (annual, multiyear, operating, capital, grants, etc.). Ensure long-term financial sustainability through scenario planning, revenue diversification, and financial forecasting while compliant with state/federal laws and Colorado funding constraints (e.g., TABOR, mill levy). Champion continuous improvement, data transparency, and stakeholder communication, including public-facing dashboards.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Frequency of duties, percent of time and work year may vary based on department or building assignment. This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will also perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
1. Lead development, monitoring, and reporting of annual and multi-year budgets for all District funds. Provide advanced scenario modeling, forecasting, and sustainability analysis. Collaborate with District leaders to align budgets with strategic and capital plans. Prepare financial recommendations and budget adoption materials (resolutions, mill levy certifications, amendments).
2. Develop budget and provide budget oversight for various programs including programs that are self sustaining through multiple funding sources, such as Early Childhood Education, Child Nutrition, and Employee Self-Insurance, ensuring accurate allocation, compliance, and long-term financial viability.
3. Assume responsibility for the systems and system modules used for budget forecasting and allocation, ensuring functionality, optimization, and alignment with best practices. Use data analytics and visualization tools to identify trends, risks, and optimization options.
4. Prepare and deliver financial presentations to Board, community groups, and oversight agencies. Develop and maintain internal and public-facing dashboards and financial reports to communicate budget status and trend.
5. Partner with Finance department administrators to provide leadership and strategic direction for the entire Finance department, ensuring alignment with district goals and integrated financial planning. Supervise, mentor, and evaluate budget support staff. Oversee training, hiring, performance reviews, and team development. Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the team that delivers training and support to staff handling financial transactions outside of the Finance department. Provide visionary leadership for developing innovative strategies, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvement to ensure excellence in financial practices across the district.
6. Stay current on federal, state, and local funding mechanisms and incorporate legislative changes (TABOR, TABOR reserve). Develop financial guidelines and procedures and ensure compliance with Colorado regulations, GAAP/GASB, and district policies. Lead initiatives to streamline budgeting processes, enhance efficiency, and implement best practices. Ensure audit readiness and maintain strong internal controls across all budgetary and site based financial areas.
7. Monitor and analyze district cash flow to ensure liquidity, optimize investment opportunities, determine short-term borrowing needs, and maintain alignment with budgetary and operational requirements.
8. Provide strategic advice to the Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent, Board of Education, school leaders, department heads, and external stakeholders.
9. Serve as financial liaison to charter schools for budgeting, reporting, year-end close, and audit requirements.
10. Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, or related field
• Master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration preferred
• More than five years of advanced experience in accounting, financial analysis, finance, or relevant budget experience required
• Experience in public or preK-12 education finance environment preferred
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS or CERTIFICATIONS:
• Criminal background check required for hire
• CPA, CGFM, CPFO, SFO preferred
TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:
• In-depth knowledge of governmental accounting (GASB), TABOR, and mill levies
• Expertise in budget forecasting, capital planning, and grants oversight
• Experience building public financial dashboards and data visualization tools
• Proficient in ERP systems, forecasting software, Power BI/Tableau
• Strong leadership, communication, and presentation skills
• Analytical mindset with ability to manage complex financial systems
• Bilingual oral and written communication skills preferred
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job
• Ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions
• Ability to diffuse and manage volatile and stressfulsituations
• Knowledge of financial management and analysis, administrative practices, operating
policies and procedures regarding K-12 funding
• Ability to maintain honesty and integrity in all aspects of the job
• Ability and willingness to adhere to attendance requirements, including regular and punctual employee presence
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education policies, District policies, administrative guidelines and building and department procedures
• Ability to communicate, interact and work effectively and cooperatively with people from diverse ethnicand educational backgrounds
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator
