Director of Finance - Palacios Independent School District

Job Title: Director of Finance
Reports to: Superintendent Date

Revised: 12/17/2024
Dept./School: Executive Office/Business Services

Primary Purpose:
Responsible for oversight of all financial and business affairs of the district. Provide leadership for the
district’s financial services activity to ensure legally sound and effective management practices. Direct
and monitor the management and investment of all district funds and ensure they are adequately
protected. Serve as chief financial advisor and budget advisor to the superintendent and board of
trustees.

Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or other related field
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Advanced knowledge of school finance, budgeting, accounting systems, and economics
Knowledge of information/data processing systems and financial applications
Ability to resolve conflict, listen, and appropriately respond to concerns
Demonstrated leadership skills
Ability to use software to develop spreadsheets and perform data analysis
Ability to implement policy and procedures
Ability to manage budget and personnel
Ability to implement policy and procedures
Excellent communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Experience:
5 years of administrative or management experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Financial Management
1. Ensure preparation and integrity of all district general accounting records and related financial reports
using accepted standards for school accounting as prescribed by the Texas Education Agency.
2. Develop long-range and short-term objectives for district’s business operations and prepare district
budget. Monitor budget variances and oversee budget adjustments.
3. Act as financial advisor to the superintendent and board of trustees and keep them informed of the
financial condition of the district.

4. Maintain the district’s investment portfolio. Supervise and coordinate the investment of all available
funds to the best interest of the school district and ensure that these funds are adequately protected
against loss at all times.
5. Ensure that all financial obligations of the school district (accounts payable, notes payable, bonded
indebtedness, and payroll) are met on a timely basis.
6. Implement and maintain internal control procedures to ensure the safeguarding of assets and
reliability of accounting data and to promote operational efficiency and ensure adherence to
prescribed procedures.
7. Complete all bank reconciliations in an accurate and timely manner.
8. Oversee the auditing program for all district funds and work cooperatively with the district’s
independent and internal auditors in conducting periodic audits.
9. Administer the business office budget and ensure that programs are cost-effective and funds are
managed prudently.
10. Work with district personnel to accurately project student enrollments, staffing needs, building and
facilities needs, energy needs, capital equipment needs, and other cost items for district and individual
school improvement.
11. Ensure that business operations support the district’s goals and objectives and provide leadership to
achieve cost-effective practices throughout the district.
12. Maintain accurate and current inventory records of the district’s fixed and movable assets and oversee
the maintenance of a timely replacement cost-asset listing for insurance purposes. Work with other
departments to organize and conduct sales to dispose of surplus and salvage equipment.
13. Oversee the preparation of bids and bid specifications. Receive and analyze bid proposals and prepare
written recommendations.
14. Approve district Requisitions and ensure all purchasing laws are followed.
Policies, Reports, and Law
15. Review and recommend appropriate policies, administrative regulations, and administrative practices
for the areas supervised.
16. Implement the policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and local
Board policy in the areas assigned.
17. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents
required, including preparing and evaluating monthly financial statements and related budget reports,
preparing quarterly and final reports for all federal funds and grants, developing semi-annual financial
information for submission of data to TEA, and preparing and publishing the comprehensive annual
financial report in compliance with Association of School Business Officer (ASBO) standards.

18. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Personnel Management
19. Select, train, evaluate, and supervise department staff and make recommendations relative to
assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
20. Develop training options and improvement plans for department staff to enhance the effectiveness of
department operations.
Other
21. Attend board meetings and make presentations when appropriate and/or requested.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise, evaluate, and recommend the hiring and firing of the business office staff, including but
not limited to the bookkeeper, accounts payable clerk, and payroll supervisor.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding, and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional districtwide and statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress