Director of Finance

Director of Finance

Topeka Public Schools USD 501 Burnett Administrative Center - Topeka, Kansas Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Topeka Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID:

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Mar 16, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Position Type: Administrator

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with education and experience

Position Summary

The Director of Finance serves as the district’s primary budget contact and leads the annual budget process. This position also oversees the district’s accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting as well as payroll. The Director of Finance monitors revenues and expenditures, prepares financial analyses and reports, supports long‑range financial planning, and ensures accurate, timely, and compliant fiscal operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary district contact for budget preparation, budget monitoring, and related financial analysis.
• Work with district and department leaders to gather budget information, review requests, and develop recommendations.
• Track revenues and expenditures during the fiscal year and identify trends, concerns, and needed adjustments.
• Prepare budget updates, projections, and other financial reports.
• Support long‑range financial planning by developing forecasts.
• Supervise accounting operations, including general ledger accounting, grant and gift accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Direct year‑end closing activities to ensure timely and accurate reporting.
• Develop and maintain expertise in the district’s ERP system for all assigned functional areas and provide troubleshooting, guidance, and operational support to staff.
• Review financial reports and records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
• Coordinate the annual audit process, including assigning audit‑related tasks to staff, overseeing the preparation of schedules and supporting documentation, and serving as the primary point of contact for auditors.
• Maintain sound internal controls and recommend procedural improvements to strengthen efficiency and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with board policy, administrative procedures, accounting standards, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise, support, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Provide guidance to administrators and staff on budget and finance matters.
• Participate in meetings, presentations, and board sessions as assigned.
• Perform other related duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field.
• At least three years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in finance, budgeting, accounting, or financial reporting.
• Experience using financial management systems, ERP platforms, or advanced spreadsheet/reporting tools.
• Demonstrated experience with budget preparation, budget monitoring, and financial analysis.
• Strong understanding of financial controls and accounting practices.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience in public school finance or governmental finance.
• Experience with fund accounting and school district budgeting.
• CPA or similar professional credentials.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of budgeting, accounting, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of internal controls and governmental or fund accounting practices.
• Ability to analyze complex financial information and present it clearly.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports and maintain detailed financial records.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, regulations, and legal requirements related to school finance.
• Ability to supervise staff, delegate effectively, and support professional growth.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Ability to build positive working relationships with staff, administrators, auditors, and outside agencies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use sound professional judgment.

Working Conditions / Physical Demands

The work is primarily performed in an office environment. The employee may be required to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, use a computer for extended periods, and lift or move light office materials. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Position Type: Full‑Time

Job Categories: Administration > Business/Finance

Job Requirements

• At least 5 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Master degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Contact Information

• Johnnie Sanders , Recruitment Manager
• 624 SW 24th Street
• Topeka, Kansas 66611
• Phone:
• Email:

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