Director of Finance

The Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union (OSSU) is seeking its top finance administrator. The Director of Finance administers, directs, and maintains the logistical and financial affairs of school districts to provide the best educational support services within available resources. They also act as advisor to school boards on all matters relating to logistical, business, and financial affairs of the districts. The Director serves as part of the administrative and educational leadership teams in carrying out the mission and vision of the organization. They provide administrative oversight, direction, and planning for our Finance and Human Resources Departments. The start date is July 1, 2026, with the possibility to start earlier for supported training. The Supervisory Union is nestled in a beautiful part of the Northeast Kingdom that provides countless outdoor recreational activities and easy access to larger Vermont cities and towns. The school boards and communities are extremely supportive of and invested in their public schools.

Essential functions include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Financial-Serves as district financial officer and supervises the management of financial affairs in all schools.

Establishes and maintains sound cash management and investment programs for school districts.

Responsible for overall budget formulation and long-range financial planning, and develops statistical, financial, and management information for use in planning and decision making, including capital planning.

Supervises the administration of the supervisory unions support staff retirement plan and other employee benefit plans.

Establishes and maintains efficient procedures and effective controls for all expenditures of school funds in accordance with adopted budgets, district policies, and State and Federal regulations.

Establishes and maintains a sound system of internal controls for use by school districts and central office personnel to protect district and school-generated financial resources.

Formulates and administers the tuition system for students from sending school districts.

Manage and support grant requirements and the implementation process for the organization.

Identify and develop strategies to optimize the grants administration process.

Ensure that grants are implemented in accordance with the operational and financial needs of the organization.

Logistical-Supervises the districts' support services through finance, accounting, and human resources.

Attend board meetings and effectively communicate, explain, and present financial data to all school boards in collaboration with administration.

Contract Management-Responsible for establishing or supporting the establishment of annual contracts for financial audit, liability, and property insurance, including required reporting to VSBITResponsible for the effective and efficient procedures in formulating and negotiating contracts with vendors and consultants.

Acts as purchasing agent for school boards and establishes procedures for the purchase of goods and services for school districts.

Other-Develops models that integrate financial, statistical, and pupil achievement data for educational support programs.

Designs and conducts logistical research as is necessary to support school strategic plans. Works with principals, department heads, and directors in formulating the logistical support requirements of district strategic plans; works with principals and the superintendent on annual district and SU budgeting.

Prepares data and reports required by statute and regulatory agencies.

Performs other tasks and duties as directed by the Superintendent.

Attend statewide meetings, such as VASBO, to stay informed about legislative changes.

Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union serves school-age children in the towns of Craftsbury, Greensboro, Hardwick, Stannard, Wolcott, and Woodbury. Our schools are a source of pride in our communities. We believe in creating strong student, family, staff, and community partnerships with the goal of providing an education that is relevant and meaningful to each child in our districts. Understanding that our students will be competing on a global level, we aim to offer programs and practices that respect diversity, embrace excellence, promote equity, and encourage lifelong learning. We take our responsibility seriously and appreciate the opportunity to work together to be stronger together in our school communities.