Job Description

POSITION: ASSOCIATE SUPERINTENDENT OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE / CFO

The Associate Superintendent of Finance / CFO is responsible for the management of all financial functions for West Ottawa Public Schools, including but not limited to the accounting operations, annual audits, payroll, treasury management, budget development, implementation and management, risk management, and all applicable reporting requirements. The Associate Superintendent / CFO is responsible for strategic planning, budget planning, district bond initiatives, business planning, and operations of the business office. This position serves as an integral part of the Superintendent's Administrative Cabinet. Such position is non-union, full-time, fifty-two-week commitment with an individual three-year contract, renewable subject to annual performance evaluations. A comprehensive fringe benefit package and annual salary commensurate with experience and education is authorized by the Board of Education.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
M.B.A or M.A. in educational leadership, finance, business administration, accounting, or related field preferred. Candidates holding a B.A./B.S. in a related field, combined with five or more years in a comparable position, will be considered.

Training and Experience:
Experience working in school finance and/or accounting (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified in Financial Management (CFM) is preferred. Appropriate maintenance of administrative continuing education requirements and possession or eligibility for MSBO Chief Financial Officer certification.

Demonstrated Technical Skills:
Computer literacy, especially working with spreadsheets and financial statements; accounting skills; communication and presentation skills are highly desirable

Human Relations Skills:
An ability to communicate effectively and relate positively with students, staff, and other members of the community. Ability to effectively manage and lead business office staff.

Responsibilities:

1. Direct, supervise, delegate to, and evaluate assignments for internal and external systems, programs, and services in the administration of the accounting operation, annual audit, payroll, treasury and cash management, budget management and implementation, risk management, transportation, facilities, custodial and maintenance, purchasing, food service, and all applicable reporting requirements.
2. Assume responsibility for budget development and long-range financial planning, including recommendations for budget shortfalls, cash flow, and investments.
3. Establish and supervise a program of accounting to accurately record in detail all fiscal transactions.
4. Oversee the management of the business office staff and overall business operations of the school district; and oversee the financial resources of the school district.
5. Manage the district's insurance programs, including participation on behalf of the district on various outside insurance pool committees.
6. Actively manage a budget control system that provides input flexibility resulting in feedback for administrative decision-making.
7. Provide input to the Superintendent on all questions relating to the business and financial affairs of the district, including membership estimates, fund balance outlook, Board Policy revisions, and internal control procedures.
8. Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating all business office personnel.
9. Arrange and coordinate the district's comprehensive annual audits.
10. Interpret the financial concerns of the school to district shareholders.
11. Develop bid specifications for district purchases and participate in negotiating the procurement of the supply/equipment from the vendors.
12. Provide financial data and projections to the Superintendent and the bargaining teams for the collective bargaining process with labor groups.
13. Assist with the coordination of the employee benefits program including participation in the various outside insurance pool committees.
14. Supervise building and program budget development including all subsidiary funds (Food Service, Child Care, Debt Fund and Capital Projects)
15. Serve as a contributing member of the Superintendent's Administrative Cabinet and relevant Board subcommittees.
16. Maintain District property files and related transactions relative to such, including annual property appraisals, fixed asset reporting, insurance calculations of buildings, contents, deeds, sales and purchase agreements, and floor plans.
17. Cultivate and maintain lasting relationships with financial institutions, attorneys, realtors, City, County, and State contacts in the aim at sustaining and promoting the district's image of high standards as a quality K-12 district.
18. Represent the district in business-related organizations, including MSBO and OAISD Business Managers.
19. Coordinate tax collection procedures and communication with the cities encompassing the District, including the legal responsibilities and timely reporting of the approved tax levies.
20. Coordinate, review, and continually evaluate internal controls relating to SAS 99 auditing standards.
21. Act as contact with the Superintendent in communications with the district's lobbyist relative to funding matters.
22. Generate invoices pursuant to cooperative agreements including tuition and shared staffing.
23. Acquire and maintain a thorough knowledge of all laws, rules, regulations, and policies pertaining to the financial affairs of the district and interpret such information for the Board and Administration.
24. Performs other relevant duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Please apply online atwww.westottawa.net Plan to upload a letter of interest, resume, copies of relevant transcripts, and three professional letters of recommendation. Letters of interest may be addressed to Mr. Tim Bearden, Superintendent of Schools.
Based on Experience, starting rate: $182,319

Application deadline: August 28, 2026 or Until Filled

West Ottawa Public Schools is located in Holland, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Michigan. Over 6,500 students contribute to our richly diverse setting. The District's general fund budget currently exceeds $112 million dollars, serving nine elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools, West Ottawa Virtual Academy, and state-of-the-art athletic and performing arts facilities. The District is currently in the midst of completing dozens of projects made possible by $237 million building and site bonds, passed by voters in 2023.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Interested candidates should apply online through the West Ottawa Public Schools employment portal and submit:
• Cover letter
• Resume
• Professional References
• Copies of relevant certifications/licenses (if applicable)

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Reaching Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

Lifting Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles.

Grasping Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.

Talking Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; those activities where detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.

Hearing Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and making fine discriminations in sound.

Repetitive motions Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

The worker is subject to environmental conditions.

The worker should provide consistent and reliable in-person attendance.

POST IMMEDIATELY

Apply online at www.westottawa.net

The West Ottawa Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, height, weight, marital or family status, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The District's Compliance Officers shall handle inquiries regarding the Board's non-discrimination policies and address any complaint of discrimination.