Lead Budget Analyst/Purchasing Agent

Title: Lead Budget Analyst/Purchasing Agent Reports To: Chief Finance Officer Terms of Employment: 12 months Salary: Local Salary Schedule FLSA Status: Exempt Job Goal: This position supports all functions in the Finance Department and reports directly to the Finance Officer. Specific duties will be determined upon hire but include general accounting functions, development and maintenance of budgets, compliance with audit requirements and other tasks to assure a sound system of internal controls across the department. In addition, this position will act as the purchasing agent for the district to ensure full compliance with all purchase and contract guidelines. Ability to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Employee is expected to understand all functions of school business operations and services, especially those related to federal and state fiscal and programmatic compliance and will provide assistance as needed. Ease of working with multiple financial systems and software products is a critical component of this work. Interpretation and compliance with regulations and policies prescribed by the Local Government Commission, all funding agencies, county commissioners and the local board of education will be required. Friendly and proactive support of all departments, schools and other stakeholders is expected. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance or business administration preferred and/or five years of professional experience in a business-related field. Experience in school system finance is strongly preferred. Extensive experience working with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and all products in the Microsoft Office environment as well as Google Sheets and the Google Suite. Ability to clearly analyze and synthesize complicated data in a demanding environment. Ability to provide concise and detailed solutions to complex problems. Sound verbal and written communication skills. Willingness and enthusiasm to learn and grow within the Finance department. Should be comfortable and proficient working independently, yet willing and able to collaborate and work cooperatively with all staff. General knowledge of the ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional organizations and/or federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Considerable knowledge of public sector purchasing principles, practices, and procedures. Considerable knowledge of the formal and informal contract bidding process. Considerable knowledge of the State and Federal procurement process. Considerable knowledge of state and school system rules, regulations, and laws regarding purchasing. Supervises: No one immediately but does provide support for warehouse operations and other finance duties as may be required. Essential Job Functions: Enters and monitors budgets as prepared by the Finance Officer, Assistant Finance Officer and departments, reviews for accuracy and compliance. Monitors accounts and researches issues with responsibility to prepare, enter and transmit general ledger and payroll/benefit journal entries in compliance with state requirements. Manage the formal bid process for all purchases of goods other than construction and repair projects, as well as other procurement requiring a formal bid process. Develop, or assist in the development of, and publicize (post on District website, print notice in local newspaper, etc.) Request for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Quotes (RFQs), and Invitations to Bid (ITB) as needed. Ensure the District follows Uniform Guidance (UG) for purchases with Federal funds. Assist other departments in the informal bid process as needed. Employee will provide support for site-based personnel regarding the use of the purchasing program. Employee will maintain frequent contact with vendors, Principals, Directors, and management to provide assistance and new information regarding purchasing needs, acquisitions of services, equipment and supplies. Participate in meetings, in-service training, workshops, etc. for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions. Coordinate the district's fixed assets inventory, including tagging and disposal documentation. Work with the district to develop consistent wide procurement methods. Keep informed about program/procedure changes. Routinely interact with all departments and program services to ensure complete communications. Review weekly accounts payable payments for accuracy and compliance with internal and state policies. Provides support to the entire department and as needed works with schools, departments and auditors. Additional Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties as assigned.