Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Principal/Director of Academics, the Director of Business Services & Operations is responsible for the financial integrity, operational effectiveness, and human resources functions of the school. This role oversees budgeting, accounting, payroll, purchasing, compliance, building maintenance, IT coordination, food service, and vendor contracts. The position also supports enrollment efforts, serves as liaison for the before and after school program, and acts as backup to the Principal/Director of Academics when needed. With a focus on continuous improvement and cost-effective solutions, the Director is a key resource in strategic planning and policy development, ensuring a well-run learning environment where staff can focus on student success.
Essentials Duties and Responsibilities:
Financial Planning and Oversight:
Plans, develops and oversees the budget process which includes developing overall budget strategy and long-range planning, obtaining a broad range of input, prioritizing needs, allocating resources among priorities, communicating with local stakeholders, staff, and Board, and developing mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation of financial performance
Oversees and administers accounting functions which involve such duties as preparing all financial records, reports, ledgers, and budgets, participating in internal controls, completing special projects, resolving questioned costs, ensuring compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, providing information to the bid process, etc.
Prepares and monitors the annual school budget and provides quarterly, or as required, updates to the Principal/Director of Academics, Finance Committee, and UW-Milwaukee
Coordinates, manages, and oversees cash management which involves such duties as providing information to banking firms during bid processes; making deposits and maintaining daily cash balance; directing custodian of funds; supervising preparation of monthly investment reports; forecasting short-term and long-term cash flow requirements; etc. Monitors school cash flow and maximizes the school's use of resources by implementing cost savings programs, generating investment income, and through cost-effective borrowing when necessary
Maintains financial records for all federal and state programs in accordance with regulations/guidelines and prepares any necessary financial reports in coordination with requirements.
Prepares and deposits funds collected from field trips, sports, lunch, and fundraising
Generates and manages monthly family invoices; posts payments to student accounts
Completes monthly bank reconciliations
Assumes responsibility for filing all grant claims
Audit Coordination:
Schedules annual independent audits of records and accounts
Coordinates all audits of financial records performed with applicable school offices and personnel whose cooperation is necessitated
Assists in the preparation of any audit response and/or corrective action plan that may result from independent or state audits
Purchasing:
Assumes responsibility for all purchases when bidding is required, including equipment and supplies.
Coordinates purchasing of supplies including furniture, books, technology, and maintenance needs.
Human Resources Management
Oversees and directs the recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes to ensure consistency and alignment with school policies and objectives.
Provides leadership and guidance over employee benefits administration, compensation, leave management, and HR policy implementation.
Supports and supervises employee relations, performance management, and staff retention efforts in collaboration with HR staff.
Provides administrative oversight on the payroll system ensuring it meets federal and state regulations
Administrative:
Directs the review and updating of school policies and procedures in the business area as needed
Attends administrative meetings
Participates as a member of the Board Finance and Facilities Committee
School Operations & Leadership
Responds to and resolves routine internal and external inquiries from parents, employees, and school organizations.
Prepares required administrative reports, including various annual DPI submissions.
Acts as liaison for the before and after school program.
Facilities & Maintenance:
Manages internal building maintenance personnel, requests, and projects.
Oversees required building inspections (City of Milwaukee, Health Department, Asbestos, etc.).
Coordinates special projects during breaks (e.g., summer cleaning), including internal and external support.
Partners with the Principal/Director of Academics to research and obtain quotes for repairs and special projects.
School Nutrition Program:
Oversees all aspects of the school's food service program, including the application and verification process for free and reduced meals
Ensures compliance with DPI, USDA, and local health department regulations; completes required reports and training
Prepares monthly lunch claims
Coordinates with contracted food service providers to ensure quality and timely service
Supervises food service staff and manages procurement and delivery of meals
Technology Support
Coordinates the Principal/Director of Academics and IT on procurement and maintenance of technology equipment.
Assists IT with implementation planning, training, and supply upkeep (e.g., printers, ink).
Acts as backup support for the Technology Support Specialist.
Contract & Vendor Management
Manages site-level procurement and inventory of supplies, materials, and equipment.
Oversees transportation, food service, facilities, security, and other third-party service contracts to ensure ongoing performance and compliance.
Communicates with vendors regarding orders, quotes, and issue resolution.
Qualifications:
Bachelor''s Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
Five to seven years related experience
Extensive knowledge of finance, revenue administration, and other phases of fiscal management and budget control.
Knowledge of principles, methods and practices of accounting.
Knowledge of the principles underlying the laws, ordinances, and regulations governing the financial operations of the school.
Knowledge of modern business management practices.
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles.
Knowledge in the processes of payroll, accounts payable, cash management, budget preparation and maintenance.
Knowledge of human resources practices including staff recruitment, hiring processes, onboarding, benefits administration, and employee relations.
Knowledge of the principles of management and leadership.
Knowledge of general computer applications and their utilization as related to specific tasks and responsibilities.
Ability to keep abreast of changes in policy, standards, procedures, and regulations pertinent to personnel and community relations functions
Physical and Mental Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
Regularly required to sit and talk or hear, and rely on close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus,
May be required to carry up to 50 lbs.
Occasionally required to work extended hours
Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel, carry up to 25 lbs., and lift with hands and arms.
Regularly required to stoop, bend, kneel or crouch
Frequently required to write with prolonged use of keyboard
Frequently required to meet multiple demands from several people
Reports to work on a regular basis and is absent only for reasons of illness, emergency or other approved leaves.
About Woodlands School, Inc.
Woodlands School is a public charter school through the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. We utilize a multi-age classroom model and "The Woodlands Way"-a character-based approach that helps students recognize and develop positive values.
Woodlands School, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.