Director of Finance and Operations – Cohasset Public Schools

District Overview

The Cohasset Public School District is committed to developing the whole child in a supportive atmosphere that helps students strive for academic and social-emotional excellence. Cohasset is a high performing school district with dynamic students, hardworking and qualified educators, dedicated staff and a collaborative School Committee. The community values and supports our educational initiatives as outlined in our District Strategic Plan.

Job Description

The Director of Finance and Operations is part of the District leadership team and plays a critical role in developing and implementing the District’s strategic plan, ensuring that resources are aligned with the District’s priorities. The Director coordinates and oversees the daily management of all of the business affairs of the schools and maintains records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Director also oversees the operations of various building and transportation services. This is a district level position, under the supervision of the Superintendent and appointed by the School Committee. The Director of Finance and Operations works collaboratively with the administrative team and the School Committee.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fiscal Management

• Maintain appropriate and effective fiscal procedures to assure the most efficient budget controls including maintaining general ledger and financial statements
• Develop the annual budget and provide input regarding long range financial planning in collaboration with the Superintendent and other administrative staff
• Implement and monitor accounting procedures that ensure proper recording of all receipts and expenditures and conformity with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B (Procurement Law) and auditing requirements
• Monitor the monthly budget projections and prepare all monthly fiscal reports and forecasts for the Superintendent and reporting to the School Committee
• Oversee and provide necessary documentation for annual fiscal audit and “single audit” if necessary
• Prepare the School Department’s annual financial reports for DESE, balance sheets, revenue, expenditures statements and other reports in support of grants, compliance requirements or required financial documentation
• Develop and recommend financial policies regarding the management of the School Department’s fiscal matters to the Superintendent and the School Committee
• Manage all business, financial and personnel records according to School Department policies and in compliance with applicable state/federal laws and regulations

Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll & Purchasing

• Supervise the Accounting Specialist and all accounts receivable and accounts payable functions for the School Department
• Supervise payroll and human resource administration for the School Department including supervision of the Human Resource, Finance and Operations Coordinator; Monitor all payroll functions (accounting, human resource functions and personnel)
• Responsible for the purchase of equipment and supplies necessary for the proper operation of the School Department
• Maintain efficient inventory system for all School Department equipment and supplies
• Responsible for the maintenance, lease agreements and service contracts of all office equipment including copy machines, FAX machines, telephones, postage meter, etc.

Grants and Insurance Management

• Responsible for execution and maintenance of all state and federal grants, including reports and audits
• Manage and maintain all School Department insurance programs

Personnel

• Oversee human resource functions associated with district business office operations (supervision, evaluation, and overall management)
• Assist in recruitment, interviewing and selection of all business office, custodial, and transportation employees
• Assist the Superintendent and School Committee during negotiations for successor collective bargaining agreements including providing support materials and financial analysis
• Plan appropriate in-service training for business office staff
• Recommend appropriate changes or updates to the School Department personnel policies and procedures handbook
• Manage secure archiving of all required long-term personnel records

Leases and Facilities

• Manage all custodial and maintenance service contracts for School Department facilities
• Participate in facilities planning and development to support School Department programs
• Participate in planning to ensure adequate facility support for School Department transportation operations
• Coordinate vehicle leases and insurance for the School Department

Transportation Programs

• Provide oversight and support to the Transportation Supervisor to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of all student transportation services in alignment with district policies and regulations

Other

• Including but not limited to other duties as assigned by the Superintendent
• Participate in MASBO and other professional development related to the fiduciary responsibilities of the School Department
• Attend School Committee meetings and other town meetings, as requested, to report on fiscal or budgetary issues

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Business Office Staff
• Dispatch Staff
• Custodial Staff
• Food Service Staff

REPORTS TO:

• Superintendent & School Committee

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required, Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of three years’ experience as a School Business Administrator or similar position
• Hold current School Business Administrator certification
• Proficiency with Massachusetts public procurement
• Current MCPPO designation or designation in progress
• Experience with public school or school department/municipal procedures
• Experience in training and supervision of business operations staff
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Must possess strong customer service skills in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of customers and stakeholders
• Experience in grants management
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office; fund accounting and related software (working knowledge of Softrite preferred)

LENGTH OF POSITION:

• Full time, full year

Application Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required
• Application deadline: Open until position is filled
• Start date is July 1, 2026

Contact Information

Sarah Shannon, Superintendent

Superintendent’s Office

143 Pond Street

Cohasset, Massachusetts 02025

Email: SShannon@cohassetk12.org