Job Summary

Under the supervision of the assigned manager, the Business Support Advisor provides leadership, advice and support to Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) direct service school district personnel, regarding field-related matters which may include compliance issues and interpretation of various governmental codes within their assigned department. Ensures that overall policies, and practices meet compliance requirements.  This position may also lead or co-lead applicable focused training all Humboldt County districts and charter schools.

Distinguishing Characteristics

An Advisor is the highest level of classified work providing leadership to HCOE and district personnel.  The advisor is responsible for creating and overseeing processes at the district level and providing leadership, advice and support to HCOE staff and LEAs/Districts. This position works under minimal supervision.

Essential Duties:

• Advises HCOE direct service to Local Educational Agencies (LEA) personnel for the purpose of aiding all levels of management in the resolution of budget concerns and other financial issues.
• Analyzes financial information related to services (e.g. complex annual budgets, budget models, interim reports, year-to-date and annual data, financial forecasts, grants and entitlements, including special education, etc.) for the purpose of identifying potential budget variances.
• Compiles statistical information, develops procedures and conforms to established financial practices.
• Conducts budget review and financial analysis in regard to FTE, salary projections and budget constraints for the purpose of administering and maintaining position control model for direct service LEAs.
• Coordinates a wide variety of accounting projects for the purpose of providing required guidance and support regarding financial matters, budget concerns, and compliance issues.
• Monitors all business operational duties for the purpose of ensuring the accuracy of reported information, availability of funds and compliance with established financial guidelines and program policies, practices and regulatory requirements.
• Performs all essential duties and responsibilities at both HCOE and at the direct service sites (e.g. budgeting, payroll, accounts payable, deposits, etc.) for the purpose of meeting district, management and statutory deadlines.
• Prepares and maintains a wide variety of manual and electronic files, documents and records for the purpose of documenting activities, providing reference, conveying information and complying with established financial, legal and/or administrative requirements and statutory deadlines.
• Presents a wide variety of financial and reported information in trainings, workshops and Governing Board meetings for the purpose of communicating information in processes, procedures and systems to various educational partners, including Governing Boards.
• Provides fiscal professional development to new chief business officials.
• Research financial topics and related legal issues for the purpose of staying informed on legal, economic, financial and regulatory developments that affect districts’ income, expenditures, budgeting and financial practices.
• Serves as liaison between direct service districts and various HCOE departments and/or various outside agencies.

Employment Standards:

Knowledge of –

• Advanced math, reading technical information, composing a variety of documents and/or facilitating group discussion and analyzing situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
• Principals of accounting and auditing.
• General applicable governmental codes.
• Standard office practices, methods and procedures
• Data analysis and/or budget analysis.
• Proficiency in electronic spreadsheets, pivot tables and related software.

Ability to

• Operate standard office equipment using pertinent software applications.
• Perform assigned department procedures.
• Plan and manage projects.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Audit compliance reports
• Conduct departmental transactions.
• Work collaboratively and efficiently as part of a departmental team.
• Represent HCOE in the highest professional and ethical standards.
• Communicate effectively with others within the department, across HCOE and with Districts.
• Schedule activities, meetings, and/or events
• Gather, collate, and/or classify data
• Analyze data utilizing defined but different processes
• Work and communicate with a diversity of individuals and/or groups
• Work with data of varied types and/or purposes
• Problem solves to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires analysis based on organizational objectives; and problem solving with equipment is moderate.
• Analyze a variety of financial and statistical information
• Work effectively under time constraints
• Meet deadlines and schedules
• Setting priorities
• Work with detailed information
• Work under limited supervision

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field and four (4) years of equivalent related experience, or
• Five (5) years related experience with increasing responsibility

Preferred Experience

• Experience working in a school district or county office of education.

Working Conditions

With or without accommodation, this position includes prolonged periods of standing or sitting, frequent walking, and occasional bending, stooping, and reaching. The employee must be able to lift, push, and pull objects up to 30 pounds. Visual and auditory abilities are required to perform essential job functions.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Other requirements as appropriate for the job responsibilities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

SALARY: Range 20 on the adopted salary scale for classified employees.