Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of Fiscal Services, the External Business Manager directs the work of various accounting personnel of the Business Office; performs specialized and technical services requiring application and interpretation of data, facts, procedures, legislation and policies; provides highly responsible technical and administrative assistance to school district staff concerning fiscal operations; does related work as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a management-level position with a great deal of responsibility for all aspects of external business services, specifically in the support and oversight of the local school districts and charter schools. Individuals who serve as External Business Manager provide the majority of services in the office, but may be asked travel to local school district and charter school offices throughout Humboldt County.  Public speaking skills, group problem solving, the ability to communicate effectively in writing, the capacity to maintain personal demeanor during periods of peak workflow and perform efficiently within restricted time frames are critical factors for success in this position. It requires broad knowledge of, and experience with, fiscal oversight and the ability to work effectively with staff. The position occasionally requires working after hours, weekends and holidays. 

Supervision Received and Exercised

The position is under the general direction of the Director of Fiscal Services and directs the work of various accounting personnel in the Business Office.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities (Examples of Essential Job Functions)

• Plans, assigns, supervises and evaluates the work of a technical accounting unit
• Coordinates, supervises and assists in the preparation of adopted budget and interim reports in accordance with state-adopted reporting standards
• Oversees county office school district oversight responsibilities under AB 1200 in accordance with current legislation
• Coordinates, supervises and assists staff in the analysis and tracking of LEAs’ fiscal status, including cash flow, fund balances, assessment of categorical budgets for fiscal compliance, expenditure controls, revenue and expenditure projections, enrollment trends, capital projects, maintenance of effort requirements and other types of financial stability indicators
• Assists in researching and interpreting the financial implications of the legislation on the school district and charter school revenue sources
• Supervises the preparation and analysis of a variety of types of financial and revenue projections
• Maintains a current knowledge of state and federal reporting and compliance regulations as they relate to school district finance: maintains a current knowledge of all state software reporting applications related to school district finance
• Assists with the design and implementation of related accounting systems and software
• Provides the lead assistance in understanding charter school regulations related to business operations, fiscal indicators, fiscal oversight and financial reporting requirements; provides support, training and mentoring to school districts in areas of budget development, budget updates and budget monitoring
• Supervises the review, certification and submission of state attendance, enrollment and apportionment reports, including reviewing the reports for accuracy
• Oversees specialized fiscal reporting processes such as special education SELPA reporting and MAA
• Assists in the preparation of year-end financial reports
• Assists or prepares reports meeting local, state and federal requirements
• Leads or assists in conducting workshops that disseminate information regarding state reporting, compliance and software
• Works with and assists the district and county office independent auditors
• Supervises and coordinates contract services for external budget and financial services
• Does related work as assigned

Qualifications (aka Employment Standards)

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of K-12 school accounting, finance and reporting requirements;
• Program budgeting, accounting and reporting procedures;
• Fiscal and budgetary principles and practices;
• Standard accounting and bookkeeping methods;
• Financial analysis and research techniques;
• The Education Code, Government Code, and California Code of Regulations as they pertain to school finance;
• Computerized accounting systems, electronic spreadsheets and word-processing applications;
• Principles of effective personnel supervision;
• How to design and conduct training workshops.

Ability to:

• Perform technical and specialized complex financial calculations;
• Work effectively as a member of the management team in carrying out the mission of the county office;
• Work with computerized accounting and data storage and retrieval systems;
• Give directions clearly and demonstrate organization and budget development skills;
• Analyze and interpret new or revised legislation affecting school fiscal and budgetary affairs;
• Plan, organize, direct and motivate the work of others;
• Effectively evaluate the performance of all staff assigned and foster a positive climate within the department;
• Work well with other department and divisional personnel to ensure a positive and productive work climate within the office overall;
• Communicate effectively with, and offer technical assistance in fiscal areas to, district and other management personnel.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a comparable field;
• A minimum of five (5) years of field experience in fiscal record preparation and maintenance, including two years of advanced-level accounting and record keeping.
• Supervisory or training experience is highly desired.

Working Conditions (Work Environment)

Some travel may be required to attend conferences and trainings out of the area.

Environmental Elements

The majority of work is done indoors in a climate-controlled office, with occasional travel.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• The position requires the ordinary ambulatory ability to retrieve work materials, intermittent walking, standing, stooping and carrying and lifting of light- to medium-weight materials (under 30 pounds).
• Requires hand-eye-arm-finger dexterity to use a personal computer keyboard, ten-key and other common office equipment.
• Requires speaking and hearing ability sufficient to hear over the phone and carry on complex conversations.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read manuals, video display screens and other related material and work at a computer screen frequently and throughout the day.

Other Requirements

Individuals who serve as External Business Manager provide services in the office, as well as in various sites throughout the county, sometimes serving multiple sites in a single workday and representing Humboldt County in the CCSESA External Services Subcommittee, requiring monthly travel to Sacramento, public speaking skills, group problem solving and leadership ability.

Individuals who serve as certificated or classified management personnel must be willing to modify days/hours and to work additional days/hours on occasion with appropriate compensation and be willing to travel using their own transportation with mileage reimbursed, or county office fleet vehicle, as the job may require.

• 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.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical (if applicable).
• May be required to obtain first aid and CPR certificates within the first 6 to 12 months of employment.
• May be required to drive with or without students; some positions may require a California driver’s license, proof of insurance and possible participation in the DMV PUll Notice Program once employed.

Class 9 (Reclassified from Class 7, effective 7/1/2023)
LK:jm 3/22/2018 | Reformatted 5/25/23