Assistant School Business Administrator

Newark Public Schools; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Newark Board of Education seeks an Assistant School Business Administrator in the Office of Operations to lead financial strategies and ensure robust district accounting and reporting.

The role requires strong financial acumen, strategic planning, and team leadership to support the superintendent, SBOA, and district goals, with a focus on transparency and accountability in a large urban school system.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in business, public administration, or accounting.
• New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility or Permanent Certification in School Business Administration.
• CPA preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years successful experience in accounting, budgeting, business management.
• School district/government experience.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic planning and implementation for the Office of the School Business Administrator and Newark Board of Education.
• Analyze current policies, processes and technology; implement improvements for efficiency and customer focus.
• Identify opportunities to promote innovative budget practices to support staff and student achievement.
• Develop position papers and briefing documents on financial policy proposals and data.
• Supervise the accounting system and ensure accurate financial reporting to leadership and governance bodies.
• Coordinate with auditors during the annual audit and oversee fixed assets procedures.
• Lead and evaluate personnel; recruit for positions and develop direct reports’ goals.
• Mentor and support professional growth of staff and align team priorities with district goals.

Skills

Critical thinking

Data analysis

Financial reporting

GAAP knowledge

Microsoft Office

Team leadership

Communication skills

Adaptability

Budgeting

Education

Master's degree in business/public administration/accounting

NJ Certificate in School Business Administration

CPA preferred

Tools

PeopleSoft

General accounting systems

Job description

Assistant School Business Administrator, Office of Operations

765 BROAD STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102

ROGER LEON, DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

(Pending availability of funds and Superintendent's approval)

We invite qualified and interested persons to apply for the position of Assistant School Business Administrator.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Master's Degree in business, public administration, or accounting from an accredited college or university.
• New Jersey Certificate of Eligibility or Permanent Certification in School Business Administration.
• Must be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years successful experience in accounting, budgeting, business management.
• School district/government experience.

Basic Functions and Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Implementation: Drives formulation and implementation of policies and strategies to meet the vision and goals of the Office of the School Business Administrator and Newark Board of Education.
• Conducts current state analysis of Office of the School Business Administrator and Newark Board of Education policies, processes and technology solutions; recommends and implements improvements to achieve an efficient, customer‑centric environment.
• Strategically identifies opportunities for the Office to promote innovative budget practices with the ultimate goal of ensuring a high‑quality and well‑supported workforce dedicated to improving student achievement.
• Reviews and analyzes key implications on financial strategy and operations from major legislative policy proposals and internal/external reports and data; develops position papers and briefing documents for the School Business Administrator.
• Financial Leadership: Supervises the accounting system necessary to provide accurate financial information to the Superintendent, School Business Administrator, Board members, and administrators.
• Supervises the development of monthly and annual financial reports as required.
• Coordinates activities and provides assistance to auditors during the annual audit.
• Develops and administers procedures for receipt, maintenance, and disposal of fixed assets.
• Recommends appropriate policies and administration procedures for the School Business Administrator for Superintendent’s approval.
• Assists in developing agenda for the Finance Committee.
• Recruits personnel for positions in the areas of responsibility.
• Supervises and evaluates personnel within those areas.
• Reports directly to the School Business Administrator and, in his/her absence, to the Superintendent.
• Team Management: Provides direct supervision over all departments – Director of Accounting, Accounts Payable, Budget, Fixed Assets, Food Services, Pupil Transportation, Executive Director of Facilities, Executive Director of Plant & Operations – in the absence of the School Business Administrator.
• Develops individual goals for each direct report that align with the district’s broader goals.
• Monitors progress toward goals and drives team strategy and priorities as necessary.
• Supports the development and professional growth of direct reports through coaching, feedback and professional development opportunities.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Exceptional critical thinking and problem‑solving skills with ability to identify challenges and actively work to find solutions.
• Excellent data analysis skills and experience in synthesizing data to drive action steps.
• Ability to generate and interpret financial district and departmental reports (P&L, district cash balance reports, etc.).
• Experience in computerized accounting systems.
• Understanding of the principles and practices of financial accounting and reporting procedures consistent with statute, code and GAAP.
• Knowledge of accepted business practice in school districts related to budget preparation and administration, insurance, purchasing, transportation, food services, school plant operations, and facility planning.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams to achieve outcomes and support the development of direct reports.
• Comfortable working in a matrix, decentralized and ambiguous operating environment.
• Past record of setting and achieving ambitious goals.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build effective working relationships with school leaders, colleagues and partners.
• Superb computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Experience with Human Resource Information Systems; PeopleSoft preferred.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Self‑directed and comfortable working in an environment of ambiguity.
• Ability to learn quickly in a fast‑paced environment.
• Outstanding written and oral communication and facilitation skills.
• Passionate belief in the mission of NPS and commitment to increasing workforce effectiveness to increase student achievement.
• Ability to forecast trends in district expenditures and balances.

Reports To

School Business Administrator

Salary, Employment Period and Union Affiliation

• Salary Range: $150,000 – $175,000
• Employment Period: Twelve (12) months
• Union Affiliation: Unaffiliated

Benefits

In an effort to attract and retain staff, NBOE offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits for all full‑time staff. Offerings include medical and prescription drug plans, employer‑paid dental and vision coverage, an array of wellness and voluntary benefits programs, and paid time off. All employees receive paid personal and sick days, as well as vacation days for 12‑month employees.

For details, please go to https://nboehrs.com/

How to Apply

Newark Board of Education is only accepting electronic applications.

Newark Board of Education is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.