Budget Specialist - ESS

District Finance - Surprise, AZ; Surprise (AZ); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Dysart Unified School District is seeking a Budget Specialist to support the ESS department with comprehensive budget oversight and fiscal management. The role serves as the primary operational point for Medicaid/School-Based Claiming submissions, tracking, and audit compliance, acting as a financial liaison between ESS and Finance.

Responsibilities include budget tracking for Special Education funding, collaboration on annual budget prep, grant management, and ensuring adherence to USFR and ADE

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate degree preferred.
• Three years of experience in school finance or related field.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, Google; School ERP Pro preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist ESS with budget oversight and fiscal management.
• Submit Medicaid/School-Based claims and track audits.
• Coordinate budget allocation and FTE oversight with ESS and Finance.
• Maintain compliance with USFR, ADE grants, and local/state rules.
• Prepare required compliance paperwork for grants and reimbursements.
• Communicate with administrators, staff, and vendors professionally.

Skills

Budgeting

Financial analysis

USFR compliance

Excel

Google

ERP software

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in accounting/finance

AZ IVP FPCC fingerprint clearance

Tools

School ERP Pro

Job description

Dysart Unified School District District Finance - Surprise, AZ - Surprise, Arizona Open in Google Maps

Budget Specialist - ESS

This job is also posted in Dysart Unified School District

Job Details

Job ID: 5926419

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 14, 2026 6:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

REPORTS TO

Budget Analyst

FLSA STATUS

Non-Exempt

SUPERVISES

No

DEPT

Finance

FTE

1.0

WORK CALENDAR

253

GRADE

S

APPROVED

REVISED

09/14/2026

SUMMARY: Assist the Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Department in comprehensive budget oversight and fiscal management. Serves as the primary operational point for Medicaid/School-Based Claiming reimbursement submissions, tracking, and audit compliance. Role is a critical financial liaison between ESS and the Finance Department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Communicates and works positively and cooperatively with all staff populations, serving as the primary liaison between the Special Education Director, Finance Department, school sites, and district administrators, to monitor and manage ESS budgets.
• Tracks and maintains budget information on all Special Education funding, including but not limited to M&O, capital, Medicaid reimbursements, local funds, and state/federal grants.
• Collaborates with the ESS Director on annual budget preparation and full-time equivalent (FTE) allocations.
• Analyze Special Education expenditures and balances to ensure proper utilization of funds, cost allowability, and fiscal accuracy and compliance.
• Monitors financial aspects of Special Education funds to ensure compliance with the Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR) and ADE grant compliance.
• Coordinates Special Education funds including budget allocation, position control tracking, and review/approval of requisitions.
• Collaborates with grant coordinators on budget development, line-item adjustments, grant applications, and amendments.
• Ensures ongoing compliance with local, state, and federal statutes and requirements.
• Prepares and submits required compliance paperwork for grant and reimbursement funds including salary documentation, requisitions, contracts, travel, conference registrations, equipment, capital, and all other expenditures.
• Coordinates audit preparation and records retention for district, state, and federal special education grant audits and Medicaid audits.
• Establishes and maintains professional, service-oriented relationships with students, employees, community members, and vendors.
• Maintains a high ethical standards, professional integrity, and strict confidentiality regarding student and employee records.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications for this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. required
• Associate Degree in accounting, finance, economics or related field preferred
• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC)

Experience:

• Three (3) years experience in school finance or other related fields

Computer Skills:

• Demonstrated competency in computer literacy, Word, Excel and Google
• Experience with school finance software, School ERP Pro preferred

Abilities:

• Prioritize, manage, and deliver multi-faceted projects independently, proactively, timely, and accurately.
• Master and effectively utilize district ERP software, ADE Grant Management system, Medicaid billing systems, and advanced Excel functions.
• Analyze complex financial data, research discrepancies, and resolve accounting issues with sound judgment.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently.
• Apply reason to research and solve moderately complex issues with little or no assistance.
• Maintain strict ethical behavior, professional integrity, and complete confidentiality regarding student and fiscal data.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Knowledge of basic accounting skills including maintaining accurate ledgers, ensuring proper grant requisition, and procurement practices.
• Compose clear, professional written communications and interact effectively with administrators, staff, and vendors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee occasionally will stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. Employee will frequently interact with the public and other staff members. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

The Dysart Unified School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act Title VII of 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Dysart Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in employment or in any of its educational programs or in the provisions of benefits and services to students.

Position Type: Full-Time Benefited

Salary: $21.11 Per Hour

Welcome to District Finance - Surprise, AZ

Dysart schools are among the top-rated in the state of Arizona. The district is home to the #8 ranked K-8 school in Arizona (Freedom Traditional Academy), three top 100 K-8 schools, and two top 50 high schools in the state. Overall, Dysart has 12 “A” rated and 10 “B” rated schools, 11 of which out-rank our local counterparts. Additionally, Freedom Traditional Academy has the highest test scores of any school in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage.Dysart Schools have been recognized both nationally and internationally with AdvancED Accreditation, and are dedicated to serving the needs of all children with high quality academic coursework, before-and after-school programs, and services for the entire community. Boasting a graduation rate that exceeds both the state and national average, the Dysart Unified School District prepares all students to be ready for college and career through excellence and success.Strong academics, arts, and athletic programs are an integral part of each school, and ensuring students are equipped with the skills necessary to meet the challenges and opportunities in a 21st Century society are at the heart of our mission and vision. Dysart Schools offers one of the largest selections of academic pathways in the state, allowing students a personalized learning experience while meeting Arizona Academic Standards. Opportunities include full-day kindergarten, Career and Technical Education, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, signature programs, and gifted and special education programs.Dysart provides students the opportunity to explore their artistic side through an expansive fine arts program, where students participate in a progressive, performance-based curriculum that encourages them to reach their academic, creative, and expressive potential. Dysart students earned the second highest number of Arizona State Seals for Arts Proficiency across the state last year.Earning nine state championships in 2021-2022, Dysart Schools are highly competitive in athletics, and offer great opportunities for all students. Dysart offers competitive athletic classes to help students hone their athletic skills and abilities during the school day, and we aim to provide positive experiences and guide our student athletes toward realizing their full potential.Dysart Unified School District serves over 23,000 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students in the Northwest Phoenix Metropolitan area. The district encompasses 140 square miles, serving parts of El Mirage, Glendale, Surprise, Youngtown, and Maricopa County. The district is home to four K-4 elementary schools, four middle schools serving grades 5-8, 12 K-8 elementary schools, four comprehensive high schools, a preschool, and one alternative program.

Contact Information

• Dysart USD HR Department
• 15802 North Parkview Place
• Surprise, Arizona 85374
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]