Director of Finance

District Office; Chester (SC); On-site; USD 74,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Chester County School District District Office in Chester, South Carolina is seeking a Director of Finance to lead the district’s financial operations. This exempt role oversees budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with GAAP and state regulations while guiding data-driven decision-making.

The successful candidate will manage staff, coordinate the annual budget process, and partner with Human Resources on cost projections and revenue reporting.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of public-school finances and regulatory requirements.
• Experience leading budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting functions.
• Ability to develop and monitor district budgets and financial controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and evaluate finance staff and programs.
• Direct the district budget development and annual financial projections.
• Oversee payroll, benefits, and position control processes.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and district/state/federal requirements.
• Prepare financial reports for leadership and Board of Trustees.

Skills

Public finance

Budgeting

Financial reporting

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

CSBO credential

Tools

Financial software

Job description

Director of Finance

Chester County School District District Office - Chester, South Carolina Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in CERRA-SC , and Chester County School District

Job Details

Job ID: 5914012
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Sep 03, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Sep 14, 2026

Job Description

Chester County School District

Director of Finance

(Exempt)

Purpose Statement

The Director of Finance, under minimal supervision, performs senior level work with extensive decision-making discretion directing, managing, and coordinating day-to-day activities of the budget, special revenue, and payroll functions of the Finance office. Employee performs advanced and supervisory work to carry out the Board of School Trustees policies and procedures related to Finance under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer. Employee reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below 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.

Salary/Status

Local Salary Schedule/Full-time, 12 months, 235 days

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned programs and staff
• Collaborate and assist in the preparation of the district’s annual budget
• Maintain employee position control through allotments to include verification and tracking in collaboration with human resources
• Oversee and prepare salary projections, funding source utilization reports and position exchange summary information to support data‑driven decision‑making
• Oversee the payroll processes including new employee set-up, employee changes, terminations, timesheet entries and monitoring, balancing, and finalizing payroll
• Collaborate and assist in the development and modifications of the planning of initial budget and revisions through the budget amendment process
• Ensure amendments to the budget are timely and accurately reconciled to source documents
• Oversee calculation of indirect cost rate, employee insurance, and retirement rates and budget to the appropriate program report code
• Oversee and evaluate the payroll process to guarantee proper wage reporting
• Review and reconcile all budget, salary, and leave audit exceptions in a timely manner
• Oversee and evaluate internal controls and make necessary recommendations for improvements
• Responsible for the daily maintenance of the payroll accounting system including coordinating updates of system calculations
• Provide training on Federal Time and Effort reporting and maintain certification forms
• Perform studies requiring the compilation and analysis of various data
• Develop necessary reports and analysis, review with management and program staff
• Serve as the district special revenue accounting administrator to include financial reporting, reimbursement claiming, training, and technical support
• Responsible for year‑end closing of the financial records and preparation of required documentation for the financial audit and special‑area audits
• Analyze budgets, financial information, policies and procedures and make recommendations
• Maintain a customer focus and commitment to continuous improvement and streamlined workflow for the purpose of increasing operational efficiencies.
• Participate in, counsel, and evaluate new projects, operational adjustments, and regulatory changes that have an impact on finance
• Oversee and implement an accounting system adequate to record transactions in accordance with the requirements of GAAP, the South Carolina Department of Education, and other relevant state and federal agencies
• Monitor, maintain, and comply with a system of controls over cash receipts, deposits, disbursements, and investments in accordance with requirements of the Office of the State Treasurer, the Office of the State Comptroller, and the South Carolina Department of Education and in accordance with standard business practices
• Ensure compliance with the Financial Accounting Handbook and account structures mandated for school district use by the South Carolina Department of Education
• Ensure compliance with the Funding and Audit Manual of the South Carolina Department of Education
• Facilitate staff meetings and attend other related meetings as needed and required
• Complete local, state, or federal surveys and report accurately and promptly
• Participate and facilitate in professional development and leadership trainings
• Create an inclusive environment with positive communication and public relations
• Perform related work as assigned and required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Comprehensive in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public‑school system financial policies
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements applicable to public‑school system finances
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and principles of public administration, particularly as they relate to units of local government
• Knowledge of State statutes, policies, and regulations regarding financial transactions and of federal laws and rules impacting financial operations
• Skilled in technology with demonstrated ability to use spreadsheet and word processing software
• Ability to use computer‑based financial software packages to include experience with database search and retrieval both through query functions and typical web‑based reporting in order to answer questions or to detect errors
• Ability to compile, analyze, and interpret data to make data‑driven decisions and recommendations
• Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress
• Ability to reflect appropriate response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor
• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment, and software related to business needs
• Ability to develop and monitor a budget
• Ability to evaluate staff
• Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings and mediums
• Ability to problem‑solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
• Ability to take initiate, work independently, and exercise sound judgment
• Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategy
• Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline‑driven, rapidly changing team environment

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, or related area required
• Certified School Business Officer credential or the ability to obtain required
• Minimum five years of experience in public school finance with increasing supervisory responsibility preferred
• Equivalent combination of experience and education

Special Requirements

• Criminal background check
• TB evaluation/documentation
• Possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and ability to provide own transportation
• Travel to district facilities and professional meetings

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Work requires the occasional exertion of up to twenty pounds
• Work regularly requires exchange of accurate and detailed information through oral and written communication
• Constantly operates a computer and other office business equipment
• Ability to remain in stationary position for required work and meetings
• Ability to move to other work locations
• Visual acuity requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating standard office equipment, use of advanced technology
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic)
• Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions
• Must be adaptable to performing under mild to high levels of stress

Disclaimer

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this job.

Position Type: Full‑Time
Salary: $73,744 to $130,095 Please see our Salary Schedule (Enter website here)

Job Categories: Administration > Director/Coordinator/Manager

Job Requirements

• At least 5 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Lisa Brett , Director of Human Resources
• District Office
• Chester, South Carolina 29706
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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