Director of Finance

Wayne County Schools Employment Network; Melvindale, Allen Park (MI, MI); On-site; USD 137,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Paid time off

Job summary

Wayne RESA in Central Office seeks a Director of Finance to guide district-wide financial strategy, governance, and resource allocation. This role partners with the Superintendent and Board to ensure fiscal integrity, compliance, and high-quality services, while overseeing budgeting, reporting, and staff development. The position emphasizes ethical leadership and cross-team collaboration to support student outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in school business or financial management preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in public sector finance, budgeting, and compliance.
• Strong leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of short- and long-range financial plans, including fund balance and equity forecasting.
• Provide expert financial guidance to the Superintendent and Board of Education.
• Oversee all business and financial functions, including accounting, budgeting, purchasing, payroll, transportation, food services, data processing, and facilities operations.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to school finance and business administration.
• Develop and manage district-wide budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Supervise, evaluate, and support Business Office staff.
• Promote professional growth through training, mentorship, and performance development plans.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic Planning

Education

Master's degree in Accounting/Finance

Job description

• Position Type: Administration/ Director of Business and Finance
• Date Posted: 11/5/2026
• District: Melvindale Northern Allen Park Public Schools

Director of Finance

Location: Central Office

Reports To: Superintendent

Position Type: Full-Time, 52 Weeks

Classification: Administrator

Position Overview

The Director of Finance serves as the district's chief financial leader, responsible for overseeing all financial and business operations. This role provides strategic direction, ensures fiscal integrity, and supports the district's mission by aligning financial practices with educational priorities. The Director of Finance is a key advisor to the Superintendent and Board of Education, guiding long-term planning, resource allocation, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Financial Planning

• Lead the development of short- and long-range financial plans, including fund balance and equity forecasting.
• Provide expert financial guidance to the Superintendent and Board of Education.
• Ensure transparent, effective communication with staff, community stakeholders, and media.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance within the Business Office.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee all business and financial functions, including accounting, budgeting, purchasing, payroll, transportation, food services, data processing, and facilities operations.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to school finance and business administration.
• Implement cost-effective strategies that maximize district resources while maintaining high service quality.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Develop and manage district-wide budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Prepare and submit all required state and federal financial reports.
• Oversee financial processes including payroll, journal entries, reconciliations, audits, and grant management.
• Manage debt, investments, tax collections, and bond-related activities.
• Supervise, evaluate, and support Business Office staff.
• Promote professional growth through training, mentorship, and performance development plans.
• Build and sustain a positive, results-driven team environment.

Facilities & Resource Planning

• Collaborate with district leadership on enrollment projections, staffing, facilities planning, and capital investments.
• Support long-term infrastructure and operational planning aligned with district goals.
• Direct risk management strategies and employee benefits programs.
• Ensure compliance and optimization of insurance and benefits offerings.

School & Community Engagement

• Represent and communicate the district's financial vision and mission to stakeholders.
• Build trust and partnerships within the community.

Professional Practice

• Uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and contribute to the advancement of school finance leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in school business or financial management preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in public sector finance, budgeting, and compliance
• Strong leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills
• Salary Range: $136,990-$147,290
• District-paid health insurance (hard cap)
• Term life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Paid time off (CTO and vacation days)

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the financial future of a dynamic school district. The Director of Finance will influence strategic decisions, drive operational excellence, and make a meaningful impact on student success through strong fiscal stewardship.