Specialist I - Financial Services

Region 7 ESC; Kilgore (TX); Sur place; USD 90 000 - 130 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Region 7 ESC in Kilgore, TX seeks a Specialist I - Financial Services to provide advanced technical assistance and financial analysis to LEAs and Region 7 staff. This role mentors staff, strengthens accounting practices, and supports district services with expertise in school finance.

The position requires extensive experience in Texas school finance, budget development, and financial reporting, with a focus on accuracy and discretion in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor's in accounting/finance/business or related field.
• Master's or CPA credentials preferred; advanced qualifications are a plus.

Responsabilités

• Serve as a technical resource to LEA administrators and Region 7 staff on complex school finance matters.
• Assist LEAs with budget preparation, monitoring, revenue projections, and cash flow analysis.
• Analyze district financial records and budget reports; present findings and recommended actions clearly.
• Assist with preparation of financial reports, grant reports, and audit documentation; coordinate approvals.
• Mentor staff accountants and LEA personnel to strengthen technical knowledge and processes.

Connaissances

School finance knowledge

Budget development

Financial reporting

Mentoring staff

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

Master's degree or CPA credentials preferred

Outils

Excel

ASCENDER

Skyward

Description du poste

Specialist I - Financial Services

ESC Region 7 Region 7 ESC - Kilgore, Texas Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5961878
Application Deadline: Dec 31, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)
Posted: Oct 01, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Job Summary

The Specialist I - School Finance provides advanced technical assistance, financial analysis, and mentorship to local education agencies (LEAs) and Region 7 Financial Services staff. Under the direction of the IMS Director and in collaboration with the Financial Services coordinators, this position applies extensive school business office experience to resolve complex financial issues, support assigned district services, strengthen accounting practices, and develop the skills of LEA business managers and staff accountants.

Qualifications

Education and Training

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Master's degree or CPA credentials preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of direct experience in a school business office, including at least 6 years as a school business manager, CFO, or equivalent role with primary responsibility for school business operations.
• Demonstrated experience in Texas school district or charter school finance, governmental fund accounting, budget development, financial reporting, and audit preparation.

Knowledge and Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of Texas school finance, state funding formulas, accounting requirements, grant management, and business office operations, including payroll, accounts payable, and bank reconciliation.
• Ability to analyze financial records, resolve discrepancies, evaluate internal controls, and explain complex financial information clearly.
• Ability to mentor adults, deliver effective training, build trusted relationships, and manage competing deadlines with accuracy and discretion.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools; experience with ASCENDER preferred. Knowledge of Skyward or other school business systems is beneficial.

Primary Essential Functions

Advanced School Finance Assistance

• Serve as a technical resource to LEA administrators, business managers, and Region 7 staff on complex school finance and business office matters. Research issues, explain available options, and elevate unresolved or significant concerns to the appropriate coordinator or IMS Director.
• Assist LEAs with budget preparation and monitoring, revenue projections, state funding estimates, tax rate information, cash flow analysis, and evaluation of financial trends. Support use of The TEMPLATE and other approved planning tools.
• Analyze district financial records, reconciliations, and budget reports to identify discrepancies, potential compliance concerns, and operational needs. Present findings and recommended actions clearly to district contacts and Region 7 leadership.
• Assist with preparation and review of required financial reports, grant reports, year-end schedules, and audit documentation. Work with designated LEA personnel to resolve discrepancies and obtain required approvals before submission.

Complex Accounting and District Service Support

• Perform or assist with assigned payroll, accounts payable, bank reconciliation, monthly oversight, and other financial services within the approved scope of each LEA agreement. Maintain accurate records and supporting documentation.
• Review and help resolve complex accounting issues involving the chart of accounts, journal entries, payroll liabilities, benefits, Teacher Retirement System reporting, payroll taxes, and quarterly or annual reports, including Forms 941, W-2, and 1099, as assigned.
• Assist coordinators with the initial assessment and cleanup of new or complex LEA assignments. Document outstanding issues, recurring deadlines, district contacts, and procedures to support an orderly transition to the assigned staff accountant.
• Provide technical review of assigned accounting work and financial reports for accuracy, completeness, supporting documentation, and consistency with established procedures. Communicate needed corrections and verify resolution with the responsible staff member.
• Work with LEA contacts to obtain complete source documents and required authorizations through approved secure systems. Process information based on documented LEA decisions and communicate missing information or conflicting instructions promptly.

Mentorship and Collaboration

• Mentor staff accountants and other assigned staff through case consultation, demonstrations, and practical feedback. Help staff strengthen technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and communication with LEA personnel.
• Provide individualized guidance to LEA business managers on business office procedures, financial calendars, reporting requirements, and effective use of financial information. Adapt assistance to the district’s experience, staffing, and contracted services.
• Participate in regular