Battle Creek Public Schools (BCPS)
Executive Director of Business and Finance
Battle Creek Public Schools (BCPS), Battle Creek, Michigan, United States, 49014
Executive Director of Business and Finance
Battle Creek Public Schools (BCPS) is on a mission to deliver world‑class education through excellence, community, and equity. As our next Executive Director of Business and Finance, you will play a pivotal role in sustaining and expanding a transformation that is reshaping what’s possible for students in an urban district.
Located in Southwest Michigan—between Chicago and Detroit—BCPS serves a diverse community with a deep commitment to ensuring every student is seen, supported, and challenged to reach their infinite potential. Backed by a historic investment from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, our district continues an ambitious transformation plan to provide a career, college, and community‑ready education for all.
This is a high‑visibility, mission‑critical leadership opportunity for a financial strategist who holds themselves and others to the highest standards of integrity, efficiency, and impact. BCPS offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits—including up to $20,000 in home‑purchase assistance—and a chance to lead financial strategy in service of equity and excellence.
Apply now and join us in building a brighter future—for every student, every dream, every day!
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Position Summary The Executive Director of Business and Finance serves as the district’s Chief Financial Strategist, providing visionary leadership and operational excellence in all areas of financial management, budgeting, business services, and resource stewardship. As the Superintendent’s senior advisor on financial strategy, this role ensures that every dollar spent advances the district’s mission: Every Student. Every Dream. Every Day.
The Executive Director is responsible for developing and maintaining systems that promote fiscal integrity, sustainability, and transparency. This leader ensures that Battle Creek Public Schools remains financially healthy, compliant, and aligned with both the long‑term strategic plan and the district’s commitment to equity, excellence, and accountability.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Financial Leadership
Serve as a thought partner to the Superintendent and Cabinet in aligning financial resources to strategic priorities and student outcomes.
Lead the development of multi‑year financial projections, long‑range capital planning, and data‑informed fiscal forecasting.
Design and implement financial strategies that support district transformation, program sustainability, and continuous improvement.
Fiscal Management and Oversight
Oversee all accounting, budgeting, payroll, purchasing, grants, and financial reporting functions to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and GAAP.
Prepare and present clear, actionable financial reports and dashboards to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and community stakeholders.
Manage district investments, cash flow, debt service, and bonding activities with prudence and transparency.
Establish and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard district assets and ensure fiscal accountability.
Operational Excellence
Supervise and develop Business Office staff, cultivating a high‑performing and customer‑focused team culture.
Partner with district departments to strengthen financial systems, optimize processes, and build cross‑departmental accountability.
Oversee contracts, bids, and vendor relationships, ensuring the highest levels of efficiency, compliance, and integrity.
Governance and Communication
Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Education on fiscal and operational matters, including policy, audit, and budget development.
Provide clear and transparent financial analysis to guide board decision‑making.
Foster community confidence through proactive communication of financial performance and stewardship.
Benchmark district financial performance against peer districts across Michigan.
Identify opportunities for innovation, cost optimization, and resource alignment in support of teaching and learning.
Lead the district’s financial readiness for external reviews, audits, and bond ratings.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s Degree preferred.
Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive financial leadership experience; experience in public education or municipal finance preferred.
Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) Chief Financial Officer certification required (or ability to obtain within one year).
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation strongly preferred.
Proven success in strategic planning, financial forecasting, and leading organizational change.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, transparency, and ethical financial management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Deep understanding of Michigan school finance, state aid, and federal funding structures.
Exceptional analytical, forecasting, and problem‑solving abilities.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to build trust with diverse stakeholders.
High level of proficiency in financial software systems and data visualization tools.
Capacity to work collaboratively, think strategically, and operate with both urgency and precision.
Commitment to the mission and values of Battle Creek Public Schools.
Salary:
$143,155 - $170,166
+ Signing Bonus
Contract:
261 Days (12 Months)
The successful candidate will be subject to a fingerprint and background check as a condition of employment. All fees required for this check (estimated $73) are the responsibility of the applicant.
The Battle Creek Public School District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, handicap, sex, age, religion, national origin, weight, height or marital status in its employment practices.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Finance and Sales
Industries
Education Administration Programs
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Located in Southwest Michigan—between Chicago and Detroit—BCPS serves a diverse community with a deep commitment to ensuring every student is seen, supported, and challenged to reach their infinite potential. Backed by a historic investment from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, our district continues an ambitious transformation plan to provide a career, college, and community‑ready education for all.
This is a high‑visibility, mission‑critical leadership opportunity for a financial strategist who holds themselves and others to the highest standards of integrity, efficiency, and impact. BCPS offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits—including up to $20,000 in home‑purchase assistance—and a chance to lead financial strategy in service of equity and excellence.
Apply now and join us in building a brighter future—for every student, every dream, every day!
-----
Position Summary The Executive Director of Business and Finance serves as the district’s Chief Financial Strategist, providing visionary leadership and operational excellence in all areas of financial management, budgeting, business services, and resource stewardship. As the Superintendent’s senior advisor on financial strategy, this role ensures that every dollar spent advances the district’s mission: Every Student. Every Dream. Every Day.
The Executive Director is responsible for developing and maintaining systems that promote fiscal integrity, sustainability, and transparency. This leader ensures that Battle Creek Public Schools remains financially healthy, compliant, and aligned with both the long‑term strategic plan and the district’s commitment to equity, excellence, and accountability.
Key Responsibilities Strategic Financial Leadership
Serve as a thought partner to the Superintendent and Cabinet in aligning financial resources to strategic priorities and student outcomes.
Lead the development of multi‑year financial projections, long‑range capital planning, and data‑informed fiscal forecasting.
Design and implement financial strategies that support district transformation, program sustainability, and continuous improvement.
Fiscal Management and Oversight
Oversee all accounting, budgeting, payroll, purchasing, grants, and financial reporting functions to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and GAAP.
Prepare and present clear, actionable financial reports and dashboards to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and community stakeholders.
Manage district investments, cash flow, debt service, and bonding activities with prudence and transparency.
Establish and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard district assets and ensure fiscal accountability.
Operational Excellence
Supervise and develop Business Office staff, cultivating a high‑performing and customer‑focused team culture.
Partner with district departments to strengthen financial systems, optimize processes, and build cross‑departmental accountability.
Oversee contracts, bids, and vendor relationships, ensuring the highest levels of efficiency, compliance, and integrity.
Governance and Communication
Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Education on fiscal and operational matters, including policy, audit, and budget development.
Provide clear and transparent financial analysis to guide board decision‑making.
Foster community confidence through proactive communication of financial performance and stewardship.
Benchmark district financial performance against peer districts across Michigan.
Identify opportunities for innovation, cost optimization, and resource alignment in support of teaching and learning.
Lead the district’s financial readiness for external reviews, audits, and bond ratings.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Superintendent.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s Degree preferred.
Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of progressive financial leadership experience; experience in public education or municipal finance preferred.
Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) Chief Financial Officer certification required (or ability to obtain within one year).
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation strongly preferred.
Proven success in strategic planning, financial forecasting, and leading organizational change.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, transparency, and ethical financial management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Deep understanding of Michigan school finance, state aid, and federal funding structures.
Exceptional analytical, forecasting, and problem‑solving abilities.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to build trust with diverse stakeholders.
High level of proficiency in financial software systems and data visualization tools.
Capacity to work collaboratively, think strategically, and operate with both urgency and precision.
Commitment to the mission and values of Battle Creek Public Schools.
Salary:
$143,155 - $170,166
+ Signing Bonus
Contract:
261 Days (12 Months)
The successful candidate will be subject to a fingerprint and background check as a condition of employment. All fees required for this check (estimated $73) are the responsibility of the applicant.
The Battle Creek Public School District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, handicap, sex, age, religion, national origin, weight, height or marital status in its employment practices.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Finance and Sales
Industries
Education Administration Programs
#J-18808-Ljbffr