The Business Manager serves as the chief financial and operational officer of the Palmyra-Eagle Area School District under the direct supervision of the Superintendent. This administrative leadership position is responsible for managing fiscal resources, business office operations, human resources, and District support services to ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local mandates while maintaining sound financial stewardship to advance the educational mission of the District.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
The Business Manager oversees and provides administrative leadership to the following personnel and functional departments:
- Business Office Staff: Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll & Benefits Specialist.
- Food Service Department: Food Service Director and overall program operation.
- Technology Department: Director of Technology / IT Staff;
- Buildings & Grounds Department: Buildings & Grounds Director and facilities operational activities.
Essential Functions & Key Responsibilities:
- Budgeting, Financial Planning & Analysis
- Develops, monitors, and manages the annual District budget in collaboration with the Superintendent and administrative leadership team; presents the budget for Board review and adoption.
- Conducts periodic financial modeling and projections to evaluate district trends and support strategic board decision-making. Ie. Use the Baird Budget Mode
- Establishes and maintains an effective system of budget control across all funds, revenue streams, and school programs.
- Recognizes, forecasts, and maximizes revenue sources from local, state, and federal levels (including equalization aids, grants, and categorical funding).
- Explores alternative, innovative funding mechanisms and efficiency measures to maximize fiscal resources.
- Accounting, Audit & State/Federal Reporting
- Maintains an accurate fiscal accounting system fully aligned with Wisconsin Uniform Financial Accounting Requirements (WUFAR).
- Prepares and submits required financial reports to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), federal agencies, and local governing bodies.
- Coordinates the annual independent financial audit process with external auditors to ensure complete regulatory compliance and transparent reporting.
- Oversees accounts payable, accounts receivable, grant accounting, inventory, and reimbursement claims processing across all District programs.
- Manages cash flow, short-term borrowing procedures when necessary, and invests excess district funds in compliance with Board policy and state statutes.
- Payroll, Human Resources & Benefits Administration
- Collaborates with the Superintendent to manage Human Resources operations
- Researches, analyzes, and models compensation packages, health insurance options, and retirement benefits for employee groups.
- Operational Support, Risk Management & Procurement
- Manages Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and vendor contracts for student transportation, food service operations, technology infrastructure, copier leases, and audit services.
- Maintains comprehensive district insurance coverage, including property, liability, vehicle, worker's compensation, and employee benefits.
- Coordinates with the Food Service Director, Technology Director, and Buildings & Grounds Director to ensure smooth operational alignment and facility safety.
Professional Competencies & Leadership Profile:
- Financial Intelligence & Analytical Skill: Advanced competency in accounting principles, school finance modeling (Baird Budget Model), and WUFAR compliance.
- Organizational Leadership: Demonstrated capacity for strategic decision-making, resource allocation, change management, and problem resolution.
- Communication & Interpersonal Ability: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills for reporting complex financial data clearly to the Board, staff, and public.
- Regulatory & Legal Knowledge: Knowledge of DPI regulations, Wisconsin state statutes, federal educational grant guidelines, and public purchasing laws.
Education:
Bachelor's degree required (Master's degree preferred) in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or Educational Leadership.
Licensure:
Wisconsin DPI School Business Administrator License (License #5008) preferred or eligibility for the same. Candidates with strong financial background and willingness to pursue licensure will be considered.
Experience:
Minimum of 2 years experience in public school finance, municipal accounting, or business administration preferred. Supervisory experience in payroll, benefits, and auxiliary services preferred.
The Palmyra-Eagle Area School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment against properly qualified and eligible individuals by reason of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, citizenship, religion, sex, age, handicap, disability, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability, membership in the national guard, state defense force, or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States or Wisconsin, arrest record, conviction record not substantially related to a person's job or activity in school, or the use of lawful products by individuals off school premises during non-working hours, as required by Wisconsin Statute 118.12, 118.13 or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy also prohibits discrimination as defined by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (sex), Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race and national origin), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (disability).
Notice to applicants: If you require accommodation(s) in the application and/or interview process, please inform us.