Finance Operations Manager

Easton Public schools are highly rated public schools located in Easton, Massachusetts. With a solid foundation in our district Core Values and Transfer Goals, Easton creates a welcoming environment that focuses on creating a community where building strong relationships is a priority. We are committed to providing our faculty and staff with resources and opportunities for professional development throughout the year, as well as opportunities to connect and learn from each other. Easton Public Schools has a strong focus on celebrating the diversity of our community and taking active steps to create a school where all students feel a sense of belonging. About the Role: The Finance Operations Manager serves as a senior member of the Business Office team and supports the Director of Finance in the overall financial management and operational integrity of the school district. The position is responsible for ensuring compliance with GAAP, GASB, DESE, DOR, and other applicable state and federal regulations. Approximately 25% of the role is dedicated to payroll oversight, supervision, training, and internal control implementation. The Finance Operations Manager does not serve as the primary payroll processor but ensures payroll operations are accurate, compliant, well-documented, and audit-ready. The position also supports accounting operations, budget development and monitoring, grant compliance, audit preparation, food service financial oversight, and Business Office supervision. Essential Responsibilities Payroll Oversight, Supervision & Internal Controls (Approximately 25%) Provide supervisory oversight and professional support to payroll staff to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing. Develop, document, and implement payroll internal control procedures to strengthen compliance and audit readiness. Review payroll reports, reconciliations, and journal entries prior to posting to the general ledger. Ensure payroll compliance with collective bargaining agreements, salary schedules, stipends, longevity payments, retroactive adjustments, and contract provisions. Support payroll staff with training related to MTRS reporting, tax withholding requirements, benefit deductions, wage and hour compliance, and pay cycle management (21/26 pay schedules). Reconcile payroll accounts and ensure proper financial reporting alignment. Serve as liaison during payroll-related audits and prepare required documentation. Collaborate with Human Resources to ensure proper position control, salary alignment, and staffing reconciliation. Accounting & Financial Operations Assist the Director of Finance in the preparation and analysis of cost and expenditure reports reflecting the financial condition of the district. Analyze financial accounts, identify discrepancies, and prepare correcting journal entries for review and approval. Assist in the preparation of year-end financial statements and audit working papers. Prepare responses to inquiries regarding financial statements and fiscal matters. Ensure adherence to contractual obligations and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all financial operations. Budget Development & Monitoring Assist with the development, preparation, and ongoing monitoring of operating and grant budgets. Review purchase orders for compliance with general and federal budgets and chart of accounts requirements in accordance with DESE and DOR guidelines. Support financial analysis related to budget adjustments and projections. Grant Management & Reporting Assist with tracking grant activity and prepare, submit, and monitor grant-related financial reports and drawdown requests. Assist with specialized financial reporting related to grants, legal matters, medical services, and other assigned areas. Ensure compliance with federal and state grant requirements. Food Service Financial Compliance Assist in the administration of the food service program in compliance with federal and state requirements. Support processing and documentation related to free and reduced-price lunch applications and direct certification. Assist with required school lunch and breakfast observations and coordination of required staff training. Internal Oversight & Business Office Support Monitor, review, and audit school activity accounts to ensure compliance with district policies and regulations. Assist the Director of Finance with oversight, training, and support of Business Office and district personnel. Provide backup support for accounts payable functions as needed. Participate in required annual job-specific training as mandated by DESE and applicable regulations. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Finance. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field. Knowledge of GAAP and GASB standards. Knowledge of state reporting systems, Aspen, automated accounting systems, and standard accounting practices. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel and Google Workspace. Strong written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion. Ability to collaborate effectively with municipal leadership, district administration, staff, families, and stakeholders. Proof of U.S. citizenship, residency, or valid work authorization. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Director of Finance may find appropriate and acceptable. Preferred Qualifications Five (5) years of successful experience in school district accounting, including payroll oversight. Experience strengthening internal controls and financial documentation procedures. Experience working directly with auditors during annual financial statements, payroll, workers' compensation, and state-level audits. Supervisory experience overseeing finance or payroll personnel. Knowledge of ERP Enterprise (Munis) Salary Range: $78,000- $98,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.