Holyoke Public Schools Holyoke , MA 01041
Posted 2 weeks ago
DISTRICT OVERVIEW
Holyoke Public Schools is a PK-12 public school district serving 5,000 students, of whom 80 percent are
Latino/Latina, in 14 schools/sites. We employ nearly 1,300 people who together educate and support a
richly diverse community of learners. We've invested in recruiting and retaining top quality educators
who inspire bold thinking, recognize student potential, and encourage all students to work towards their
goals. The City of Holyoke, with a population of about 38,000 residents, is in Hampden County within the
Pioneer Valley region of western Massachusetts.
Our Equity Commitments are pledges we are making to address systemic equity challenges.
We intentionally build a community that is anti-racist, inclusive, and culturally responsive.
We ensure that students, families, and staff get the support they need to be successful.
We seek out and incorporate the voices of those impacted, with a commitment to include those who have been excluded in the past.
We promote access and inclusion for all students, staff, and families.
We respect, embrace and honor the diversity of our students, families, staff, and community.
We reflect on our own behavior to minimize harm to others.
We create a culture of acceptance and empathy so that everyone feels valued and is able to contribute to our community's success.
HPS was placed into receivership by the State of Massachusetts in Spring 2015 because of struggling
performance. We have since implemented a Turnaround Plan that has led to expanded opportunities for
students to explore the arts, sports, sciences, local and world cultures, early college and work-based
learning. Since 2015, HPS has experienced numerous accomplishments for instance:
A 14-point increase in the district's graduation rate;
Doubling access to PreK programming;
Nearly 20% of students in PreK-8 are enrolled in dual language (Spanish/English) programming;
An 85 percent increase in access to early college programming; and
A 15-point increase (to 28%) in teachers of color
FINANCE DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The HPS finance team ensures that the operating budget is designed to achieve our mission to ensure
that all students graduate prepared to excel in college, career and community leadership. The current
year budget is $113 million. The finance department includes the functions of budgeting, accounting,
accounts payable, revenue, grants, and procurement. The finance team usually comprises 8-10
individuals who work collaboratively with other departments, especially Human Resources, and schools.
The work environment is dynamic, fast-paced, and mission-oriented.
POSITION OVERVIEW
A financial analyst helps develop and manage department and school budgets. This includes
responsibilities like: compiling data, developing financial reports, accounting, analyzing and monitoring
finances, forecasting, reconciling revenues and expenditures, and recording revenue. The Financial
Analyst must be able to handle several projects at any given time. This position is an ideal opportunity
for someone who has strong analytical and/or financial skills and cares about providing strong customer
service to people who work in schools.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position (Monday-Friday) in the HPS central office. Extra hours are
required on occasion to accomplish key tasks during busy times.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Operations
Accounts and reports all district activities including general operations and grants including financial statement preparation and reporting, budget preparation and analysis, payroll management, performance reporting measures, grant reporting and compliance auditing
Forecasts revenues and expenditures, analyzes spending and implements cost control measures to align spending with authorized appropriation limits
Identifies and monitors key budget and policy issues
Implements corrective actions identified in audits
Develops and implements the annual operating budget, in coordination with other finance team members
Records and accounts for revenue, and process checks
Data and Technology
Compiles data from multiple sources in order to identify trends, prepare reports, and analyze the financial health of the district for current and future years
Uses data to advise on efficient operation of the Office of Business and Financial Services
? Navigates and maintains data on a host of financial software and relational databases
Customer Service and Communications
Communicates and maintains positive relationships with a wide array of constituents including district leaders, principals, support staff, and vendors
Acts as a business liaison to schools and departments by offering consultation and support on best practices, procurement, financial management, applicable laws, regulations, policies and processes
Other responsibilities as assigned.
PREFERRED CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
Experience, skills, traits, and beliefs:
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or University with a major in accounting, finance or similar field of study plus 1+ years experience in accounting, finance, data, or related environment OR high school or associate's degree with five (5) years of relevant experience with school finance
Must possess strong computer skills in Microsoft Office or Google Drive, especially with Excel/Sheets
Must be a team player and able to work well with others, as well as work independently
Traits we value: Accuracy and careful attention to detail, Reliability, Ability to apply new learning, Communication, Prioritization, Team Player, Ability to work independently
Experience with MUNIS or other financial/accounting software preferred
Municipal accounting or school business experience preferred
Regular and punctual attendance is a requirement
Certain situations may require longer hours to complete duties
Reports To: Budget Manager
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
$46,000-$54,000 commensurate with experience.
START DATE: As soon as possible
Holyoke Public Schools