A school business manager, also referred to as a bursar, is in charge of a school’s day-to-day financial operations. A school business manager typically has a wide range of responsibilities, but the scope of those responsibilities varies depending on the size of the educational institution. School business managers are frequently employed in administrative offices that serve an entire school district, but they may also work in a postsecondary institution.
A school business manager’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the school’s daily operations run as smoothly as possible. They must ensure that the school complies with all laws — local, federal, and state — and thus must be familiar with those laws. They also make many, if not all, of the school’s financial decisions and are frequently required to submit budgets to the school’s governing body. This job necessitates a thorough understanding of accounting, and many schools require their school business managers to have at least three years of experience in the field.
Aside from accounting experience, educational requirements vary depending on the type of school one works at, as well as the school’s size and resources. Most positions necessitate at least a bachelor’s degree, which is frequently in accounting or business. Because schools face unique challenges, having a background in education is beneficial and, in some cases, required. A master’s or doctoral degree in education administration is one option; some schools require this level of knowledge before hiring a school business manager.
Running the school’s Human Resources department, taking care of payroll, creating and negotiating labor contracts with employees, purchasing, and overseeing transportation are just a few of the more specific responsibilities a school business manager may have. These responsibilities are in addition to preparing the school’s budget and adhering to all applicable laws. A school business manager is frequently in charge of preparing the governing body’s annual report.
The pay scale for a school business manager varies greatly depending on his educational background. The location and size of the school are also factors in determining the salary of a school business manager. The higher the school, the more money you’ll make. Furthermore, suburban schools typically pay a business manager more than rural schools.