SPECIALIST II - PROJECT MANAGEMENT (FINANCE)

The Project Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful planning, execution, and delivery of projects in the Office of Finance. Collaborating closely with stakeholders, technical teams, and vendors to ensure that projects are completed on time, within scope, and to the highest quality standards. This position will also be responsible for analysis, design, testing system upgrades and changes. They will be producing complex financial reports to assist financial reporting, grant accounting and other finance functions. Exceptional communication skills coupled with technical attention to detail will enable to drive cross-functional teams to success, better financial reporting, and improved processes in the organization. This role involves supporting the accounting function by identifying, improving, and developing solutions that drive Finance and district wide goals to optimize accounting and information systems.

Salary Range $87,000 - $125,355 (12-month)

Applications for the following position are being accepted by the Office of Human Resources through Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

A current resume must be attached to the completed application. Additionally, ALL candidates must attach transcripts confirming the required Bachelor's degree (unofficial transcripts can be submitted, however official transcripts will be required upon hire).

• If you are unable to electronically attach these documents, you must notify human resources that you are sending hard copies.

If you are selected for the next stage of the interview process, you will be contacted, via email, to submit three electronic professional references. Identified references will receive an online reference check to complete.

No applications or application materials will be accepted after the deadline date.

Appointment is subject to a criminal background check, a drug/alcohol test and credential verification.

If you have any questions, please contact Cassandra Morales-Salcedo at morac2@milwaukee.k12.wi.us or 414-777-7879.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or similar is required.
• PMI, Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Two (2) to three (3) years of finance and school operations experience required.
• Five years of project management experience, preferred.

A combination of education and experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proven experience in project management, specifically leading projects involving finance departments.
• Proficiency in using project management software and tools to develop and manage project plans, timelines, and resources.
• Familiarity with finance-related systems, including a solid understanding of their functionalities.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving abilities, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues.
• Strong organizational and critical thinking skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated success of delivering projects on time, within scope, and meeting or exceeding quality standards.
• Exceptional communication skills: verbal, written, analytical, and presentation.
• Must be self-motivated, flexible, adaptable, resourceful, and must be able to work independently.
• The ability to work under pressure with many projects and differing deadlines is critical.
• Must be able to collaborate effectively with all levels of management, cross-functionally, and with a diverse population.
• Advanced technology skills with experience using MS Office software and various internal accounting systems are required.

• Leads end-to-end project management for initiatives involving Office of Finance projects, from initiation to completion.
• Develops comprehensive project plans, timelines, and resource allocation strategies to ensure the successful execution of projects.
• Regularly updates and reports project status to stakeholders and senior management, highlighting achievements, challenges, and upcoming milestones.
• Coordinates and helps lead the creation of goals and plans for project execution.
• Creates presentations, reports, communications, and operational dashboards related to project status, and maintains project documentation and files.
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders, including functional teams, technology, and leadership, to define scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Collaborates with accounting and IT teams to resolve functional setup issues and sophisticated system problems to support monthly closes and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Coordinates and communicates effectively with teams, ensuring a clear understanding of project requirements and alignment on goals.
• Monitors project progress using appropriate project management tools, identifying potential roadblocks, and proactively implementing solutions to keep projects on track.
• Uses technologies to set up collaborative spaces for workgroups.
• Coordinates and maintains schedules of meetings and personnel required for project completion.
• Manages project budgets, resources, and risks to ensure projects are delivered within financial parameters and meet or exceed quality standards.
• Acts as a point of contact for any project-related queries, providing timely and accurate responses to ensure transparency and clarity.
• Drives continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and applying best practices to future projects.
• Actively supports the MPS Strategic Plan.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The Milwaukee Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, activities, facilities, employment, or educational opportunities on the basis of a person's sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Reasonable accommodations requested by qualified individuals with disabilities will be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, every applicant for a position with Milwaukee Public Schools will be subject to the open records law. Any applicant not wishing to have his/her identity released, must submit a written statement to that effect to the Office of Human Resources. The identities of all "final candidates" may be released. Milwaukee Public Schools reserves the right to interview the best qualified candidates.