Simplifying Michigan School Finance: Navigating Complex Financial Management

By Erica Metcalf

Effective fiscal management is critical to the success of any school district, and Michigan schools face unique challenges in navigating the complexities of financial regulations, reporting requirements, and compliance standards.  

At Maner Costerisan, we understand these challenges and are here to provide dedicated, hands-on support to simplify the fiscal management process for Michigan schools.  

Dedicated to School Finance  

School finance services benefit from the expertise of a highly skilled team. The Maner team includes professionals such as an Assistant Superintendent and Finance Director with nearly thirty years of experience in Michigan schools and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) with school finance, auditing, and compliance knowledge. Our team also includes bank reconciliation and Excel specialists who can ensure your financial records are accurate, up-to-date, and properly reconciled.

In addition to this specialized education team, you also gain access to the resources of a full-service CPA firm, including school district auditors and payroll and tax specialists, who provide a broad range of support for all your district’s financial needs.  

Services Designed to Support Michigan School Districts  

Maner Costerisan offers a full suite of services tailored to help Michigan school districts manage their finances effectively and efficiently. Here are some of the key services: 

• Audit Preparation: We prepare your district for audits by ensuring that applicable documentation, reports, and work papers are in order, making the audit process as smooth and stress-free as possible.  
• Bank Reconciliation: Our specialists reconcile your financial records regularly, ensuring that your accounts are accurate and up-to-date and promptly resolving any discrepancies.  
• Month-End Assistance: A strong month-end process is vital for a successful budget and year-end process. We assist with reporting, reconciling, and accurately preparing your finances for the next month.  
• Property Tax Reconciliation: We assist with property tax reconciliations, providing the necessary information for your Financial Advisor to complete your annual calculations and disclosure statement.  
• Budget Preparation: We guide you in creating clear, sustainable budgets that reflect your priorities and meet the needs of your district and community.  
• Grant Assistance: Navigating the world of grants can be challenging. Our team helps you identify, apply for, manage, and reconcile grants, ensuring they support your district’s goals.  
• State and Federal Reporting Assistance: Our team can assist you in preparing your FID submission and help with State and Federal reporting requirements.  
• MPSERS and ORS Assistance: We offer support with ORS Employer Reporting and payroll department reconciliation services.  
• Calendar Year-End Tax Assistance: Our team can simplify the year-end process by completing and filing your 1095-C/1094 and 1099 reports.  
• Training & Mentoring: Our training services empower your team, including superintendents, business managers, finance staff, and school board members with the knowledge to make informed decisions and comply with Michigan’s school finance regulations.  
• Policy, Procedure, and Process Development: We help you develop and implement policies, procedures, and internal controls that align with best practices and state requirements, safeguarding your financial data and resources.  
• Full-Service Business Office Services: For districts needing additional daily support, we offer full-service business office solutions to manage day-to-day fiscal operations, allowing your team to focus on educational success.  

Why Choose Maner Costerisan?  

Michigan school finance is unique, and understanding the local impact of financial decisions is key to maintaining a healthy and sustainable fiscal environment for your district. You can rely on Maner’s decades of experience and team of trusted experts to help you navigate Michigan’s school finance landscape.   

When staffing changes occur or incoming staff may need assistance learning Michigan school finance, we work alongside you to fully customize the services you need. Our team can develop a comprehensive plan that builds the knowledge and understanding required to protect the long-term sustainability of your district’s finances.  

If you are ready to simplify school finance and ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of your financial operations, or if you need assistance with budget development or bank account reconciliations, the Maner education team is here. We are ready to partner with you and provide the specific level of support your district needs to thrive in Michigan’s ever-evolving educational landscape. Email us at maner@manercpa.com or call 517.323.7500 today.