School District 197's Finance and Budget Department oversees day-to-day activities including processing payables, receivables, and student activity transactions. Department staff monitor activity to ensure funds spent are within guidelines established by the budget approved by the school board and that all expenditures are in compliance with Minnesota statute.

The department ensures the district meets all deadlines for submitting financial information to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). In addition, the department oversees the district budget process, assists the district's independent auditors during the audit, and works with Dakota County and the MDE to ensure the property tax levy process is completed.