Finance Director

Brown County invites a seasoned finance leader to join as Finance Director, directing the Department of Administration's accounting, accounts payable, financial reporting and budgeting functions. You will oversee county-wide forecasting, debt administration, and GAAP compliance, while advising the Director and other county leaders. This on-site opportunity is based in Green Bay, Wisconsin and requires a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a minimum of seven years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the department's accounting, accounts payable, financial reporting and budgeting activities.
• Assume primary responsibility for county-wide financial forecasting.
• Lead budget development and monitor adherence to approved plans.
• Direct financial accounting and reporting processes.
• Manage the County's debt program and related activities.
• Ensure county-wide compliance with state and federal requirements, County Board policies and applicable accounting standards and procedures.
• Serve as a key member of the Administration management team, analyzing all aspects of county finances and offering options and recommendations to the Director and other departments.
• Supervise Finance Division staff, including planning, scheduling and assigning work for general ledger, accounts payable and budget preparation.
• Provide instruction and training on computer applications and accounting procedures and policies.
• Counsel and consult with subordinate staff to exchange information, clarify guidelines, identify issues and develop solutions.
• Coordinate Finance division activities with other Administration staff, including the Director’s Office, Purchasing and Risk Divisions.
• Maintain GAAP-compliant financial reporting and ensure operations meet relevant regulations and standards.
• Maintain uniform policies for financial procedures, fiscal reporting, accounting methods, budget preparation and debt administration across the county.
• Oversee the design, selection and implementation of centralized financial systems, both manual and automated.
• Lead the preparation of county, state and federal financial reports, budgets and analyses; oversee the annual financial statements.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, annual and special reports.
• Provide guidance to department heads and staff to ensure effective administration of approved fiscal policies and programs.
• Coordinate the annual audit, review draft reports, respond to audit findings in writing and oversee corrective action implementation.
• Develop and maintain an annual and long-term debt management plan aligned with regulations and capital needs.
• Conduct financial impact analyses and prepare fiscal notes on leases, contracts and resolutions, making recommendations for approval or modification.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
• Minimum seven years of relevant governmental finance or accounting experience
• Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant preferred
• Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting principles and practices
• Strong knowledge of county and local government operations
• Solid understanding of financial record-keeping principles and techniques
• Proven management and supervisory skills
• Proficiency with computers and required financial software
• Ability to prepare and analyze complex reports, budgets and statements
• Experience in recommending, coordinating, implementing and maintaining financial information systems
• Ability to plan and direct the work of others
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build productive working relationships with staff and the public
• Willingness and ability to work the required hours

Budget Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor department budgets monthly to ensure alignment with Board-approved levels and policies
• Develop budget monitoring reports for the Director as needed
• Establish procedures to identify emerging budget issues, revenue shortfalls or expenditure overruns
• Assist departments with budget transfers following Board policy and guidelines
• Review budget transfers for policy and guideline compliance
• Collaborate with managers and staff from other departments to understand financial and budgetary issues and track revenue and expenditures

County Budget Development

• Assist the Director with the development of the annual County budget, including timelines, budget forms, reviewing other departments’ budgets for accuracy, and assisting with non-finance budgets as needed; participate as a member of the County Executive Budget Team; review local municipality tax apportionment
• Provide revenue and expense projections for the annual budget and long-term planning
• Contribute to key budget assumptions, including state and federal revenue projections, cost-to-continue increases and equalized value projections
• Analyze department revenue projections and 12-month estimates to ensure realistic budget projections
• Help develop budget policies, including fund balance targets, tax levels and long-term debt options