Finance Director

Oversees countywide financial operations and supports executive decision-making through accurate accounting, budgeting, and internal control management.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage county fiscal activities and accounting systems to support accounting and reporting needs while complying with local, state, and federal regulations and professional practices, including participating in planning, establishing fiscal systems and policies, reviewing and interpreting accounting/reporting guidelines (e.g., Federal circulars and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), and working with the county commission and department heads
• Research and evaluate accounting guidelines and standards to ensure county compliance, including areas such as cash flow reporting for proprietary programs, indirect cost proposals, federal contract accounting requirements, and tracking/reporting loans, payments, and related transactions; provide fiscal guidance and consultation to other county managers
• Evaluate agency financial transactions to support sound financial management, including monitoring cash and fixed asset management, accounting transactions, and reporting; ensuring internal controls and separation of duties are implemented and administered; reviewing/investigating large, unusual, and high-risk transactions and recommending policies, internal control systems, and/or improved management practices to the Commission
• Analyze program expenditures to confirm funding is allocated as designated and to track funding levels via review of financial reports and expenditures; review and approve requisitions, payrolls, expense claims, vendor claims, and related items to keep spending within budgets and support efficient use of county resources
• Develop accurate and timely fiscal reports to meet county, state, and federal reporting requirements and provide timely information for executive decisions, including evaluating regulations, establishing reporting formats, validating and assessing data propriety, and synthesizing/configuring data into compliant reporting formats
• Coordinate and oversee the final review and approval of major financial transactions, including agency payroll journals, budget allocations, requisitions, claims, accruals, and journal vouchers, to ensure statutory compliance, efficient workflow, and fiscal processing by county staff; provide advanced technical guidance to county departments on accounting, purchasing, budgeting, payroll, time clock management, property control, and revenue collections
• Analyze and project agency fiscal needs, revenues, and expenditures to support program planning and budget development, including assessing economic factors (revenues, expenditures, historical patterns, ordinances, legislation) and interviewing managers to determine program needs and evaluate funding options
• Conduct budget planning and fiscal analysis to support accurate county budget development and administration, including developing and compiling budget allocations, recommending budget justifications with supporting data, assessing impacts of proposed budget changes, developing cost and revenue projections, and evaluating cost-effectiveness
• Allocate biennial budgets based on County Commission intent and specific appropriations; analyze budget components to justify budget requests and provide recommendations/support to the Commission
• Analyze legislative changes and legal opinions related to taxation strategies and implementations that may extend into perpetuity without reliance on third parties
• Monitor and evaluate budget and expenditure activity to identify and resolve errors, deficiencies, conflicts, inconsistencies, and other problems; coordinate to verify financial data; evaluate long-term budget impacts; and develop, negotiate, and implement solutions consistent with statutory requirements and state/department policies
• Compile and submit detailed budget requests, amendments, operational plan changes, funding transfers, and related items to the county commission for review/approval; coordinate development and submission of all fiscal year end transactions including accruals, encumbrances, and budget adjustments for accurate program accounting and future financial support
• Oversee county payroll functions to ensure consistency with agency policies and procedures, including directing and overseeing payroll processes, travel/leave tracking, and related activities; coordinate with the Human Resource Manager for consistent personnel policy and benefits application; monitor personal services budgets and transactions to identify and resolve deficiencies
• Coordinate and oversee data and records management to ensure accessibility, security, and accuracy of essential program data (financial reports, agency payroll information, asset and inventory data); work with management and IT staff on data collection/transfer procedures; monitor data management systems effectiveness; oversee quality control reviews; and ensure compliance with records retention requirements

Requirements

• Education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public or Business Administration
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in Government Accounting
• Knowledge of accounting and budget development and administration
• Knowledge of GAAP, fiscal planning (principles and practices of budget/program development), budget forecasting, governmental accounting and budgeting, bond issuance, the county budgeting process, grant reporting, contract administration, and records management
• Skill in budgeting, program management, and plan implementation; use of standard office and specialized accounting software applications; ability to program and utilize electronic time clock software solutions; excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct short and long-term fiscal management programs
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and explain complex financial data
• Ability to apply analysis and judgment to solve routine, unusual, and unprecedented financial and budgetary problems
• Ability to communicate effectively and negotiate consensus
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, and to motivate and direct staff to meet Department goals

Technologies

• Standard office and specialized accounting software applications
• Electronic time clock software solutions

Work Unit Overview

• The Office of Budget and Finance improves accountability and effectiveness of county government by providing efficient innovative services, public policy analysis, and fiscal expertise supporting all county agencies
• Services include: Accounting, Budgeting, Investments, Asset Management, and Purchasing/Payments