Finance Officer

The Finance Officer leads the Huerfano County Government Finance Department, onsite in Walsenburg, Colorado. This role directs budgeting, financial reporting, grant administration, and compliance with laws and internal controls, with oversight of financial statements, audits, long-term debt, and the county's annual budget. The position offers a salary of $70,000 to $80,000 per year.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key member of the Department Head team to identify action plans for diverse organizational needs, develop short and long‑term strategies, and provide staff with the tools and guidance to achieve goals.
• Provide professional counsel to the County Administrator and Board of County Commissioners on financial matters.
• Review proposed ordinances, regulations, and plans for accuracy and feasibility.
• Deliver presentations to the Board of County Commissioners, boards, commissions, and the public.
• Compile information required for budgets and prepare accompanying documents.
• Oversee the preparation and review of budget documents, policies, and forecasts for fund balance sufficiency and fiscal soundness.
• Administer grants across the county and ensure proper accounting, grantor compliance, and timely financial reporting.
• Monitor grant expenditures and revenue reimbursements to maintain alignment with grant terms.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to county finance, including standards set by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board.
• Manage financial controls and accounting procedures to safeguard resources.
• Prepare audit reports and maintain transparency regarding the county’s financial performance.
• Oversee payroll, accounts payable, and accounts receivable to ensure compliance with procedures, timeliness, and accuracy.
• Monitor quarterly tax payments and the year‑end payroll process.
• Provide leadership and collaborate with staff to plan, develop, and implement the department’s vision, programs, processes, and projects.
• Develop strategic plans, assemble resources, and coordinate activities with other departments, external partners, and the public.
• Promote innovation and enhancements in Finance Department operations by adjusting structure, methods, and procedures.
• Ensure efficient operation and ongoing maintenance of the department and adherence to established policies.
• Direct staff performance, ensure resource optimization, and supervise department operations to meet goals.
• Evaluate departmental work to measure effectiveness and progress toward objectives.
• Oversee division workloads, assignments, and teamwork to prevent duplication and meet customer expectations.
• Recruit, assign, schedule, evaluate, and direct subordinates; delegate tasks appropriately.
• Recommend personnel actions including hiring, promotions, evaluations, corrective or disciplinary actions, and separations.
• Prepare, present, and monitor the department’s annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and efficient use of resources.
• Control costs, manage budgets, and optimize the use of personnel, capital improvements, and equipment to meet objectives.
• Maintain the fixed assets database and reconcile related reports.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and inform them of matters requiring attention.
• Ensure department compliance with applicable policies, rules, regulations, and laws.
• Manage daily financial correspondence by email, mail, and phone; process vouchers and invoices as requested.
• Process recurring invoices, lease payments, and insurance matters as required.
• Reconcile the County Health Pool, prepare supporting documentation, and inform payroll monthly.
• Reconcile miscellaneous accounts and prepare appropriate journal entries.
• Process annual insurance premiums and renewal documents; reconcile county credit card payments.
• Oversee and assist payroll with quarterly and year‑end earnings and withholdings, and prepare W‑2 forms.
• Conduct year‑end closings and respond to inquiries from patrons, civic groups, and governmental or professional meetings.
• Build and maintain relationships with external agencies, other local governments, private stakeholders, and community groups to support planning goals and programs.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience to thoroughly understand the department’s objectives and functions and to direct and coordinate work accordingly.
• Related experience may substitute for education; education cannot substitute for required experience.
• Valid Colorado driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• Knowledge of governmental budgeting, accounting, and auditing principles, methods, and processes; public administration theory as it applies to fiscal management of government programs; applicable federal, state, and local laws and policies; and grant financial management.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency with computer systems and knowledge of payroll principles, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to interact effectively with employees and maintain professional working relationships with stakeholders.
• Willingness to perform additional tasks, including filling in for other staff as needed; may require alternate schedules or locations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate clearly with supervisors and colleagues.
• Understanding and adherence to all County and Departmental policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, handle pressure, and adapt to changing assignments.
• Colorado Bureau of Investigation Proper System Usage Training within 30 days of hire.
• Incident Command System Training ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 within one year of hire.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Physical Demands

• The majority of work is sedentary in an office setting with intermittent light physical activity.
• May require walking or standing for extended periods; lifting up to 20 pounds; climbing stairs; bending.

Unusual Demands

• Work is subject to frequent interruptions and inflexible deadlines.