Waseca County is hiring a Finance Manager to lead and oversee the county’s financial operations in a hands-on, onsite role based in Waseca, MN. This position manages key areas of county finance, including accounting, budgeting, reporting, treasury activities, investments, procurement, capital assets, and coordination of the annual audit.
Working within County policies and governmental accounting standards, the Finance Manager provides financial analysis, long-range recommendations, and ongoing support to departments. The role also helps maintain compliance with applicable rules and regulations while strengthening internal controls and financial processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide professional financial leadership through long-range financial planning, forecasting, investment management, debt administration, bond financing activities, and recommendations supporting fiscal health and long-term sustainability.
- Supervise assigned staff and administer personnel actions in accordance with County policies and procedures.
- Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard County assets and ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations.
- Identify control deficiencies, operational risks, and process inefficiencies, then implement corrective actions.
- Monitor changes to accounting standards, laws, and regulations and update policies and procedures as needed.
- Direct and oversee countywide accounting operations, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and financial reporting.
- Ensure financial transactions and records are processed accurately and timely in accordance with governmental accounting standards, state and federal regulations, and County policies.
- Support the annual budget process with financial analysis, forecasting, revenue and expenditure projections, and recommendations.
- Assist departments with budget development and monitor financial performance throughout the fiscal year.
- Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc financial reports, including financial statements, schedules, and supporting documentation.
- Coordinate the annual audit process and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
- Monitor and manage cash flow, banking relationships, investments, debt obligations, and related financing activities, including compliance with investment policies, state statutes, and collateralization requirements.
- Oversee banking activities such as account monitoring, deposit activity, cash transfers, investment transactions, and reconciliation review.
- Evaluate cash flow needs and recommend investment strategies balancing liquidity, safety, and return on investment.
- Coordinate debt management activities including bond issuances, refinancing opportunities, debt service planning, and compliance with debt obligations; assist with preparation of financing documents with financial advisors, bond counsel, underwriters, and other external partners.
- Support credit profile monitoring and bond rating review activities, including communications with rating agencies and preparation of materials related to maintaining or improving bond ratings.
- Develop, recommend, implement, and administer purchasing and procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with County policies, state statutes, bidding requirements, and sound financial practices.
- Oversee the capital asset program, including acquisition, tracking, depreciation, reporting, inventory controls, and disposal, ensuring compliance with governmental accounting standards for capital assets.
- Provide oversight of financial management systems and accounting software applications, coordinating maintenance, upgrades, testing, and process improvements in collaboration with IT staff, vendors, and County departments.
- Provide guidance and technical assistance to departments regarding budgeting, accounting procedures, financial reporting, internal controls, purchasing procedures, and regulatory compliance.
- Assist with election administration activities as assigned and support related initiatives and special projects.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as apparent or assigned, including maintaining compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, County policies, and departmental procedures.
Requirements
- Proficient in operating standard office equipment and using computer programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, email systems, database software, and specialized applications.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling, data analysis, and reporting.
- Ability to learn and effectively utilize County financial and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
- Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles, practices, and procedures, including Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
- Knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, auditing, treasury management, investments, debt management, and internal controls.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and reporting requirements affecting local government finance.
- Ability to prepare, analyze, and interpret complex financial statements, reports, and accounting records.
- Ability to reconcile, balance, and verify financial transactions and accounts.
- Knowledge of public finance, municipal debt issuance, bond ratings, treasury management, and governmental budgeting practices.
- Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Capable of independently managing projects from conception through completion.
- Proficient in business communication and professional writing, with strong verbal and written communication skills across diverse audiences.
- Skilled in data collection, analysis, organization, and evaluation for accuracy, compliance, and problem-solving.
- Proficient in using analytical tools and applying logical and creative thinking to develop solutions to complex challenges.
- Exercises sound judgment in critical decision-making and problem resolution; able to set objectives, evaluate outcomes, and identify areas for improvement.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, auditors, financial institutions, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders.
Technology
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Microsoft Excel
- Email systems
- Database software
- Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
Education and Experience
- Minimum experience: 5 years
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) or similar professional certification
Pay and Work Location
- Location: In person, Waseca, MN
- Compensation: $83,657.60 - $110,427.20 per year (USD 83,657 - 110,427)
Benefits
- Dental insurance
- Dependent care reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Application: Qualified applicants must complete a job application. Instructions are available at https://www.co.waseca.mn.us/jobs.aspx. For a complete job description, qualifications, or to apply, visit www.wasecacounty.gov.
