Description

Job Purpose

An employee in this class performs advanced professional and managerial work in the administration, oversight, and accounting of County financial operations. Work involves oversight of general ledger accounting, grant and capital project accounting, fixed asset management, risk management, bank reconciliations, and other complex financial functions. Serves as the senior financial manager providing technical leadership, guidance, and direction to finance staff in areas of accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger accounting and maintenance, bank reconciliations, and other financial operations. The employee must exercise judgment and initiative in identifying and resolving the daily problems and activities of the fiscal control system. Work requires thorough knowledge and application of generally accepted accounting principles, Governmental Accounting Standards Board pronouncements, the North Carolina Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act, applicable state and federal requirements, County ordinances, and established financial policies and procedures. The employee performs responsibilities with a significant degree of independence, receiving instruction and advice only on matters involving significant departure from established policy, assisting the Finance Director in any phase of the fiscal operations. Work is performed under the supervision of the Finance Director.

Main duties

Advises the Finance Director on matters affecting County financial operations;

Provides direct supervision, training, technical guidance and performance management to assigned Finance staff; reviews work for accuracy, completeness, compliance, and adherence to established deadlines and procedures;

Assists in the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of internal controls and financial policies and procedures to safeguard County assets, ensure accurate financial reporting, and promote compliance with applicable laws and policies;

Maintains effective, efficient financial accounting systems in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles; 

Coordinates and performs key aspects of the annual financial audit and preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, including preparation and review of schedules, workpapers, reconciliations, financial statements, notes, and audit requests. Assists in coordinating responses to audit findings and implementation of corrective actions; 

Plans, organizes, and directs assigned departmental activities and daily priorities: cash management, debt management, accounts payable/receivable, audit, payroll, capital project financing, fixed assets, and purchasing; 

Serves as resource for departmental staff as needed, providing advice and consultation on financial matters and assisting in identifying problems and solutions; 

Provides necessary data for development of annual revenue and expense forecasts; 

Works with the Finance Director and the County Manager’s Office to prepare and present financial analyses to elected officials and other key stakeholders; 

Maintains current knowledge and familiarity with guidelines established through NC Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act and with standards and procedures issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board and assists with implementation of applicable GASB pronouncements and changes in federal, state, and local requirements;

Assists in preparation of departmental budgets, annual operating and capital budgets, monitors expenditures and prepares budget adjustments;

Coordinates and performs month-end and fiscal year-end closing processes, including preparation and review of journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and other closing procedures necessary to ensure accurate financial reporting;

May approve purchase orders and other purchasing documents on behalf of the Finance Director and Purchasing Coordinator within authority delegated by the Finance Director;

Communicates with and advises department directors and other departmental staff of budget or expenditure problems;

Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policy and procedures;

Assists the Finance Director in carrying out statutory and administrative responsibilities and, when specifically designated or authorized, acts on behalf of the Finance Director during the Finance Director’s absence.

Requirements

Required qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business or a related field and four years of progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting and financial management, including supervisory or leadership experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred qualifications

NC Certified Local Government Finance Officer certification or ability to obtain certification in two years.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of general laws and administrative policies governing county and local government financial practices and procedures;

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and laws of accounting, and bond financing in government;

Knowledge of the principles and practices of a government purchasing system;

Ability to analyze complex financial information and make recommendations based on financial, operational, and legal considerations;

Ability to prepare and present complex and detailed fiscal reports of a financial nature to the Board of Commissioners or other governing bodies or state and federal agencies;

Ability to supervise the development and installation of accounting systems and procedures;

Ability to prepare and to interpret financial reports;

 Ability to plan, organize and direct the work of employees in fields of accounting, payroll administration, statistical reporting, and investments;

Ability to conduct long-range fiscal planning 

Physical Requirements 

Work is generally sedentary requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. Employee must have visual acuity to be able to prepare and analyze data and figures for accounting, perform extensive reading, operate a computer and other office equipment, determine accuracy and thoroughness of work, observe general surroundings and activities. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

Special Requirements

All employees should possess a valid North Carolina driver’s license.

All employees may be requested to perform other duties as assigned. 

All employees may be required to assist county operations during a State of Emergency, disaster or other county event.