This position directs and supervises the accounting, accounts payable, financial reporting, and budget functions of the Department of Administration. Specifically, this position has direct responsibility for county-wide financial forecasting, budget development and monitoring, financial accounting and reporting, and administration of the County’s debt program. This position also insures county-wide compliance with state laws, federal regulations, County Board policies and pertinent accounting standards, methods, policies and procedures. This position is a key member of the Administration management team and is responsible for analyzing all aspects of county finances and providing advice, recommendations and options to the Director of Administration, management and staff in other county departments.

Supervise and manage Finance Division staff including planning, scheduling and assigning work related to preparation of the general ledger, accounts payable and budget preparation. Instruct and train employees on a variety of computer applications, proper procedures and policies on technical accounting issues.

Confer with and counsel subordinate staff to exchange information and/or explain work policies, procedures and guidelines, identify work related problems and formulate possible solutions.

Ensure the coordination of Finance division activities with other staff in the Department of Administration including staff in the Director’s Office, Purchasing and Risk Divisions.

Ensure that the County’s financial accounting reporting is in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP) and that the County’s financial operations conform to pertinent regulations, standards and guidelines.

Maintain county-wide uniform policies related to financial procedures, fiscal reporting, accounting methods, budget preparation and debt administration.

Oversee design, selection, and implementation of all manual and automated systems for the County’s centralized financial systems.

Supervise and direct the preparation of all county, state, and federal financial reports, budgets, financial analysis and studies of revenues, expenditures, assets, liabilities, and equities; oversee development of County’s annual financial statements.

Assure accurate and timely preparation of monthly, annual, and other routine or special purpose reports.

Provide advice, counsel and direction to all department heads and staff to the extent necessary to ensure effective administration and implementation of approved fiscal policies, plans and programs.

Coordinate the annual audit, review draft reports prior to finalizing the audit, prepare written response to audit findings and oversee implementation of necessary corrective action to address audit findings.

Develop and maintain annual and long-term debt management plan that is in accordance with federal, state and county regulations and that provides a consistent source of funds for capital improvements.

Conduct financial impact analyses and prepare fiscal notes as required on leases, contracts, resolutions and make recommendations for approval and/or changes to leases, contracts, etc.

BUDGET MONITORING AND REPORTING:

Monitor department budgets on a monthly basis to ensure departments are operating within budgeted levels as approved by the Board and consistent with budget policies and procedures.

Develop budget monitoring reports and present to the Director as required.

Develop and implement procedures to identify emerging budget issues, revenue shortfalls or expenditure overruns by departments.

Assist departments in preparing budget transfers consistent with Board policy and operating budget guidelines.

Review budget transfers to ensure compliance with Board policy and operating budget guidelines.

Work with managers and staff in other departments to understand financial and budgetary issues and monitor revenue and expenditure status.

COUNTY BUDGET DEVELOPMENT:

Assist the Director with development of annual County budget, including: developing timeframes and budget forms; analyzing/reviewing other department’s budgets for accuracy; assisting departments with budget preparation; preparing non-finance department budgets as needed; making recommendations as member of County Executive Budget Team; reviewing tax apportionment for local municipalities.

Report revenue and expense projections for annual budget and long-term planning purposes.

Assist with the development of key budget assumptions including state and federal revenue projections, cost-to-continue increases and equalized value projections.

Analyze department revenue projections and 12-month revenue and expenditure estimates to ensure realistic budget projections when developing the annual county budget.

Assist with the development of budget policies including the appropriate level of fund balance, taxing levels and long-term debt options.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, plus seven years progressively responsible accounting experience including supervisory experience in a governmental environment; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications:

Certified Public Accountant or Certified Managerial Accountant Preferred.

Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of governmental accounting and budgeting.

Considerable knowledge of County/local government operations.

Considerable knowledge of financial record keeping principles and techniques.

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of effective management and supervision.

Knowledge of and ability to utilize a computer and the required software.

Considerable skill in preparing and analyzing complex reports, budgets and statements.

Considerable skill in recommending, coordinating, implementing and maintaining financial information systems.

Considerable skill in planning and directing the work of others.

Considerable skill in presenting information and recommendations in a clear and concise manner.

Ability to plan, administer and evaluate programs and projects.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the public.

Ability to work the required hours of the position.

Brown County

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Finance Director