Position Summary
The position is responsible for leading, directing, and supervising daily operations of the Finance department including budget preparation, accounting and financial reporting, payroll, accounts receivable, investment and debt management, purchasing and contracting, and enterprise resource planning services including the accounting and budget modules of our ERP system. The position serves as the principal financial advisor to the County Manager; develops and implements county financial policies, procedures and best practices; monitors the cost-effectiveness of programs, services and resource allocations; ensures the integrity of county financial resources; improves the availability of financial information to decision-makers and to the public; leads or assists in advancing new initiatives as needed; and perform related duties as assigned. The Chief Financial Officer reports to a Deputy County Manager and may serve as the acting Deputy County Manager in their absence.
To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Job Descriptions. Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Flexible Workplace
This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace Policy
Examples of Work Performed
- Promote an ethical, diverse, culturally competent and respectful workplace.
- Establish the county's budget process and support the budget system to be used by all departments and assist the Deputy County Manager and County Manager in developing the County Manager budget recommendations to the County Board. Complete the County Board budget process including any needed addenda and certification of the tax levy.
- Direct the establishment and implementation of the County's Capital Improvement Budget to be used by all departments; assist the Capital Improvement Program Advisory Committee (CIPAC) in analyzing departmental capital requests.
- Direct the establishment and implementation of countywide accounting policies, procedures and internal controls to ensure compliance with county ordinances and resolutions, and federal and state law, rules and regulations, and annual single audit process.
- Direct, coordinate and maintain a central system of accounts. Develop financial models, fiscal forecasts, and financial reporting systems to monitor revenues and expenditures as they relate to each department.
- Manage the county purchasing and contracting team including setting policies, processes and focusing on continuous improvement to ensure sustained growth & financial stability.
- Manage the issuance of county bonds and annual rating agency presentations.
- Coordinate county investment plans to optimize investments of financial capital and to meet daily cash flow operating obligations and reserve levels.
- Analyze state and federal legislation to determine the fiscal impact on the county and assist in preparing and documenting the county's legislative program.
(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this description and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Public Policy, Accounting, Business Administration, or equivalent.
Experience: Eight years of professional experience in governmental budget administration, financial administration, or accounting administration; at least three years in a managerial capacity.
Substitution: Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Certifications/Licensure: None.
Exam/Screening Process Information
This position will remain open for application until December 29, 2025 at 11:59pm. Applicants should respond promptly as initial screening of applications will occur on December 30, 2025.
Interested candidates should apply by completing the online application and attaching a resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience.
This is a classified, managerial position that is exempt from the examination and certification requirements. Classified positions, so designated, shall be filled by means of an open application and screening process as stated in section 383A.288 Subd. 6 and the provisions of section 383A.289 of the Personnel Act.
Veteran's Preference: This is a classified, managerial position that is exempt from the examination and certification requirements, holding a confidential relation to the department head or elected official. This position meets the requirements for an open screening and selection process. There is no exam for this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the department for consideration.
Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.
E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin.
Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of its workforce. The county strives being equitable, inclusive, transparent, respectful, and impactful in how we serve and engage with residents, as well as Ramsey County employees. Advancing racial equity ensures all people who need access to opportunities and services we provide, will receive them. Racial equity is achieved when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes, and outcomes for all are improved.
To print a paper application for this posting click Paper Application You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.
For further information regarding this posting, please contact: Crystal.Diaz@co.ramsey.mn.us
Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health, well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. A summary of benefits is provided below. Detailed information is available for review at https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- The County contributes a bargained percentage to the medical and dental monthly premium
- Employees choose from four enrollment tiers: Single, Employee + legally married spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical insurance – three plan options including a High Deductible Plan with a Health Saving Account offered. Earn up to $20/month in electronic gift cards for each enrolled employee or spouse for wellness activity
- MetLife Dental Insurance – two plan options offered
- VSP Vision Insurance – Advantage Plan offered
- Pre-tax Benefit Program
- Pre-tax medical, dental, vision monthly premium deduction option
- Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- County monthly contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees who elect the High Deductible medical plan
- Paid time off
- Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees)
- 11 scheduled holidays and two floating holidays
- Up to eight weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below
- Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours)
- Wellness incentive allows conversion of unused sick time to vacation or pay
- Retirement benefits
- Pension - The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments
- New employees become vested after three years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years
- Deferred compensation - 457(b) account with employer match
- Health Care Savings Plan - all benefits-eligible employees contribute 1% of gross regular salary to a Health Care Savings Plan account for eligible health care expenses after retirement. Interest accrues tax free. County provides a scheduled contribution after five years of participation
- Transit and parking
- Fully funded Metropass.
- Transportation/parking expenses reimbursement account
- Employee well-being
- Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
- Wellness programming
- Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions
- Life Insurance and Disability leave
- County provided Basic Life coverage - 1x annual salary, minimum $10,000 up to a maximum of $50,000. Optional supplemental coverage available
- Long-term Disability – County provided coverage replaces 40% of the employee’s lost income after six months of disability, subject to a $5,000 monthly maximum. Option to purchase an additional 20% income replacement up to $7,500 monthly maximum
- Short-term Disability – option to purchase 60% income replacement coverage with 30, 60 or 90-day waiting period
- Career development
- Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year
- Online professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center
- County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues
For information about Ramsey County's 2025 benefits, visit: https://www.ramseycounty.us/employees/employee-open-enrollment-2025-benefits
01
- Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write "see resume" as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select "yes" if you have read and understand.
- Yes
- No
02
- Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.
- Yes
- No
03
- Select the option that best describes your highest level of completed education.
- High school diploma or GED
- Associates Degree
- Bachelors Degree
- Masters Degree
- Doctoral Degree
- None of the above
04
- If you indicated in the previous question, that you have a degree , please describe below your field of study, the name of the school, dates of attendance/completion and type of degree. If you have other formal training and certifications related to this position, you may include that here. If you do not have a degree/college credit, please write N/A in the space below. DO NOT WRITE see resume or see application.
05
- Which best describes your years of professional experience in governmental budget administration, financial administration, or accounting administration?
- Less than 6 years of experience
- At least 6 years of experience but less than 8 years
- At least 8 years of experience but less than 10 years
- At least 10 years of experience but less than 12 years
- 12 years of experience or more
06
- Describe the experience indicated in question above. Include the name of your employer and provide specific details of the work you performed. Do not copy and paste your resume, a job description or indicate "see resume". If you do not have this experience, type "N/A in the space below."
07
Do you have at least 3 years of management experience?
08
Describe your strategic financial leadership experience and your approach to this work. Please provide at least one example the shows your approach to strategic finance.
09
Describe your leadership experience and give examples of how you approach leading a team.
10
Describe your experience and knowledge in any of the following areas: budget, accounting, purchasing and contracting, and debt, investment and Treasury.