Budget Director

Lancaster County Government•Lancaster, SC

About The Position

Leads the Budget Department in the efficient operation and development of the County’s annual operating and capital budgets, ensures compliance with state and local laws, County financial policies, and supports effective debt management and forecasting. Manages annual operating and capital budgets with a high level of organization, foresight, and strategic vision. Effectively leads and develops budget staff while demonstrating strong political acumen in working with elected officials. Provides support to the County Administrator and the Chief Financial Officer/Finance Director in reporting to County Council. Builds and maintains partnerships with other departments, governments, and agencies to advance joint initiatives and address budgetary and operational needs through a commitment to service delivery. Communicates the budgetary plan and progress to executive-level administration, County Council, and the public through reports, presentations, and meetings. Develops alternatives and participates in data-informed decision making. Guides the County’s strategic plan, capital improvement plan, and long-term financial plan. The Budget Director is considered an integral part of the County’s Financial Management Team reporting to the Chief Financial Officer/Finance Director.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of governmental budgeting principles, public finance, and fiscal management practices.
Strong understanding of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing public finance.
Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of others; effectively resolves work-related challenges and fosters a productive team environment.
Demonstrates strong presentation, analytical, oral and written communication, research, project management, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Demonstrated outstanding written and verbal communication skills with a strong attention to detail.
Proficiency in financial modeling, statistical analysis, and data-driven forecasting techniques.
Ability to translate complex financial data into clear, accessible reports and presentations for diverse audiences, including elected officials and the general public.
Strong political acumen and experience working in or alongside elected government bodies.
Demonstrated commitment to organizational customer service standards and continuous improvement.
Understanding of property tax millage rate calculations, levy limits, and the relationship between assessed valuation, millage, and revenue yield
Familiarity with the impact of reassessment cycles on revenue projections, including rollback millage requirements
Knowledge of how millage-funded debt service interacts with the operating budget and capital planning
Understanding of SC Act 388 and its effect on owner-occupied property tax caps and the resulting revenue neutrality requirements
Ability to develop multi-year revenue forecasts across diverse streams: property tax, local option sales tax, accommodations tax, hospitality tax, intergovernmental transfers, and fee-based revenues
Experience modeling revenue estimates to economic conditions, growth assumptions, and state aid fluctuations
Familiarity with developing conservative but defensible revenue projections
Understanding of fund balance as a revenue tool
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field, and five to seven years of experience in public finance or public budgeting; or Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or a related field, and ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public finance or public budgeting.
Government Finance Officers Association(GFOA)membership or familiarity with GFOA best practices, particularly around the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
Knowledge of the SC Local Government Finance Act and related statutory frameworks
Proficiency with ERP/financial management systems
Experience with budget software platforms
Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to travel as required to fulfill position responsibilities.
Must adhere to all County policies, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

Lead detailed review and analysis of the annual budget process; ensure preparation of the budget and other financial reports to support evaluation of operating results; assist with the development of policies and procedures that carry out the directives of decision makers.
Direct the preparation of budget material and coordinate meetings with departmental personnel as needed to facilitate budget preparation; maintain capital replacement plan and related funding needs.
Present before County Council or at public hearings
Monitor budgetary compliance and research variances as needed; process and review requests for budget transfers; compile information for proposed budget ordinance amendments for consideration by County Council.
Oversee the preparation of regular budgetary reports for distribution to administration and department directors; inform appropriate staff about budget issues and collaborate with them on the development, maintenance, and review of proper budgetary controls.
Champion and coordinate County-wide performance management and continuous improvement initiatives.
Direct staff in conducting special research studies; compile and analyze data; present findings and recommendations in clear, accessible formats for diverse audiences.
Review budget staff’s operational forecasts for current and future years using statistical modeling and data analysis techniques.
Manage and oversee the daily activities of staff; prioritize and review work to ensure quality and timeliness.
Recruit, train, supervise, mentor, and evaluate assigned staff.
Develop, revise, and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Prepare, maintain, and analyze the County’s long-term financial plan and Capital Improvement Plan.
Prepare information for and participate in various budget conferences, workshops, public hearings, and other meetings.
Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes, and work collaboratively and effectively with County staff at all levels.
Monitor and develop professional staff.
Develop, process, and analyze various financial and operational reports.
Support financial system implementations, upgrades, and technology initiatives as needed.
Prepare the monthly budget report; ensure timeliness of projects and deliverables.
Prepare charts, graphs, and statistical tables to aid in the presentation and consideration of the budget and programs.
Build effective working relationships with County employees, elected officials, the general public, and federal, state, and other agencies.
Participate in the development and implementation of strategic and management plans; assist with studies and prepare reports on financial and administrative matters.
Assist with responses to information requests from County Council, County Administration, client departments, and the public.
Evaluate the benefits, costs, and overall budget impact of various proposals and solutions.
Perform other related duties as required.