Chief Fiscal Services

Oakland County•Waterford, MI

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Oakland County is seeking a strategic financial leader to oversee accounting, budgeting, and fiscal operations within an assigned section. The role provides financial leadership, strengthens fiscal controls, supports informed decision-making, and helps ensure County resources are managed efficiently and responsibly. The position supervises staff, collaborates with County leadership and departments, and uses financial software and technology to improve fiscal operations. The Chief Fiscal Services interprets governmental accounting policies and implements divisional fiscal procedures; monitors work progress and account closings; provides technical accounting assistance; develops computerized budget and accounting systems with department users and Information Technology; and prepares or supervises financial reports for County officials and other requesters. The position assists with budget requests, supervises preparation of the County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and serves as liaison with outside auditors. The role works in a typical office environment and is designated hybrid. Ongoing County-funded training in government finance, accounting, technology, and other applicable areas is required. Other duties may be assigned, and the employee must comply with applicable policies and standards and use current County or department software.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a major in Public Administration, Business Administration, Accounting, Economics, Political Science, or a related field.
Five years of full-time work experience in financial analysis, business administration, general accounting, cost accounting, economic analysis, systems analysis, personnel administration, or a related area, including two years in a supervisory position.
A master’s degree in one of the listed fields may substitute for one year of the required work experience.
For a position in the Reimbursement section, a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, or Social Work is also accepted.
Ability to communicate work-related information clearly and professionally.
Knowledge of budgetary management and accounting principles and procedures.
Knowledge of program analysis and evaluation.
Ability to plan and assign work and guide lower-level professional and technical staff.
Ability to initiate, plan, develop, coordinate, and implement multi-program activities.
Ability to analyze complex administrative and fiscal problems and recommend and implement solutions.
Ability to compile statistics, identify pertinent information, and present oral and written financial, operational, and other departmental reports.
Ability to supervise, plan, direct, and evaluate professional, para-professional, and clerical employees.
Ability to apply County personnel administration principles to staff selection, placement, and training, including developing in-service training programs.
Ability to respond to difficult or emergency situations requiring immediate decisions consistent with departmental and County policies and objectives.
Ability to exercise mature judgment and initiative in analyzing problems and recommending solutions.
Knowledge of statutes, ordinances, resolutions, and regulations governing County accounting, auditing, and fiscal procedures.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally about work-related information.
The role exercises authority over professional and clerical employees.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of the Government Finance Officers Association Intermediate and Advanced Governmental Accounting programs.
Considerable experience using spreadsheet, database, and financial software to prepare and develop documents and reports and for office automation.
Completed Oakland County’s Supervisory Training program.
Exceptional knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel (including Pivot Tables), Power BI, Outlook, AI, databases, and Internet software.

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee accounting, budgeting, and fiscal operations within an assigned section.
Supervise and guide staff responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, and fiscal management, including planning, directing, making staffing decisions, and exercising control through subordinate supervisors.
Interpret governmental accounting policies and formulate and implement divisional fiscal procedures to ensure accurate accounts.
Check unit work progress and monitor monthly and annual account closings to meet deadlines, resolve internal accounting problems, and maintain work quality.
Provide technical assistance to professional staff in setting up new accounts and books and performing other unit accounting functions.
Develop new and revised computerized budget and accounting systems in conjunction with department users and Information Technology.
Prepare or supervise special financial reports for division and department leadership, the County Executive, elected officials, and other requesters.
Assist the manager in preparing budget requests for supervised units, including recommendations for personnel, equipment, and supplies.
Supervise preparation of the County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Act as liaison with outside auditors on audit-related matters.
Analyze financial systems, procedures, and workflows to identify opportunities for improvement.
Develop budget recommendations and assist departments with budget preparation and administration.
Implement and maintain fiscal controls to support accuracy, accountability, and compliance.
Provide financial expertise and strategic recommendations to County leadership and departmental administrators.
Complete ongoing County-funded training in government finance, accounting, technology, and other applicable areas.
Perform other assigned duties, comply with policies and standards, and use current Countywide and/or department-specific software to complete assignments.