Director of Finance Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office
About The Position
The Director of Finance works closely with and advises the Palm Beach County Public Defender and senior leadership, translating financial data into actionable insights and explaining the effects of hiring and other significant budget decisions. This hands-on, participative manager leads and develops an internal team responsible for finance, financial planning, accounting, and budgeting. The role also focuses on accounting operations and represents the office at State of Florida Judicial Administrative Commission finance and budget meetings and trainings. The Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office, 15th Judicial Circuit (PD-15), is a constitutional entity serving indigent people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford legal representation. Its mission is to protect and uphold their constitutional rights to high-quality legal representation, fair treatment, and equal justice. The office handles approximately 30,000 cases annually and has approximately 200 employees. Its main office is in downtown West Palm Beach, with four branch offices elsewhere in the county.
Requirements
- At least 7 to 10 years of overall professional experience.
- A master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
- Extensive experience with enterprise financial and accounting software.
- Strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills, with a deep understanding of financial management and accounting principles.
- Understanding of business operations, risk management, and regulations.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment while handling varied responsibilities.
- Integrity, credibility, and dedication to PD-15’s mission.
- Familiarity with financial regulations and best practices.
- Proven experience leading and mentoring a finance team.
- Proficiency in creating long-term financial forecasts.
- Technology savvy, including knowledge of accounting and reporting software and in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Excel and its applications.
- Commitment to training programs that support individual and organizational goals.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills that support sound decision-making.
Nice To Haves
- Six or more years of broad financial and operations management experience.
- Experience in a similar role in a state agency.
Responsibilities
- Develop long-term financial plans and forecasts.
- Oversee budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting functions.
- Lead annual budgeting and budget-planning processes.
- Ensure compliance with accounting procedures.
- Monitor expenditures and cash flow.
- Evaluate financial risks and determine how to minimize them.
- Analyze and present financial reports accurately and on time.
- Clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements.
- Establish internal controls to prevent fraud, including access controls for financial information.
- Oversee financial, project/program, and grants accounting.
- Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and the Public Defender.
- Manage and execute payroll.
- Implement a robust contracts-management and financial-management/reporting system.
- Update and implement business policies and accounting practices.
- Implement processes and technology to increase efficiency.
- Direct and coordinate the finance team’s activities.
- Manage and mentor finance department employees.
- Maintain strong relationships with vendors, auditors, and State of Florida personnel.
- Advise the Public Defender and senior leadership by translating financial data into actionable insights and explaining the financial impact of hiring and other budget decisions.
- Represent PD-15 at State of Florida Judicial Administrative Commission finance and budget meetings and trainings.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
