Finance Director

Madison, County of•Virginia City, MT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Budget and Finance improves the accountability and effectiveness of County government by providing efficient innovative services, public policy analysis, and fiscal expertise in support of all County government agencies. The Office provides services including: Accounting, Budgeting, Investments, Asset Management, and Purchasing/Payments. The Finance Director oversees and ensures the accomplishment of all financial operations and participates in decisions related to financial matters. Duties include ensuring the integrity of accounting policy and systems, and maintaining accounting, budgetary, and internal controls.

Requirements

Education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public or Business Administration
A minimum of four (4) years’ experience in Government Accounting.
Knowledge of accounting and budget development and administration.
Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), fiscal planning including the principles and practices of budget and program development, budget forecasting, governmental accounting and budgeting, bond issuance, the county budgeting process, grant reporting, contract administration, and records management.
Skill in budgeting, program management, and plan implementation.
Skill in the use of standard office and specialized accounting software applications.
Skill in programming and utilizing electronic time clock software solutions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to plan, organize, and direct short and long-term fiscal management programs.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and explain complex financial data.
Ability to apply analysis and judgment in arriving at solutions to routine, unusual, and unprecedented financial and budgetary problems.
Ability to communicate effectively and negotiate consensus.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to motivate and direct staff to meet Department goals.

Responsibilities

Plan and manage county fiscal activities and accounting systems to meet accounting and reporting needs in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and professional practices.
Research and evaluate guidelines and standards to ensure County accounting complies with professional and governmental standards for issues such as the reporting of cash flows for proprietary programs; indirect cost proposals; federal contract accounting requirements; tracking and reporting loans, payments, and related transactions; etc.
Provide fiscal guidance and consultation to other County managers.
Evaluate agency financial transactions to ensure proper financial management.
Ensure the proper implementation and administration of internal controls and separation of duties to ensure the integrity and compliance of financial transactions.
Review and investigate large, unusual, and high-risk transactions and make recommendations to the Commission on policies, internal control systems and/or improved management practices necessary to address any problem areas identified.
Analyze program expenditures to ensure the allocation of funding as designated and to track funding levels through review of financial reports and expenditures.
Review and approve requisitions, payrolls, expense claims, vendor claims, etc. to ensure expenses remain within the budgets and that county resources are used in the most efficient manner possible.
Develop accurate and timely fiscal reports to meet county, state, and federal reporting requirements and to provide timely information for executive decision-making.
Coordinate and oversee the final review and approval of major financial transactions such as agency payroll journals, budget allocations, requisitions, claims, accruals, and journal vouchers to ensure statutory compliance, efficient workflow and fiscal processing by county staff.
Provide advanced technical guidance and assistance to county departments regarding accounting, purchasing, budgeting, payroll, time clock management, property control, and revenue collections to identify and resolve complex or contentious issues affecting financial operations.
Analyze and project agency fiscal needs, revenues, and expenditures to provide information used for program planning and budget development.
Conduct budget planning and fiscal analysis to support the accurate and effective development and administration of county budgets.
Research and analyze fiscal data to interpret and communicate information to program managers, department heads, elected officials, staff, and others.
Allocate biennial budgets to distribute funds according to County Commission intent and specific appropriations.
Monitor and evaluate budget and expenditure activity to identify and resolve errors, deficiencies, conflicts, inconsistencies, and other problems as they arise.
Compile and submit detailed budget requests, amendments, operational plan changes, funding transfers, and related items to the county commission for review and approval to maintain viable program operations.
Coordinate the development and submission of all fiscal year end transactions such as accruals, encumbrances, and budget adjustments to ensure accurate program accounting and adequate financial support for future program operations.
Oversee county payroll functions to ensure consistency with agency policies and procedures.
Coordinate and oversee data and records management functions to ensure accessibility, security, and accuracy of essential program data (e.g., fiscal reports, agency payroll information, asset and inventory data, etc.).