Parks Budget & Finance Manager

El Paso County • El Paso, CO

11h • Onsite

About The Position

El Paso County Parks Department is seeking a strategic, results-driven Budget & Finance Manager to lead financial planning, budgeting, procurement, and fiscal operations of one of the region's most valued public resources. This is an exceptional opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys partnering with leadership, driving sound financial decision-making, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds while supporting parks, trails, open spaces, and recreational programs that enhance the community's quality of life. In this key leadership role, you will oversee the development and management of complex operating budgets, financial forecasting, procurement activities, contract administration, and compliance efforts. Working closely with executive leadership, you will provide critical financial analysis, strategic recommendations, and data-driven insights that help shape both short-term priorities and long-term planning initiatives. You will also lead and mentor staff, promote continuous improvement, and help foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and exceptional customer service. The ideal candidate combines strong financial expertise with outstanding leadership and communication skills. Experience in governmental budgeting, financial reporting, auditing, procurement, contract management, and regulatory compliance is highly valued. Success in this role requires the ability to analyze complex financial data, manage multiple priorities, build strong relationships with stakeholders, and communicate financial information clearly to diverse audiences. If you are a collaborative leader who thrives on solving complex challenges, improving operational efficiency, and making a meaningful impact through public service, we invite you to join the El Paso County Parks Department and help ensure the financial sustainability and success of the programs, services, and spaces that residents and visitors enjoy every day.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field.
• Four years of related professional experience may substitute for the required degree.
• Eight years of professional experience in finance, budgeting, accounting, procurement, or related field.
• Three years of supervisory or demonstrated leadership experience.
• Knowledge of GAAP, governmental accounting techniques, budgeting, auditing, and finance principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision, administration, and budget control.
• Knowledge of purchasing and contract issues including maintenance agreements, blanket orders, State contracting procedures, bidding processes, invitations for bid (IFB), and requests for information and proposals (RFI/RFP).
• Must possess strong organizational skills and the ability to plan, schedule, prioritize, and coordinate multiple tasks effectively.
• Must possess excellent customer service skills and promote a customer service-oriented work environment.
• Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner in accordance with program and department/office policies, programs, and guidelines to achieve the overall objectives of the position.
• Ability to analyze data and statistics, prepare statistical reports, and deliver information in an accurate and comprehensible manner.
• Ability to prepare and administer large, complex budgets, and analyze financial documents.
• Ability to accurately perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment in problem-solving and decision making; ability to work under pressure and with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to lead, manage, and train others; ability to objectively review, evaluate, and document the performance of employees.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, spreadsheets, charts, graphs, and presentations.
• Ability to provide accurate and detailed information.
• Ability to establish and maintain constructive and cooperative interpersonal relationships with staff, peers, higher-level management, clients, and others to accomplish the department's mission.
• Sets goals and manages time efficiently; remains open to change and new information; effectively deals with pressure and ambiguity.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Must be receptive to adoption and application of new and innovative technologies and technological platforms.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a governmental or public sector setting.
• Experience in managing large grant funding.
• Knowledge of inventory control methods and best practices preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs and coordinates the formulation, monitoring, and presentation of budgets for controlling funds to implement the program objectives.
• Performs financial and statistical analysis needed to support decision-making by senior and executive leadership.
• Works with executive leadership and staff to develop and maintain operational budgets and complex financial reports for forecasting, trends, and results analysis.
• Manages a wide variety of complex and professional procurement, logistical, and financial duties, and analysis in support of efficient and effective operations.
• Performs a variety of complex analyses, studies, and research projects as needed.
• Provides management and direction to assigned staff, ensuring compliance with internal controls, policies, procedures, standards, and other related directives.
• Performs a variety of professional and complex analyses, studies, and research projects, including those regarding budget, finance, logistics, procurement, and operating issues.
• Develops or participates in the development and execution of the operating budget; prepares and presents financial reports; forecasts future budget expenditures; implements financial policies and procedures; prepares cost analyses and estimates for use in planning and developing programs, services, and financial activities; analyzes and monitors expenditures against approved budget; reports on funding status to senior leadership when purchasing capital equipment, supplies, services, etc.
• Works closely with executive leadership on departmental decision-making and provides recommendations for the allocation of resources, as well as long and short-term planning activities.
• Conducts internal audits by verifying and analyzing financial records and supporting documentation; researches and resolves discrepancies.
• Participates in monitoring project budgets and ensuring financial compliance.
• Coordinates with appropriate personnel on projects to ensure compliance with budget, timing, and funding source(s).
• Provides oversight, guidance, and mentorship to assigned staff.
• Determines ongoing training needs of staff and ensures proper training is provided.
• Conducts performance evaluations and motivates employees to reach peak productivity and performance; participates in the hiring and disciplinary process.
• Interprets, communicates, and implements Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
• Develops, recommends, and implements policies, procedures, and processes to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Manages, plans, coordinates, and evaluates procurement functions and activities, including contract administration in compliance with the County’s Procurement Division.
• Obtains price quotes from potential vendors; directs or participates in negotiations with vendors/suppliers for the best value, and addresses and resolves issues and concerns with vendors, including timeliness, billing issues, and quality of compliance with procedures.
• Participates in research and evaluation of proposed contractual obligations and agreements.
• Coordinates and assists independent auditors with annual reviews and audit of financial records and functions as needed.
• Oversees and provides support and communication to stakeholders, contractors, and vendors regarding inquiries pertaining to account entries, status of invoice payments, and programs.
• Consults with executive leadership on any issues or unusual matters of significance; takes prompt corrective action where necessary or suggests alternative courses of action.
• May coordinates activities associated with legal issues, such as Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requests, in assigned area of responsibility; coordinates between the department and the County Attorney's office; researches and investigates circumstances as assigned and formulate a position.
• May oversee inventory and/or logistical operations for assigned functional area(s).
• Attends seminars, conferences, workshops, and meetings to enhance and maintain knowledge of trends and developments.
• May represent executive leadership at meetings, as directed.
• Performs other duties as required.

Benefits

• El Paso County is an E-Verify and Equal Opportunity Employer.
• El Paso County adheres to Federal drug screening guidelines and requires a pre-employment drug screen.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager