Finance Director

Job Description:

Finance Director

Description

This position is responsible for the overall administrative oversight, visioning, leadership, planning, coordinating and management of the Finance Department for the County. This position also manages and directs the operations of the Finance Department, including financial forecasting, budget development and monitoring, central financial accounting and reporting, administration of the County's debt program and administering a county-wide financial system, and analyzing all aspects of county finances. Serves as staff advisor to the County Administrator, County Board, and all departments on financial matters for the County. This position also serves as County Auditor as defined in State Statues 59.47.

Directs the work of and manages the staff of the Finance Department. Interviews and selects new employees. Provides training and instructions and ongoing training needs. Assigns tasks, reviews work and prepares performance evaluations. Recommends employee transfers, promotions, disciplinary action, and discharge.Provides leadership and management to all assigned staff. Directs staff on difficult projects and interpreting the application of accounting practices, policy and procedure.Advises and assist the County Administrator and County Board in preparing budget documents and make related budget recommendations. Collaborates with County Administrator, department heads and related staff to review, analyze, and clarify budget document submissions and related budget entries on the financial system. Prepares required budget documents and attend budget hearings. Calculations apportionment. Determines tax levy and county tax rates. Prepares publication of annual budget.Monitorsmonthly department expenditures collaboratively with County Administrator.Establishes, maintains, and directs the countywide accounting functions (including general ledger, accounts receivables, accounts payable, payroll and fixed assets; develop cash management and internal control requirements; develop debt management activities including sale of bonds and record keeping; and bond rating) and reporting systems pursuant to Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) rules and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to provide for timely and accurate financial recording and reporting both internally and with outside agencies of County fiscal and payroll transactions, including procedural controls.Assist with theinvestment and management ofCountyfunds.Develops, recommendsand implementsaccounting policies and procedures, reporting and accounting methods for all departments.Providesprofessional consultation and staff support to the County Board, governing committees, and County Administrator. Provide professional advice. Provide financial, statistical, and analytical data.Recommendsand assist the County Administrator in development of long-range fiscal programs and financial management including maintaining capital improvements plan and sales tax.AdvisesCounty Administrator and County Board regarding fiscal impact of County Board resolutions, ordinances, contracts, and staffing or program changes. Give advice regarding budget variations.Assistsin ensuring the requisite standards for maintaining the County's national credit rating are met on long term debt and bond issues organization, budget balancing, tax collection delinquency, stability of tax levy, and maintenance of adequate fund balances.Developsand maintainsannual and long-term debt management plan that is in accordance with federal, state and county regulations and that provides a consistent source of funds for capital improvements. Preparesrequired documents and analysis for bond and otherlong termdebt issuance.Overseesthe design, selection and implementation of all manual and automated systems for the County's centralized financial systems.Preparesand presentsfinancial reports to the county board, governing committees, and County Administrator regarding department budgets, operating funds, special grants, fixed assets and related data.Performsspecial financial studies as directed.Performs statutory duties of a County Auditor. Examines the book of accounts of any County officer, board, commission, committee, or other officer or employee entrusted with receipt, custody, or expenditure of money, or by, or on whose certificate any funds appropriated by the County Board are authorized to be expended.Exercisesfinancial audit control over County financial records. Assistsoutside auditors and consultants and provide pre-audited financial reports. Perform internal audits of County Departments.Managesthe acquisition of capital assets and ensuresthat assets are properly recorded,andamortized.Manages the expenditures and cash balances of the County self-funded health insurance fund.Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or Business Administration with eight (8) years municipal accounting or finance experience.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or completion of the Certified Public Finance Officers Program of GFOA required.
• Three years previous supervisory experience.
• Appointment will be conditional upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

• Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and auditing principles (including GASB rules and GAAP standards) and methods in their application to a government accounting system.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with budget preparation and procedures for a multi-department organization.
• Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting methods, procedures, and financial practices.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations relating to property tax assessments, collections, and tax delinquency procedures.
• Knowledge of County programs, funding sources, and specific regulations governing expenditures and revenues.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of public administration, with particular reference to governmental budget and finance administration.
• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and practices to develop and monitor budgets.
• Knowledge of the budget cycles and requirements of preparing the County’s annual budget document.
• Knowledge of the County and Department’s operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of budgeting, fiscal management, project management principles and techniques.
• Ability to effectively utilize the principles of strategic and long and short-range planning.
• Skill in analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives and recommending methods, procedures and techniques for resolution of issues.
• Ability to research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to develop department goals and objectives.
• Ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate projects and programs.
• Ability to develop, interpret and implement regulations, policies, procedures, written instructions, general correspondence, and other department specific documents.
• Ability to prepare, recommend and monitor an operating budget, including line item budgeting.
• Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures of the County.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records of assigned activities and operations.
• Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; federal, state, and local regulations.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently in compliance with stringent time limits with minimal direction and supervision.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Knowledge of management and supervisory practices & principles, including the ability to make final employment recommendations, preparing performance evaluations, managing time off, and maintaining personnel records.
• Ability to adapt and take control of situations, dictating subordinate activities in a responsible manner.
• Ability to instruct and train in methods and procedures.
• Ability to organize, assign, and modify the work assignment of others, and (re)-establish priorities to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
• Knowledge of computer software including word processing, spreadsheet and database applications consistent for this position.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively in English in both written and verbal form.
• Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of Open Records laws and other applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours as needed.

Barron County values the health and wellbeing of our employees and offers a very competitive benefit package prioritizing work-life balance and along with stable employment and supportive work environment!
* Wisconsin Retirement System (6.9% Employer match; 6.9% Employee pre-tax contribution - Higher rates for Protective/Law Enforcement)
* Paid leaves upon hire (104 hrs vacation; 11 paid holidays; 8 hrs of sick leave per mo)
* Health insurance with option to enroll in a Health Savings Account ($50/mo-single plan/ $100/mo-family plan). Effective 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.Non-Embedded in-network Deductible of $2,000/Single & $4,000/Family. Deductible must be met before insurance applies. Out-of-pocket max: $3,500S-$7,000F. Prescription drug savings program offering zero costs for eligible prescription drugs. Optionto sell up to 96 hrs Sick Leave and/or Vacation into HSA during open enrollment.
* Dental insurance
* Life insurance (County pays $5/mo towards Basic plan)
* If working night shift - receive an additional $0.75 per hour
* Flexible spending account
* Deferred Compensation Programs
* Employee Achievement Program
* Paid Parental leave
* Potential for telework opportunities (varies by department/position)
* Whole Life Insurance plan
* Eligibility for Student Loan Repayment program throughPublic Service Loan Forgiveness(PSLF)
* Recognition Program
* Annual Training Day & Lunch
* Annual Employee Milestone Recognition Lunch
* On-site Blood Drives (paid 1 hour to donate blood)
* 15% Verizon Wireless cell-phone discount
* On-site food truck vendors during summer months
* Ed-Vest College Savings plan
* Supportive work environment and culture
* Opportunities for growth and advancement
* Meaningful and impactful work for the betterment of our community

Closing Date/Time: 11/6/2025 4:00 PM Central

Salary:

$115,710.40 - $135,553.60 Annually