SUMMARY:

Responsible for directing the fiscal functions of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan (Court). Acts in accordance with financial management techniques and practices appropriate within the public sector. Directs and oversees all aspects of financial planning and accounting for the Court, including long-range planning; budget preparation; and supervision of all accounting functions. Exercises due diligence of all financial functions to ensure accuracy and compliance with the law, other regulatory and advisory organizations, and with generally accepted accounting practices. Directs and oversees all financial activities of the Court including preparation of financial reports, summaries and forecasts. Provides leadership, planning, and management for all areas of finance strategy, development, implementation and support necessary for efficient operation of the Court and to achieve long-range goals. Reports to the Executive Court Administrator (ECA). Employees in this title are expected to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

•Directs the preparation of all financial planning, budgeting, grant management, audit, collections and enforcement, and cash management activities of the Court.

•Oversees all accounts, ledgers and reporting systems ensuring compliance with appropriate generally accepted accounting principles, regulatory requirements and audit requirements.

•Directs the preparation of the annual budget and quarterly projections.

•Analyzes the financial details of past, present and expected operations in order to identify opportunities and areas where improvement is needed and/or development of new processes or strategies.

•Confers with the ECA, division heads and other executive team members to coordinate and prioritize planning.

•Manages reporting staff by identifying and assigning work, documenting work performance metrics and communicating work performance expectations, establishing professional development plans, providing training, implementing corrective actions plans, approving time, assuring appropriate staffing coverage, conducting periodic performance reviews, acknowledging accomplishments, providing assistance, and issuing discipline.

•Directs, reviews and evaluates performance of assigned personnel by developing and updating operational manuals.

•Conducts regular meetings with reporting staff regarding operational goals, status changes, and other pertinent information.

•Assists with developing job descriptions for job titles within the Budget and Finance Department.

•Serves as a participant on the interview panel for job titles within the Budget and Finance Department.

•Studies long-range economic trends and projects prospects for future growth and opportunities for improving efficiencies. Estimates requirements for capital, buildings, equipment, maintenance and work force.

•Provides direction to the Budget and Finance Department staff and to the Friend of the Court Financial Services unit on fiscal and fiduciary functions.

•Participates in the development of the Court’s plans and programs as a strategic partner and participates as an effective developer of solutions to business challenges.

•Certifies the Wayne County Third Circuit Court annual fiscal year cost allocation plan prepared in accordance with OMB Circular A-87 and the federal awards to which it applies.

•Develops tools and systems to provide critical financial and operational information to assist the Chief Judge, ECA, and other senior executives in performing their responsibilities through information sharing and education on financial issues impacting the Court and/or on a departmental level. 

•Enhances and/or develops, implements, and enforces policies and procedures of the Court by way of systems that will improve overall operation and effectiveness.

•Directs the approval and payment of Court expenditures, i.e., personnel requisitions, professional service contracts, service vouchers, travel reimbursements, purchase orders and contracts. Directs the monitoring, oversight, coordination and review of all grant financial activities controlled by the Court.

•Oversees the Court’s collection and enforcement activities with a commitment to consistent enforcement of all court ordered costs and a prompt and effective approach to noncompliance.

•Provides strategic financial input and leadership on decision-making issues affecting the Court.

•Develops and maintains reconciliation of Court funds, including separate cash account, and projection of fund balance. Is also responsible for development and maintenance of process and reporting mechanisms for allocation of unrestricted balance of appropriations and implementation and maintenance of Court fund accounting for capital expenditure, technology, and budget stabilization.

•Serves as an advisor, from the financial perspective, on any contracts into which the Court may enter.

•Evaluates the Budget and Finance Office structure and team plan for continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the group and provides individuals with opportunities for professional and personal growth (where possible).

•Keeps abreast of government regulations applicable to financial operations and ensures corporate compliance.

•Builds strong relationships and serves as the Court’s liaison to external local, regional, and national governmental and regulatory agencies relative to financial planning and issues. Consults with and/or forms plans with the State Court Administrative Office and other courts on issues of mutual interest related to financial operations.

•Ensures a diverse and inclusive work environment by participating in Diversity and Inclusion trainings and workshops, may serve as a member of the Court’s Diversity and Inclusion team, and promotes the best practices of Diversity and Inclusion. 

•Develops a framework for succession planning for key positions under your span of control through identifying succession candidates, assessments, competency development, training, and mentoring; integrating the succession plan into the employee’s training and development plan; assessing the potential for supervisory and management positions for the individual based upon measurable goals.

•Acts as an advisor/coach for supervisors and managers under your span of control imparting expertise and professional knowledge; Collaborating in the development of yearly professional goals; meeting with the candidate(s) no less frequently than on a quarterly basis to review achievement of goals and training objectives; providing impartial, measurable, non-judgmental feedback on a yearly training and succession plan focusing on development to meet future business needs.

•Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

•Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or related field.

•Master’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or Finance or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.

•Knowledge of government finance, budgeting and auditing, database and accounting computer applications systems.

•Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience for providing multi-faceted direction and planning in financial operations and administration.

•Seven (7) years of experience having demonstrated flexibility and creativity in providing financial operations support and expertise in a fiscally-challenged public sector environment.

•Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements related to government accounting and finance, as well as those affecting operations of all aspects of the Court.

•Experience in areas of information technology, project management, including assessing risks and exposures, identifying options and alternatives, making decisions, and implementing corrective actions.

•Proficient using MS Office Suite and relevant software and systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

•Skilled strategic and visionary thinker with excellent ability to conceptualize long-term business goals and develop an orderly process of planning to accomplish those goals.

•Ability to communicate and work with all stakeholders and departments.

•Ability to lead a group to accomplish a common goal and to facilitate a teamwork environment.

•Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills.

•Ability to simultaneously coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks while meeting deadlines.

•Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, diplomatic, and persuasion skills.

•Excellent communications skills; interpersonal skills, public communication and meeting management skills.

•Skill in counseling employees and interacting tactfully.

•Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of management and administration

•Ability to identify and evaluate needs and develop and implement policies, procedures and programs.

•Skill in training and providing consultation.

•Ability to remain calm and use good judgment in difficult situations.

•Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

•Ability to plan, organize, execute, delegate and manage in a complex environment.

•Experience collaborating with legal professionals.

•Skill in managing one’s own time and the time of others, as well as the ability to meet deadlines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

•Normally a typical customer service office environment with minimal exposure to excessive noise.

•Employees in this title may encounter individuals who may be under duress.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

•Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time to perform job functions.

•Ability to detect, create and interpret documents.

•Operate a computer and other office machinery, items or equipment.

•Position self to move from one place to another.

•Communicate with clients, co-workers, and others.

•Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

•Candidates considered for placement in this job title will be subject to a criminal and/or IV-D background investigation and subsequent fingerprinting every five years.

•Must possess (at time of application) and maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license, no fault insurance and access to a vehicle to use in the performance of assigned duties.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the title. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Specific job duties vary from position to position.

NOTES:

03/14/2016 Title added 

04/27/2016Updated for content

11/08/2017Updated for content and format

03/23/2023Updated essential functions and content