Finance Director

About the 19th Judicial District Court

The Nineteenth Judicial District Court is one of Louisiana’s 42 state judicial districts and has original jurisdiction of all civil and criminal matters in East Baton Rouge Parish. There are fifteen elected judges (Division A through Division O) in the 19 JDC and four appointed commissioners.

About the role

Under the general direction of the Judicial Administrator, the Finance Director serves as the chief financial officer for the 19th Judicial District Court (19th JDC) and is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all financial operations of the Court. This position ensures the Court’s fiscal integrity, compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, and strong financial stewardship of public funds. The Finance Director provides strategic leadership in budgeting, financial reporting, procurement compliance, grants management, payroll oversight, and long-range financial planning.

This position requires advanced knowledge of governmental finance, public sector accounting principles, and Louisiana statutory and constitutional provisions relating to court funding. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting 

• Oversee all financial operations of the Court and Building Commission, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, purchasing, and grants.
• Ensure compliance with the Louisiana Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Louisiana Legislative Auditor requirements, and applicable state laws governing judicial funding and judicial expense funds.
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for the Judicial Administrator and Judges.
• Manage the Court’s annual independent audit; serve as the primary liaison to external auditors.
• Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of all bank accounts, funds, and financial systems.

 Budget Development & Oversight

• Lead the development, preparation, presentation, and administration of the Court’s annual operating budget and multi-year capital financial plans.
• Provide financial forecasting, cost analysis, and data-driven recommendations to support decision-making.
• Monitor expenditures against the budget and notify the Judicial Administrator of variances or emerging financial issues.

 Procurement & Contract Management

• Oversee Court procurement processes to ensure compliance with Louisiana Public Bid Law and internal purchasing policies.
• Review, evaluate, and approve contracts, service agreements, and purchasing requests.
• Work with divisions and departments to ensure proper contract management and vendor oversight.

 Payroll & Human Resources Support

• Supervise payroll processing and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Collaborate with Human Resources on compensation analysis, benefits budgeting, and long-term personnel cost planning.

 Grants & Special Funds

• Monitor and manage all grants, special revenue accounts, and judicial expense funds in collaboration with the Deputy Judicial Administrator.
• Track grant compliance, reporting requirements, and deadlines; assist with writing and preparing grant applications.

 Leadership & Administration

• Supervise and evaluate finance staff; ensure ongoing training, cross-training, and professional development.
• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Provide regular financial briefings to the Judicial Administrator, Judges, and stakeholders.
• Assist in strategic planning for capital projects, technology investments, and major initiatives impacting Court finances.

Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – active license and in good standing. 
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or a closely related field. 
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in governmental or public sector finance, including budgeting, grants, procurement, and financial reporting. 
• Experience with GASB standards, fund accounting, and audit requirements for government entities. 
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including supervising staff. 
• Strong proficiency with financial management software, spreadsheets, and enterprise accounting systems including QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Excel. 
• Experience working in a Louisiana governmental entity, preferably within a court, district attorney’s office, clerk of court, or similar judicial or constitutional office. 
• Familiarity with Louisiana Public Bid Law, Act 107 processes, and judicial expense fund statutes (La. R.S. 13:992 et seq.). 
• Experience with payroll systems in a public sector environment. 
• Grants management experience, including federal and state funding streams.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Accounting: 10 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPA (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,000