Deputy County Administrator/CFO

Position Details
This position operates at a high administrative level with significant independent judgment. The Deputy Administrator leads County-wide budget development and presentation efforts, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and alignment with Board priorities and fiscal constraints. The Deputy County Administrator – Budget & Finance includes the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office within its assigned portfolio. The position provides administrative oversight and coordination to ensure financial operations are aligned with County priorities, budget strategies, and organizational goals. This oversight includes direction related to budgeting, reporting, and operational alignment. Statutory duties and responsibilities assigned to the Auditor-Treasurer remain intact and are carried out in accordance with applicable law.

This position provides administrative oversight and coordination and does not eliminate or supersede statutory financial responsibilities assigned to the Auditor-Treasurer.

Supervisory Duties and Responsibilities
• Facilitates staff meetings.
• Directly supervises one budget/finance staff member and provides organization-wide coordination and guidance to departmental accounting specialists to ensure consistency in budgeting, financial reporting, and adherence to County financial practices
• Provides guidance, training, and performance oversight
• Fosters a collaborative, accountable, and service-oriented work environment

Budgeting Development and Oversight Duties and Responsibilities
• Leads the preparation and coordination of the County’s annual operating and capital budgets
• Works collaboratively with department heads to develop, review, and refine budget requests
• Ensures alignment with Board priorities, fiscal constraints, and long-term financial planning
• Monitors budget performance and provides regular updates, analysis, and forecasts
• While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.

Board Reporting and Presentation Duties and Responsibilities
• Prepares and delivers clear, comprehensive financial and budget presentations to the County Board
• Provides analysis and recommendations to support informed decision-making
• Responds to Board inquiries regarding budget, staffing requests, and financial impacts

Financial Strategy and Analysis Duties and Responsibilities
• Provides strategic financial guidance to the County Administrator
• Evaluates financial impacts of programs, staffing, and policy decisions
• Develops long-range financial projections and planning tools

Coordination and Oversight of Auditor- Treasurer Duties and Responsibilities
• Provides administrative oversight of the Auditor-Treasurer’s Office as part of the position’s portfolio
• Ensures alignment of accounting, cash management, and financial reporting functions with County budget strategy
• Coordinates integration of Auditor-Treasurer operations into the annual budget process
• Reviews and aligns financial reporting, audit processes, and communications presented to the County Board
• Establishes expectations for collaboration, responsiveness, and consistency with County administrative direction

Policy and Process Development Duties and Responsibilities
• Assists in developing and implementing County-wide financial and budget policies
• Promotes consistency, transparency, and accountability in financial practices
• Recommends improvements to budgeting processes and internal controls

Communication and Collaboration Duties and Responsibilities
• Works closely with department heads to evaluate staffing and budget requests
• Ensures departments are prepared to clearly present and justify financial requests to the County Board
• Maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders Other Duties
• Performs other duties as assigned by the County Administrator.
• Assist in managing day-to-day operations and ensure department goals are met.
• Provides strategi oversight and ensure alignment with the board of commissioner’s vision.
• Coordinate countywide projects, legislative affairs and administrative initiatives.
• Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Serves as backup to the County Administrator, as needed.

Position Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret relevant laws, policies, rules and procedures.                                                                                                                                                            • Knowledge of accounting, finance and budgeting principles.
• The ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and have strong positive public relations skills.
• Strong budget development and financial analysis skills
• Ability to clearly communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Effective leadership and interpersonal skills
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and independent judgment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports.
• Ability to develop and implement goals and objectives; plan, coordinate, direct and evaluate the work of others; develop and implement policies and procedures; and to supervise personnel in a manner conducive to efficient performance and high morale.
• Knowledge of Minnesota Laws and Statutes pertain to these offices.
• Understanding of data privacy laws and practices
• Knowledge of contractual, policy and legal document language
• Knowledge to prepare and examine Abstracts of Title and Certificates of Title
• Experience working with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.).
• Skill in interpersonal communication including speaking, presenting, and interacting with composure, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in multi-tasking, moderately complex administrative tasks, and office organization

Education and Experience
• Requires a four-year degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration or related field and
• Five (5) or more years of experience in governmental budgeting, finance, or public administration
• Experience presenting financial information to a governing body or executive leadership
• Equal or equivalent education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree in public administration, Finance, or a related field
• Experience in county or local government budgeting
• Strong background in financial analysis and public sector reporting
• Experience working with or alongside an Auditor-Treasurer or similar statutory office

Licenses/Certifications
This position will require the acquisition and maintenance of the following additional certificates/licenses:
• Minnesota Driver’s License

Physical and Mental Requirements
This job typically requires sitting, standing, walking, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. There is exposure to computer keyboards and video screens. This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion up to 25 pounds of force.

The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions
• Work is primarily performed in an office setting. Headaches, eyestrain, and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury. Work is light duty and sedentary with ability to lift, carry or push up to 10 pounds.
• Requires travel to off-site locations and attendance at evening meetings.
• This position occasionally performs work under moderate attention to detail and deadlines.

The work environmental characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies Common to All County Positions
• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represent Freeborn County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.

*****This position is contingent upon final Board approval *****

*****Completed applications along with cover letter and resume are due by 12:00 PM Friday, May 8th, 2026. *****

*****Salary range: $111,148 - $148,190 *****

Salary : $111,148 - $148,190