What are the responsibilities and job description for the Finance Director Trainee position at McDowell County?
Please Note: This position will serve as a Finance Officer Trainee through July 1, 2027. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the current Finance Officer to gain the knowledge, skills, and certifications necessary to assume the role of Finance Officer. Upon successful completion of the training period and meeting all qualifications, the position will transition to Finance Officer on July 1, 2027.
Performs advanced professional accounting, budgeting, and financial management duties in support of County operations. Responsibilities include oversight of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions, maintenance of financial records, budget analysis, financial reporting, and supervision of
assigned staff. This position assists with the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department and serves as a backup to the Finance Director. Work requires knowledge of governmental accounting principles, North Carolina General Statutes, local government fiscal operations, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Work is performed under the general supervision of the Finance Director.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The following duties are representative of the work performed and are not intended to be all-inclusive:
Thorough knowledge of accounting principles, practices, methods, and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards governing local government finance.
Knowledge of governmental budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting systems.
Ability to prepare and analyze complex financial reports and records.
Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate employees effectively.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail while managing multiple priorities.
Minimum Education And Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
Governmental Accounting Experience Preferred.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and/or North Carolina Certified Local Government Finance Officer (CLGFO) certification preferred but not required.
Physical Requirements
This position is classified as sedentary work and requires the ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently. Duties may involve stooping, reaching, lifting, fingering, grasping, repetitive motions, verbal communication, hearing, and visual acuity necessary for preparing and analyzing financial information and operating standard office equipment. The work environment is generally free from adverse environmental conditions.
Special Requirements
Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Personal Surety Bond.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
How to Apply
Pre-employment Drug Screening And Background Check Is Required
APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN CREDIT ONLY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. No additional information will be solicited by the McDowell County; therefore, persons who submit incomplete applications may not receive full credit for their education, training and experience.
McDowell County is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the County to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, political affiliation or national origin. The County will interactively work with disabled applicants and employees to identify reasonable accommodations that will allow the individual to perform essential job functions.
McDowell County participates in E-Verify.
Applications Are Available
Applications Can Be Submitted
60 East Court Street Marion, NC 28752
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. We also offer up to 8 weeks of paid family leave to eligible employees.
Performs advanced professional accounting, budgeting, and financial management duties in support of County operations. Responsibilities include oversight of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions, maintenance of financial records, budget analysis, financial reporting, and supervision of
assigned staff. This position assists with the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department and serves as a backup to the Finance Director. Work requires knowledge of governmental accounting principles, North Carolina General Statutes, local government fiscal operations, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Work is performed under the general supervision of the Finance Director.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The following duties are representative of the work performed and are not intended to be all-inclusive:
- Assists with the overall operation of the Finance Department, including Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions.
- Serves as backup to the Finance Director and Payroll Analyst.
- Supervises, trains, evaluates, and provides technical guidance to assigned staff.
- Maintains and reconciles County bank accounts; researches discrepancies and processes necessary corrections.
- Assists with the preparation and administration of the County’s annual operating budget.
- Monitors departmental revenues and expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets.
- Reviews and processes budget amendments and transfers submitted by departments.
- Assists with the annual external audit.
- Prepares audit schedules, year-end reconciliations, adjusting entries, and supporting documentation for independent auditors.
- Develops and recommends financial policies and procedures in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and County policies.
- Reviews and approves weekly check runs and purchasing requests.
- Processes and oversees purchase orders.
- Prepares required state and federal financial reports, including LGC-203 and Annual Financial Information Reports.
- Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual journal entries and financial reconciliations.
- Oversees fixed asset accounting, inventory tracking, and related adjustments.
- Compiles financial data and prepares periodic, annual, and special financial reports.
- Provides project management and user support for ParaResearch financial software.
- Administers and monitors County credit cards, fuel usage, billing, and related reporting.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
Thorough knowledge of accounting principles, practices, methods, and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards governing local government finance.
Knowledge of governmental budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting systems.
Ability to prepare and analyze complex financial reports and records.
Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate employees effectively.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail while managing multiple priorities.
Minimum Education And Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
Governmental Accounting Experience Preferred.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and/or North Carolina Certified Local Government Finance Officer (CLGFO) certification preferred but not required.
Physical Requirements
This position is classified as sedentary work and requires the ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently. Duties may involve stooping, reaching, lifting, fingering, grasping, repetitive motions, verbal communication, hearing, and visual acuity necessary for preparing and analyzing financial information and operating standard office equipment. The work environment is generally free from adverse environmental conditions.
Special Requirements
Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Personal Surety Bond.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
How to Apply
Pre-employment Drug Screening And Background Check Is Required
APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN CREDIT ONLY FOR INFORMATION PROVIDED IN RESPONSE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. No additional information will be solicited by the McDowell County; therefore, persons who submit incomplete applications may not receive full credit for their education, training and experience.
McDowell County is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the County to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, political affiliation or national origin. The County will interactively work with disabled applicants and employees to identify reasonable accommodations that will allow the individual to perform essential job functions.
McDowell County participates in E-Verify.
Applications Are Available
- on our website:
- McDowell County Administration Building:
Applications Can Be Submitted
- Online at www.mcdowellhrportal.org
- in person at the County Administration building:
- or by Mail to:
60 East Court Street Marion, NC 28752
- or by email to:
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. We also offer up to 8 weeks of paid family leave to eligible employees.