Finance Director

TOWN OF LA GRANGE, NORTH CAROLINA
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

FINANCE DIRECTOR (Designated Finance Officer under NC law)

Salary: DOE (expected starting salary: $85,107)
Status: Full-Time
Application Period: Open Until Filled
Application Materials Required: Resume, Cover Letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references

Position Overview

The Town of La Grange is seeking a highly qualified Finance Director to serve as the Town’s designated Finance Officer under North Carolina law. Located in Eastern NC, the Town of La Grange is a welcoming, close-knit community in Lenoir County with a population of approximately 2,800 residents. The Town of La Grange is currently experiencing strong residential growth and is expected to grow significantly over the next decade.

Operating under the Council–Manager form of government, La Grange provides a full range of municipal services and manages enterprise utilities including electric and water/sewer, while continuing to invest in infrastructure, economic development, financial stewardship, and community amenities that support residents and local businesses. With a collaborative organizational culture and a commitment to transparency, customer service, and responsible budgeting, La Grange offers a rewarding environment for experienced public service professionals who want to make a meaningful impact in a community they can truly get to know.

This position provides leadership for the Town’s financial operations and ensures compliance with the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act and applicable NC Local Government Commission requirements. The Finance Director plays a critical role in safeguarding public funds, maintaining strong internal controls, supporting sound budgeting, and providing clear financial information for management and policy decisions. The Finance Director serves as a key member of the Town Manager’s Leadership Team and will work collaboratively to oversee the Town’s approximate $8.62 million total operating budget, supported by a $0.032 tax rate, and includes a $2.46 million General Fund, $2.02 million Water & Sewer Fund, and $4.14 million Electric Fund.

Position Summary

This position reports to the Town Manager and works closely with Town departments, elected officials, auditors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to ensure accurate accounting, effective financial operations, and timely reporting.

The Finance Director leads and manages the Town’s fiscal operations, including accounting, financial reporting, budget administration, cash management, internal controls, debt service administration, grants/project accounting, payroll and benefits administration support, and oversight/coordination of utility billing and collections functions as assigned.

The Finance Director is responsible for managing the Town’s annual audit process, including planning, coordination, audit readiness, delivery of required schedules/workpapers, and timely resolution of audit findings.

Essential Tasks and Duties

The Finance Director performs duties consistent with a designated Finance Officer role in North Carolina local government, including:

Accounting, Financial Operations, and Reporting

• Manage fiscal operations, including accounting, financial reporting, and budgetary accounting.
• Direct the general accounting system; maintain accurate financial records, supporting documentation, and compliant accounting procedures.
• Oversee financial statements and management reports; ensure information is accurate, timely, and understandable for decision-makers.

Budgeting and Financial Management

• Assist in preparing operating and capital improvement budgets; develop forecasts and financial schedules.
• Monitor budget administration, including revenues and expenditures; prepare and submit financial condition reports, budget amendments, and budget-to-actual analyses.
• Support long-range fiscal planning to ensure compliance and financial sustainability.

Debt, Banking, and Audit Responsibility

• Administer debt service and maintain records related to debt obligations and required schedules.
• Reconcile bank statements and maintain sound internal controls and documentation practices.
• Lead and manage the Town’s annual audit process from start to finish, including coordinating with external auditors, assembling schedules/workpapers, ensuring audit readiness year-round, and addressing audit findings and corrective actions.

Grants, Projects, and Compliance

• Ensure grant compliance and track project finances, including documentation, reporting, and audit support.

Administrative Support

• The Finance Director is a key part of the Town Manager’s Leadership Team and will assist in other administrative duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Thorough knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes, local ordinances, and Town policies governing municipal financial and budgeting practices, fiscal control, and purchasing.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public finance administration and municipal accounting, including enterprise/utility fund concepts.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, audit preparation, reconciliations, and best practices for safeguarding public funds.
• Proficiency with automated financial systems; strong ability to use spreadsheets and other tools for analysis, forecasting, and tracking.
• Ability to evaluate financial systems and implement improvements to accounting methods, procedures, forms, and recordkeeping practices.
• Ability to prepare analytical or interpretive financial statements, records, and reports with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to conduct long-range fiscal planning and provide sound financial guidance.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, vendors, department heads, elected officials, and employees.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Core Competencies for Success

• Financial Expertise – strong accounting, budgeting, and reporting skills; deep understanding of municipal finance requirements.
• Integrity & Stewardship – ethical, trustworthy, and committed to transparency and safeguarding public funds.
• Problem-Solving – practical, solutions-oriented approach to controls, compliance, and financial challenges.
• Communication – ability to explain financial information clearly and confidently to staff, elected officials, and residents.
• Attention to Detail – accurate, thorough, and deadline-driven.
• Leadership & Collaboration – works effectively across departments and fosters a positive, accountable team culture.
• Adaptability – manages multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities in a resource-conscious environment.
• Technology Proficiency – leverages systems and tools to streamline workflows and improve performance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in local, state, or federal governmental finance and accounting or corporate administration; or an equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.
• Ability to meet North Carolina statutory expectations of the designated Finance Officer role, including the ability to be bonded.
• Ability to obtain NC Local Government Finance Officer Certification within 2 years of hire date, contingent upon the availability of courses.
• Possess a valid driver’s license in the State of North Carolina.

Preferred Credentials

• Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field preferred.
• Professional certifications preferred: CPA, NC Local Government Finance Officer certification, and/or other relevant public finance credentials.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

The Town of La Grange offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and professional growth, which includes:

• Health insurance
• Group life insurance
• Retirement through the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System (NCLGERS) and 401k.
• Paid leave including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• 4 Day Workweek (Monday-Thursday 7:30am to 6:00pm)

(Final benefit details are provided during the hiring process and are subject to Town policy and eligibility requirements.)

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following by email:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three (3) professional references

Submit to:
Shawn Condon, Town Manager
smcondon@lagrangenc.com

Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Town of La Grange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $85,107.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,107