Finance Director

Position Summary: 

The Finance Director serves as the County's chief accounting and financial officer and is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the County's financial records, accounting systems, financial reporting, and fiscal operations. This position oversees governmental accounting functions, preparation of the County's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), audit coordination, tax apportionment, budget administration, payroll and accounts payable operations, and financial compliance activities. The Finance Director provides leadership in ensuring accurate financial reporting, sound internal controls, and long-term fiscal stewardship of County resources

Supervision Received:

Works under the general oversight of the Finance Committee.

Supervision Exercised:

Exercises supervision over all Finance Department Staff as well as in conjunction with the other County Fiscal staff.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Accounting, Financial Reporting, and Compliance (Primary Function)

• Directs and maintains the County's centralized accounting system and financial records.
• Oversees the recording, reconciliation, and reporting of all County financial transactions and funds.
• Ensures compliance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), state statutes, federal regulations, and County policies.
• Prepares and oversees the preparation of year-end adjusting entries, reconciliations, and closing activities for all County funds.
• Serves as the primary author and coordinator of the County's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including preparation of financial statements, notes, schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Oversees the preparation and submission of all required state and federal financial reports.
• Develops and maintains internal controls and accounting procedures to safeguard County assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Conducts complex accounting analyses and prepares financial studies, reports, and projections for County leadership.
• Reviews departmental accounting practices and provides guidance to department fiscal staff regarding accounting standards and reporting requirements.
• Oversees preparation of the County's annual indirect cost allocation plan.

Audit Coordination

• Serves as the County's primary liaison with external auditors.
• Coordinates annual audit activities and ensures timely completion of all audit schedules, workpapers, and supporting documentation.
• Oversees implementation of audit recommendations and corrective action plans.
• Conducts or coordinates internal audits and reviews of departmental financial operations as appropriate.

Tax Apportionment and Levy Administration

• Calculates and prepares the County tax apportionment and levy worksheets.
• Determines and certifies tax rates and levies in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes and Department of Revenue requirements.
• Prepares and submits tax apportionment reports and related documentation to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
• Provides technical assistance regarding tax levy calculations and apportionment matters to County leadership and municipal officials.

Budget Administration and Financial Planning

• Directs and manages the County's annual budget process under the guidance of the Finance Committee and County Board.
• Prepares the annual budget document and monitors expenditures against the adopted budget.
• Provides detailed financial analysis and recommendations regarding revenues, expenditures, and long-range financial planning.
• Assists department heads with budget development and ongoing financial management.

Education and Experience:

High school graduate plus graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field plus  five (5) years of progressively responsible government finance work. CPA preferred by not required.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Working knowledge of modern governmental accounting theory, principles, and practices; considerable knowledge of internal control procedures and management information systems; considerable knowledge of office automation and computerized financial applications; considerable knowledge of public finance and fiscal planning; considerable knowledge of budgetary, accounting and reporting systems, GAAFR, GAAP and GASB;

Skill in operating the listed tools and equipment;

Ability to prepare and analyze complex financial reports; ability to maintain efficient and effective financial systems and procedures; ability to effectively supervise staff; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and county officials.

Ability to effectively meet and deal with the public.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Ability to handle stressful situations.

Special Requirements:

Must be bondable.

Tools and Equipment Used:

Proficient in various Office 365, particularly Excel. 

Physical Demands:

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk, stoop or kneel. The employee may have to reach up high occasionally.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

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

The noise level in the work environment is moderately loud.

Selection Guidelines:

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.