Chief Financial Officer

Job Summary: Directs all aspects of County finances. Manages the staff, systems, and processes involved in the financial and budgetary functions of the County.  The position is responsible for all department activities, with the primary focus of maintaining complex financial management functions, ongoing financial analysis and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable laws, legislation and regulations. 

Essential Functions
Functions listed are intended only as illustrative of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Prepares and monitors the annual County budget; advises departmental leadership on budget preparation and monitoring.

Coordinates the annual audit including the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.

Manages financial reporting for internal, state, federal and grant administration purposes.

Directs property tax billing and collection.

Provides cash management and monitoring for investments, debt and cash flow.

Provides financial analysis as requested by County Administrator and Commissioners.

Oversees accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.

Interprets laws, legislation and regulations to ensure County compliance.

Establishes and maintains an effective system of internal controls.

Provides effective direction to assigned staff including monitoring and evaluating job performance, hiring, training, coaching and modeling expected behaviors.

Provides instruction to other departments in implementing new financial practices.  

Responds to queries and concerns from taxpayers, corresponds with Commissioners, department heads, peers in other jurisdictions, state and federal agencies.

Attends department planning and staff meetings; attends other professional meetings as required.

Performs other duties as required.

Supervision: The position reports to the County Administrator.  The position directly or indirectly supervises department staff.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:

Communications Skills:  Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with County Administrator and Commissioners, department heads and staff with finance responsibilities, taxpayers, and local, state and federal officials.  Ability to write clearly and informatively; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, supervisors and stakeholders.

Customer Service:  Represents the department professionally and effectively in both internal and external interactions. Manages difficult or challenging situations successfully. Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of cultural background, status, or position.  Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views.

Leadership and Management Skills:  Creates and communicates the department’s vision.  Builds commitment and supports employee growth and success. Sets expectations and monitors activities.  Recognizes the accomplishments of others; demonstrates ability to create and lead in a team-oriented environment. Builds morale and group commitment to goals and objectives.  Inspires and motivates others to perform well. Demonstrates effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Innovation and Change Management Skills:  Displays original thinking and creativity.  Develops innovative approaches and ideas.  Presents ideas and information in a manner that is easily understood.  Understands and contributes to evolving processes in response to changing communities and advances in technology and best financial practices.

Technical Skills: Ability to incorporate complex and complicated functions into documents, spreadsheets, databases and presentations. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office. Ability to manage accounting data analyses and reporting using specialized computer applications for financial management. Knowledge of the principles and procedures that are used in the maintenance, development, and implementation of accounting systems, methods and procedures. 

Education and Experience: 
1.    Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, or related field and seven years of relevant experience. 
2.    Master’s Degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration or related field preferred.
3.    GFOA Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) preferred.

Physical and Environmental Conditions: 
Work is conducted in a normal office setting which provides comfortable lighting, temperature and air conditions. Occasional light lifting, such as three to four reams of paper, four or five books, or other materials (up to 35 pounds) may be required.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g. use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls and observance of fire regulations.

Kent County Government provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.