What are the responsibilities and job description for the Finance Director position at Chippewa County, WI?
Purpose of Position
JOB SUMMARY
The job duties of the Finance Director include but are not limited to serve as the County's chief financial officer; to be responsible for financial forecasting, budget development and monitoring, central financial accounting and reporting, administration of the County's debt program and administering a county-wide financial system; to be a key member of the Department of Administration and to be responsible for analyzing all aspects of county finances, providing advice, recommendations and options to the County Administrator and the County Board; and to provide responsive, courteous and efficient service to County residents and the general public.
To view the Finance Director Announcement and County Profile click here.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 16th 2025 at 4:30 PM.
Interviews will be conducted on Wednesday, April 30th 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties described below are indicative of what the Finance Director might be asked to perform. This job description is to incorporate any county ordinances created for the position of Finance Director. This is not an exhaustive list of job responsibilities and therefore other duties may be assigned:
Administrative Functions:
Supervisory Functions:
Customers:
Team Members:
The duties described below are indicative of what the Finance Director might be asked to perform. This job description is to incorporate any county ordinances created for the position of Finance Director. This is not an exhaustive list of job responsibilities and therefore other duties may be assigned:
Administrative Functions:
- Advise and assist the County Administrator and County Board in preparing budget documents and make related budget recommendations. Collaborate with County Administrator, department heads and related staff to review, analyze, and clarify budget document submissions and related budget entries on the financial system. Prepare required budget documents and attend budget hearings. Determine tax levy and county tax rates. Prepare annual budget publication for the public hearing notice.
- Monitor monthly department expenditures collaboratively with County Administrator.
- Review apportionment worksheet prior to submission by the County Clerk.
- Establish, maintain, and direct the countywide accounting functions (including general ledger, accounts receivables, accounts payable, payroll and fixed assets; develop cash management and internal control requirements; develop debt management activities including sale of bonds and record keeping; and bond rating) and reporting systems pursuant to Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) rules and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to provide for timely and accurate financial recording and reporting both internally and with outside agencies of County fiscal and payroll transactions, including procedural controls.
- Develop, recommend and implement accounting policies and procedures, reporting and accounting methods for all departments.
- Perform statutory duties of a County Auditor. Examine the book of accounts of any County officer, board, commission, committee, trustee, or other officer or employee entrusted with receipt, custody, or expenditure of money, or by, or on whose certificate any funds appropriated by the County Board are authorized to be expended.
- Provide professional consultation and staff support to the County Board, governing committees, and County Administrator. Provide professional advice. Provide financial, statistical and analytical data.
- Recommend and assist the County Administrator in the development of long range fiscal programs and financial management including maintaining the capital improvements plan and sales tax.
- Provide advice to the County Treasurer on the County's investments, including rescheduling options. Monitor and exercise flexibility to adjust to changes in cash flow.
- Assist in ensuring the requisite standards for maintaining the County's national credit rating are met on long-term debt and bond issues organization, budget balancing, tax collection delinquency, stability of tax levy, and maintenance of adequate fund balances.
- Develop and maintain annual and long-term debt management plan that is in accordance with federal, state and county regulations and that provides a consistent source of funds for capital improvements. Prepare required documents and analysis for bond and other long-term debt issuance.
- Oversee the design, selection and implementation of all manual and automated systems for the County's centralized financial systems.
- Track, monitor, and implement state and federal law related to income tax, payroll, arbitrage regulations, single audit requirements, tax rate freeze formulas, etc.
- Prepare and present financial reports to the county board, governing committees, and County Administrator regarding department budgets, operating funds, special grants, fixed assets and related data.
- Advise County Administrator and County Board regarding fiscal impact of County Board resolutions, ordinances, contracts, and staffing or program changes. Give advice regarding budget variations.
- Perform special financial studies as directed.
- Exercise financial audit control over County financial records. Assist outside auditors and consultants and provide pre-audited financial reports. Perform internal audits of County Departments.
- Act as an agent for the County for the Wisconsin Retirement fund as described in State Statutes. Act as agent for deferred compensation programs.
- Administer the Economic Development Fund Program under the direction of the Chippewa County Economic Development Committee. Review, analyze, and recommend actions on Revolving Loan Fund loan applications.
- Audit Chippewa Valley Regional Airport financial statements internally. Make budget recommendations regarding Chippewa County's contribution to airport operations.
- Administer the long-term financial plan for the Lake Wissota Business Park Land Development fund.
- Regularly attend Economic Development Committee and Executive Committee meetings.
Supervisory Functions:
- Evaluate Finance Department workload to assess staff needs.
- Direct the work of and manage the staff of the Finance Department.
- Interview and select new employees.
- Provide training and instructions
- Assign tasks, review work and prepare performance evaluations.
- Recommend employee transfers, promotions, disciplinary action, discharge and salary increases.
Customers:
- Internal Employees and Managers
- County Board members
- Chippewa County Citizens
Team Members:
- Members of the Finance Division
- Members of Department of Administration (DOA)
Minimum Qualifications
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required at the time of hire or for the continuation of employment.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required.
- Five (5) years or more of recent government finance or accounting experience required.
- Five (5) years management/supervisory experience required.
- WI County experience preferred.
- CPA license preferred.
- Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) required.
- Knowledge of Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) rules required.
- Must be bondable.
- A valid driver’s license required.
- A cell phone is required.
