Finance Director

North Wilkesboro is nestled in the heart of northwestern North Carolina. Our small town is full of kind and welcoming people. Our foothills climate has four distinct seasons, and our landscapes are beautiful. It is a great place to live, work, and play. The pace is a little slower, but there is still plenty to do with 20 wineries within 30 miles, MerleFest, mountain biking and hiking trails, over nine miles of easy walking greenway, W. Kerr Scott Lake, downtown events from April to December, free concerts, and the North Wilkesboro Speedway. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

This individual directs the day-to-day financial operations of the Town of North Wilkesboro and plays a key role in developing and executing the town's overall strategy. This position will be responsible for supervising and participating in a variety of professional and paraprofessional accounting and finance tasks involving journal entries, payroll, reconciling bank statements, accounts payable and receivable, year-end audit procedures, generating a variety of financial reports, handling purchasing requests, utility billing, risk management, benefits administration, investments, and performing related fiscal duties. The Finance Director is integral to establishing the town's strategic goals and objectives and integrating those strategies into the annual budget planning process. Responsibilities include supervising the budget, purchasing, accounting, general revenue collections, investments, financial reporting, and payroll operations. The employee must exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative in planning and directing the fiscal control system. Work is performed in accordance with established municipal finance procedures, local ordinances, and North Carolina General Statutes governing the responsibilities of local government accountants. 

This role also involves collaboration with the Town Manager in preparing the general operating and capital improvements budgets. The Finance Director reviews departmental budget requests for accuracy and justification of resource allocation and expenditures; works with the Manager to develop town financial policies and prepare the annual budget; performs revenue forecasting and supervises the formatting and publication of the budget. They recommend changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations, including increasing revenue or decreasing costs. Participates as part of the town's management team, contributing to long-range planning and other issues, and is responsible for managing the receipt and investment of town revenues. 

Knowledge & Skills

• Thorough knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes and of local ordinances governing municipal financial practices and procedures. 
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public finance administration, including principles and practices of municipal accounting. 
• Considerable knowledge of supervision, including motivation, communication, leadership, performance coaching, and evaluation.
• Working knowledge of North Carolina personnel laws and regulations.
• Ability to evaluate complex financial systems and formulate and install accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records.
• Ability to design and prepare analytical or interpretative financial statements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, departmental heads, governmental officials, and other town employees. 
• Ability to conduct long-range fiscal planning.
• Accuracy and thoroughness in the analysis and preparation of financial records and reports.

Preferred Education & Experience

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in accounting or business, preferably supplemented with a master's degree in business or public administration and experience in public finance administration. 

Qualified Applicants may submit a cover letter and resume to: Crystal Keener Payroll/Personnel 336-667-7129 ext. 3003 Email: payroll@northwilkesboronc.gov