Description

Cumberland County, North Carolina is seeking an experienced financial leader to serve as Deputy Finance Director. This position plays a critical role in ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds and supporting the financial operations that help our County effectively serve residents.

Working closely with the Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer, the Deputy Finance Director provides leadership and oversight for key financial functions, supervises professional and technical staff, and helps ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, local policies, and sound financial practices. The Deputy Finance Director represents the Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer in their absence and supports strategic financial planning across the organization.

Position Summary

The Deputy Finance Director oversees major financial operations including accounting, investments, banking, financial reporting, audit preparation, and risk management programs. This role manages financial services units, directs financial system administration, and supports departmental goals, policies, and operational improvements. Work involves analyzing complex financial data, ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining financial system integrity, and supporting sound fiscal decision-making across Cumberland County government. 

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise professional, technical, and support staff; provide coaching, training, and performance management
• Assist in directing accounting and financial reporting operations
• Oversee investment activities in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes and County policy
• Monitor daily banking activity to ensure adequate funds for disbursements, payroll, and transfers
• Administer banking access systems and internal controls
• Manage financial system administration, including chart of accounts maintenance and system testing
• Direct month-end and year-end close processes and ensure financial system integrity
• Coordinate audit preparation and support external audit activities
• Oversee insurance programs and manage the County’s self-insured workers’ compensation program
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and County policies
• Support development and implementation of financial procedures, policies, and operational improvements
• Represent the Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer when designated by the Board of Commissioners

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles and financial reporting practices
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and standards governing public finance
• Ability to interpret and analyze complex financial data and draw sound conclusions
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to conduct detailed research and prepare reports and recommendations
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes and regulations

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in accounting, business administration, or finance, and four years of progressively responsible professional accounting and supervisory experience in a governmental fiscal operation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in municipal or county government finance
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• North Carolina Certified Local Government Finance Officer
• Experience with enterprise financial systems such as Tyler Munis or similar ERP platforms
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel