Description
General Description of Work
Performs advanced professional and administrative work directing and managing the financial operations of Camden County, North Carolina. Responsible for statutory duties as prescribed under the North Carolina Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act and other applicable state and federal regulations. Work involves overseeing budgeting, accounting, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, financial reporting, audit coordination, debt management, cash management, internal controls, and compliance functions.
The Finance Officer serves as the County’s chief financial officer and advisor to the County Manager and Board of Commissioners on fiscal policy, financial planning, and long-term sustainability. Work is performed independently under the general direction of the County Manager and is subject to state audit and regulatory review.
Supervision is exercised over finance department staff.
Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Essential Functions
Serves as the duly appointed Finance Officer in accordance with the North Carolina Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act (NCGS Chapter 159), ensuring full compliance with all statutory duties and fiduciary responsibilities.
Establishes and maintains the County’s accounting system in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, and reporting requirements of the North Carolina Local Government Commission.
Develops, administers, and monitors the annual balanced operating budget and capital improvement program in accordance with NCGS §159-8 through §159-13; prepares the budget ordinance, budget message, and supporting documentation for submission to the County Manager and Board of Commissioners; administers budget amendments and monitors compliance with the adopted ordinance.
Ensures that no obligation is incurred in violation of the pre-audit requirements of NCGS §159-28 and maintains adequate internal controls over disbursements, receivables, payroll, purchasing, and cash management.
Manages the deposit and investment of County funds in compliance with NCGS §159-30 and §159-31; maintains sufficient liquidity to meet operational requirements while maximizing allowable investment returns.
Prepares and submits all required financial reports to the Local Government Commission and other state and federal agencies, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), audit contracts, debt statements, and other required fiscal reports.
Coordinates the annual independent audit in accordance with NCGS §159-34; prepares schedules and documentation, assists auditors during fieldwork, ensures timely completion and submission of the audit to the LGC, and implements corrective action plans for any findings or deficiencies.
Oversees issuance and administration of debt instruments, installment financing agreements, and other long-term obligations in accordance with LGC approval processes; maintains accurate debt records and ensures continuing disclosure compliance.
Administers financial oversight of grants and intergovernmental revenues, ensuring compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and other applicable state and federal requirements.
Oversees statutory purchasing and contracting compliance, including competitive bidding thresholds, contract approvals, and financial review of agreements.
Maintains complete and accurate financial records for all County funds, departments, capital projects, and special revenue funds.
Supervises finance personnel and ensures appropriate segregation of duties, professional development, and continuity of operations.
Provides regular financial condition reports to the County Manager and Board of Commissioners and presents fiscal analyses to support policy decisions.
Performs financial management responsibilities during declared emergencies or disaster events, ensuring compliance with FEMA, state emergency management, and grant documentation requirements.
Serves as ex officio Finance Officer for the Tourism Development Authority pursuant to Session Law 2004-95, ensuring statutory compliance and accurate financial reporting.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public finance administration, including principles and practices of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as well as Governmental Accounting Standards Boards (GASB) and North Carolina General Statues.
Ability to represent the County in a professional and respectful manner while interacting with a diverse set of individuals within the workplace and the community.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of public finance and revenue collections to include all federal and state audit requirements and policies.
Thorough knowledge of public administration.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of County purchasing and payroll.
Ability to evaluate financial systems, formulate and install accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records.
Ability to conduct long-range fiscal planning and to accurately analyze and prepare financial records and reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, department heads, government officials, and other employees. Must possess a high level of initiative, tact, good judgment, and integrity.
Ability to prepare and present complex and detailed fiscal reports of a financial nature to the Board of Commissioners or other governing bodies or state and federal agencies.
Must be skilled in preparing financial reports, preparing, and monitoring budgets, analyzing and interpreting financial data, and evaluating and developing investment strategies for the County.
Must possess interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the Board of Commissioners, and the general public sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, public administration, or related field.
Five (8) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting or public finance, including supervisory experience.
Experience in North Carolina local government finance strongly preferred.
Thorough knowledge and experience working with Tyler MUNIS software
Licenses and Professional Certifications
NC Driver License
Government Financial Officer Certification by the North Carolina Government Financial Officers Association (preferred) or the ability to obtain within one (1) year.
Physical Requirements
Work is sedentary, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. Must be able to physically perform the basic life operation functions of stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling lifting, feeling, grasping, and repetitive motion. Employee must have the visual acuity to be able to prepare and analyze data and figures for accounting, perform extensive reading, operate a computer and other office equipment, determine accuracy and thoroughness of work, observe general surroundings and activities. Verbal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
Regular attendance at the evening Board of Commissioners meeting is required.
