Description

The Finance Officer plans and performs the disbursement and accounting of revenues and expenditures for the Town. Duties include planning, organizing, and executing the fiscal operations of the town including receiving, disbursing, accounting of revenues and expenditures, budget preparation and required audits.  Work includes purchasing, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, risk management, payroll operations, and grant management.  The employee must exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative in performing the fiscal control responsibilities. Work will be performed in accordance with established accounting principles including GAAP and GASB, municipal finance procedures, grant and regulatory agency requirements including Federal, State and Local regulations and policies and North Carolina General Statutes governing the responsibilities of local government fiscal operations. The Finance Officer is responsible for the interpretation of these requirements and ensures overall compliance, adherence, and accuracy in all financial activities.  The Finance Officer must always be aware of the financial status of the Town. Work is performed under the direction of the Board and is evaluated by an independent audit of financial records.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plans and performs fiscal operations for the town including accounting of municipal funds, financial reporting, journal entries, general ledger maintenance, budgetary accounting, accounts payable, fixed assets, cash investments, and management of debt service
• Maintains the general accounting systems for the Town
• Maintains financial records for each department
• Prepares, reviews, and monitors the budget
• Monitors revenues and expenditures
• Oversees accounts payable to ensure appropriate coding & approval of payments
• Performs a wide variety of financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual closeouts and reconciliations
• Assist auditors during the annual audit and implement changes to improve financial systems based on audit findings
• Advises Board on fiscal issues
• Assist departments with purchasing, budget monitoring, and analysis
• Prepares budget amendments
• Serves as risk management officer responsible for managing property and liability insurance programs
• Makes debt service payments and participates in financing strategy research
• Any other duties assigned by Board

Requirements

Qualifications:
       

• Considerable knowledge of Government Fund Accounting
• Expertise in public finance to include principles, practices, laws, regulations, and administration of the aforementioned
• Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology to fiscal management and reporting including the use of special financial software packages
• Ability to evaluate financial systems and formulate and install accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records
• Ability to prepare complex and interpretive financial analyses 
• Ability to design and prepare analytical or interpretative financial statements and reports
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, departmental heads, governmental officials, and other town employees
• Accuracy and thoroughness in the analysis and preparation of financial records and reports
• Strong organizational, presentation and management skills required
• Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a closely related field and considerable experience in governmental finance, budgeting and accounting or auditing work, including management of grant programs; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability and willingness to obtain North Carolina Finance Officer certification from the School of Government