Deputy County Administrator/Chief Financial Officer

Job Summary

"Performs skilled and responsible technical analysis and administrative functions as the principal assistant to the County Administrator in planning, organizing, directing, implementing, and supervising countywide administrative policies, activities and services. Duties are performed under general and specific authority delegated by the County Administrator and County Board. Researches, analyzes, develops, and evaluates policies, processes, procedures, and systems of strategic importance to the county and advises the County Administrator, Division Directors, and the County Board of Commissioners as to their impact on the county. Performs responsible leadership, administrative, and managerial work directing the operations, systems, and staff of the Office of Management and Budget Division; including the departments of Accounting, Budget and Strategic Planning, Employee Relations, Information Technology, Enterprise Risk Management, Procurement, and Administration Office support. Supervises professional managers and staff and performs financial management work, including developing comprehensive financial reports, forecasts, and general economic opportunity outlooks. Coordinates all activities to achieve efficient, effective, and accountable operations and processes in accordance with county policy, union agreements, and applicable law. The incumbent also serves as Chief Financial Officer and is responsible for all aspects of county finances. Evaluates current and proposed financial plans, policies, and strategies to ensure fiscal sustainability and economic vitality. The CFO establishes a vision guiding strategic plans to accomplish this vision and motivating employees and departments to achieve identified mission and goals. Establishes integrated systems for processing, control, accountability, and reporting of county financial resources and advises county leaders and staff related to fiscal data and practices."

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provides leadership and oversight for county finances, strategic plans, and financial activities, including financial budgeting, planning and reporting, cost and general accounting operations, accountability and system controls, audit, tax, and treasury functions in support of business operations.
• Provides oversight, guidance and direction of the internal services division (Office of Management and Budget), to include Budget and Strategic Planning, Accounting, Employee Relations, Information Technology, Enterprise Risk Management, Procurement, and Administration Office support. Works collaboratively with professional managers to design and implement business strategies, plans, and procedures.
• Serves as County Administrator in his/her absence or at his/her delegation.
• Assists Chief Information Officer and Employee Relations Director with identifying and implementing effective business processes for efficient delivery and support of IT and human resources services.
• Provides advice and recommendations to the County Administrator, Board members, and other members of the management team on matters of finance, accounting, human resources, information technology, and other internal services, conveying information with value-added opinion and commentary.
• Provides expertise in organizational development and effectiveness to ensure the appropriate structures, relationships, and capabilities are in place to achieve business objectives.
• Prepares and recommends fiscal policies regarding county business activities; prepares and recommends annual division goals, advises the County Administrator regarding short- and long-range projects, and recommends appropriate actions pursuant to the stated objective.
• Directs investment activities and strategies for the purpose of growing the county's assets.
• Researches materials, reviews memoranda, and provides reports and recommendations as requested by the County Administrator.
• Assists in the preparation and dissemination of public information.
• Represents the County Administrator to governmental, public and private agencies, organizations, and individuals, as required.
• Organizes and directs preparation of County Board workshops, legislative workshops, and special projects.
• Sets vision and strategy for the OMB Division in accomplishing the county's goals. Provides key input into the county's strategic direction, including input on the county's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Helps set organizational priorities based on the capacities of internal services departments.
• Ensures county's timeliness and accuracy of the monthly, quarterly, and annual internal and external financial reporting requirements, including all requirements related to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Security Exchange Commission (SEC) and Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and Minnesota Office of the State Auditor (OSA) requirements.
• Analyzes county operations to identify opportunities for improved customer service, communications, and program efficiencies through a variety of means or tools. Ensures the smooth operation of division functions with constant attention to improving efficiencies, communication, accountability, and productivity.
• Ensures internal and external customers receive timely and consistent financial systems support and training. Provides consultation and guidance to other county staff in the development of new and modification of existing accounting systems to ensure compliance with accepted accounting practices and established county accounting procedures.
• Responsible and relied upon to establish strong working relationships with the County Commissioners, County Administrator, other Division Directors, and county staff to develop effective solutions to government and internal business challenges.
• Attends professional meetings, keeps up to date on professional trends and information which will assist in the conduct of duties, and otherwise keeps informed of new developments in local and county government.
• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a Master's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Public Administration, or related and six years of complex financial management and business operations experience, including supervision of professional and management staff. The incumbent shall provide a valid driver's license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Strong preference for experience with IT and/or Human Resources functions. Experience with the rules of the Government Accounting Standards Board is also preferred. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is also desired.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under broad policy guidance and direction from the County Administrator and the County Board and is responsible for the operation of multiple departments in the county. While policies and general plans are developed in conference with the County Administrator, the employee has extensive latitude for administrative decision making in accomplishing long range objectives and addressing immediate problems, particularly in areas delegated by the County Administrator as ongoing responsibilities. Work is reviewed through conferences, written reports, and objectives achieved.

The employee directs and supervises professional, technical, and program support staff either directly or through designated managers/supervisors. The employee directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
 
The employee promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others. The employee learns, understands, executes, and promotes organizational cultural initiatives and county-wide program objectives.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of state, federal, and local laws, rules, and regulations as they apply to government finance and accounting principles and standards.

Knowledge of strategic planning principles, budget preparation, and control procedures, including program evaluation.

Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of public sector accounting, budgeting, purchasing, and public administration.

Knowledge of the best practices, methods, and techniques for effective public personnel administration.

Knowledge of county financial policies, business functions, processes, and financial systems and generally accepted accounting principles, including the rules of the Government Accounting Standards Board and the Government Finance Officers Association.

Knowledge of the concept of and uses for information technology relating to SaaS and/or hosted solutions.

Knowledge of organizational theory and effective management practices.

Knowledge and understanding of governmental bonding, including the transaction process, as well as working with financial consultants.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration as applied to county government.

Knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and standard office equipment, including use of computers (MS Office, HRIS/HRMS programs, etc.)

Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts.

Abilities – Ability to analyze systems, processes, and procedures and in preparing long-range and strategic responses to county financial needs.

Ability to presenting analysis and recommendations through spoken, written and electronic communications.

Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate the many functions and activities of county government and lead committees and small groups of people to achieve stated goals and objectives.

Ability to bring innovation and creativity to the financial systems and functions of the county.

Ability to provide leadership and develop a team approach to solving problems and communicating solutions.

Ability to direct, supervise, and delegate work effectively.

Ability to adapt the organization to changes in the business environment.

Ability to prepare and to supervise the preparation of comprehensive and detailed financial records and reports.

Ability to prepare succinct written summaries that accurately presents facts, findings and conclusions on technical and financial reports.

Ability to plan, coordinate, direct and evaluate work involved in varied financial related areas.

Ability to understand the dynamics of working in a growing county within a political environment.

Ability to prepare and deliver effective oral presentations to small and large groups including elected officials and the general public sometimes on sensitive, divisive, or complicated personnel or financial issues.

Ability to work in arenas of conflict and bring diverse opinions to a resolution or consensus.

Ability to coordinate and negotiate county plans with outside agencies, municipalities, and other interest groups regarding financial matters.

Ability and skill to organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

Ability to quickly develop relationships of mutual trust and respect with management, as well as internal and external customers.

Ability to effectively manage multiple and simultaneous projects.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, county officials, and the public.

Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion.

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting. The position is multi-task oriented and includes periods of stress when balancing multiple and varied needs/demands of services.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work: Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.