Summary

The Department of Finance provides financial administration of the County’s governmental operations, including budgeting, general accounting, grants administration, debt management, cost allocation, financial reporting, and support of the annual financial audit. The Chief Financial Officer provides financial guidance to the County Board of Commissioners, Chief Operating Officer, and Department Heads, ensuring compliance with all Federal, State, and Local regulations as it pertains to the financial management of the County.

This position serves in an executive-level capacity, providing strategic financial planning, preparation of the annual budget and capital improvement program, policy development, and position papers. The work requires that the employee has deep knowledge, skill and ability in all aspects of governmental accounting, public finance, budgeting, and financial analysis, as well as an ability to interpret and communicate complex financial and operational issues to diverse audiences.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Prepare the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in conjunction with the Controller’s Office and external auditors which complies with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the Government Finance Officers Association policy of transparency, full disclosure and accountability for the County finances.
In collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer, oversee preparation and administration of a comprehensive annual budget and five-year capital improvement program that aligns with the County’s long term strategic plan.
Responsible for clearly communicating budget policy and financial updates to internal and external stakeholders on a regular basis.
Oversee the issuance of new debt, including review of financial documents and coordination with the County’s financial advisor and bond counsel; preparation of bond rating presentations and analysis of financial impact; monitor compliance with Federal arbitrage laws and Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA) filings.
Represent the County to external governmental agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
Advise and provide analysis to the Board of Commissioners on budgetary and fiscal matters and government legislation.
Conduct in-depth financial analysis, forecasting, and scenario-modeling to inform decision-making and identify potential risks and opportunities.
Develop and implement technology and tools to assist with financial reporting, financial planning and analysis capabilities across the organization.
In collaboration with the Solicitor’s Office and Human Resources, oversee the County Insurance and Risk Management Program and assist with evaluation of insurance policy renewals.
Establish and maintain financial policies and records, to meet the County Code requirements as well as modern accounting and auditing practices, in accordance with GAAP for all the County fiscal operations.
Engage the Board of Commissioners collectively and individually and keep Board members fully informed on significant issues that impact County finances and operations.
In collaboration with the Controller’s Office, provide financial oversight of the County’s Employees’ Retirement Plan and serve as the liaison to external investment managers.
Establish and maintain appropriate accounts in banks and other financial institutions to comply with federal and state reporting requirements.
Coordinate with all County departments with respect to accounting matters, financial reporting and budget monitoring.
Assist the County Solicitor and outside labor employment counsel with the collective bargaining process, labor contract negotiations, financial modeling and preparation of proposals for County’s union employee groups.
In partnership with Human Resources, monitor and evaluate County’s self-insured medical benefit plan, and develop annual budget for fringe benefits.
Provide strategic leadership to the Finance Department by setting priorities, coaching and developing staff, promoting a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring high standards of professional practice, collaboration and accountability.
Perform other and additional duties and work as may be directed by the Board of Commissioners in furtherance of the fiscal management of the County’s financial matters and funds.
Provide strategic financial input and general advice on all issues affecting the County, including evaluation of potential partnerships, acquisitions, dispositions, new programs, pension fund investments.
Promote, secure, and preserve the financial interests of the County.
Perform related work as required.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in an appropriate field related to the area of assignment such as Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field. A master’s degree in one of these disciplines is preferred.
Certified Public Financial Officer (CPFO) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is preferred.
A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, managerial and/or administrative experience in fiscal matters, including at least five years of executive leadership in financial strategy and organizational decision making is required.
Prior governmental and public finance experience preferred.
Knowledge of Federal State and local government laws and regulations applicable to finance and accounting management.
Demonstrated experience working with and leading financial modernization initiatives, including optimization of a modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, data analytics, automation, and process transformation. Includes, but is not limited to, budgeting, purchasing, payroll and human resources solutions and system workflows.
Excellent presentation and public speaking skills.
Experience working with elected officials is a plus.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands or arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Montgomery County, PA Jobs

Chief Financial Officer