Budget Director

ABOUT THE CHARLESTON COUNTY BUDGET DEPARTMENT

The Charleston County Budget Department plays a critical role in supporting the financial health and strategic direction of County operations. With a team of eight professionals, the department is responsible for:

• Preparing and monitoring the annual budget in collaboration with each office/department
• Developing multi-year financial plans
• Formulating financial strategies
• Managing federal and state grants
• Making appropriation recommendations to the County Administrator and County Council

The department partners closely with the Chief Financial Officer and the Finance Department to ensure strong fiscal stewardship.

ABOUT CHARLESTON COUNTY

• Serves a population of over 425,000 across 945 square miles
• Operates with an annual budget of $823 million, including a $366 million General Fund
• Employs over 2,700 full-time-equivalent employees across 50 offices and departments, including the Sheriff’s Office, Environmental Management, and Public Works
• Manages a five-year Capital Improvement Plan totaling $1.7 billion

THE OPPORTUNITY

Charleston County is seeking a seasoned and strategic finance professional with experience managing budgets exceeding $500 million in a multi-departmental environment to serve as its Budget Director.

Under the limited direction of the Chief Financial Officer, the Budget Director provides financial vision and leadership, oversees complex budgeting processes, ensures sound fiscal policy, and leads a high-performing team. The ideal candidate will demonstrate deep knowledge of government finance, strong leadership skills, and a collaborative, solution-oriented approach to budgeting and planning.

Hiring Salary Range: $120,161.60 – $157,393.60 (annually, based on qualifications and experience)

Applications will be reviewed as received. This posting may close once a suitable candidate is identified. Early applications are encouraged.

Note: Previous applicants need not reapply.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Budget Development: Lead the preparation of the County’s annual operating budget, including issue identification, revenue estimation, tax millage rate coordination, and recommendations to County Council and department leadership.
• Capital & Long-Term Planning: Oversee the development of multi-year financial plans, including the Capital Improvement Plan, Debt Management Plan, Transportation Sales Tax Plans, and five-year operating forecasts.
• Department Leadership: Provide strategic and day-to-day leadership to the Budget Department, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Document Oversight: Direct the preparation and final review of all annual budget documents to ensure compliance with evolving best practices and public budgeting standards.
• Council Presentations: Present the proposed budget to County Council and provide financial insights to inform policy decisions.
• Budget Administration: Administer the adopted budget, review budget transfers, and ensure compliance with ordinances, policies, and directives.
• Financial Coordination: Collaborate with the Finance Department and other agencies to maintain financial structures and support accurate, timely transactions.
• Fiscal Impact Analysis: Lead countywide financial analyses and assess the fiscal impact of agenda items presented to Council Committees.
• Grant & FEMA Funding Management: Oversee grant staff in budgeting, application submission, expenditure tracking, and ensuring compliance with regulations—maximizing financial benefit, including FEMA reimbursements.
• Financial Reporting: Conduct periodic reviews, including mid-year assessments, and provide regular updates to the County Administrator and Council.
• Emergency Management: Serve as a Finance Section member during emergency operations and act as the County’s Applicant Agent for FEMA during declared disasters.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• At least ten (10) years of experience in government budgeting, financial management, or a related field
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a public-sector environment of comparable complexity
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience supervising at least five (5) direct reports

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Professional designations such as:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Government Finance Officer (GFOA)
• Certified Government Finance Officer (SC-GFOA)

SUCCESS FACTORS

• Advanced knowledge of governmental financial systems, budgeting principles, GAAP, and GASB
• Proficiency with financial software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
• Strong leadership and team-building skills; ability to promote collaboration and accountability
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Analytical skills to interpret complex financial data and present findings to diverse audiences, including elected officials
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive information in public or private settings
• Ability to navigate political and organizational dynamics in a high-profile government environment
• Strong capacity to evaluate and compare alternatives based on financial, operational, and strategic impacts
• Ability to assess and align practices with County directives and goals

WHY JOIN CHARLESTON COUNTY?

Who wouldn’t want to live in Charleston, SC? With a population that has grown by over 40,000 in the past decade, Charleston County is the third largest in South Carolina, just behind Richland (Columbia) and Greenville. The County has earned dozens of awards for innovation and service excellence at the local, state, and national levels.

The Budget Director role offers a unique opportunity to shape the financial strategy of one of South Carolina’s most dynamic counties. You'll collaborate across departments to improve services and impact the community directly. If you're a results-driven leader with a passion for financial excellence and public service, we invite you to apply today.