County Controller

Osage County is seeking an experienced governmental finance executive to establish and lead the county’s financial management function. This is a newly created position, authorized under KSA 19-6a03, with statutory responsibility for financial records, internal controls, budget oversight, and performance reporting. The successful candidate will help build modern financial systems, restore confidence in county finances, and serve as a trusted resource to the Board of County Commissioners, department heads, and the public. This is not a maintenance role. It is a leadership role for a financial professional who is energized by the challenge of building something that lasts.

POSITION SUMMARY

• Serve as County Controller under KSA 19-6a03 and provide leadership for the county’s financial management function.
• Establish, improve, and maintain sound financial systems, reporting processes, and internal controls.
• Support the Board of County Commissioners with timely, accurate, and understandable financial information.
• Help stabilize key operational functions including accounts payable, payroll, audit readiness, and budget oversight.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain the county’s financial records, systems, and related accounting controls.
• Design, implement, and monitor internal controls that protect county assets and improve financial accountability.
• Oversee or closely supervise accounts payable, payroll, and core financial operations.
• Prepare financial reports, analysis, and presentations for the Board of County Commissioners, department heads, and the public.
• Coordinate audit preparation and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Support budget development, monitoring, and performance reporting against approved plans.
• Attend commission meetings as required and communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
• Promote operational efficiency, process discipline, and a culture of fiscal accountability across county departments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible governmental accounting experience, including fund accounting and GASB standards.
• Demonstrated experience with accounts payable, payroll systems, audit coordination, and internal controls.
• Ability to produce accurate financial reporting and explain financial information to elected officials and other non-financial audiences.
• Strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively in a public-sector environment where accountability and follow-through matter.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• CPA license strongly preferred.
• CPFO designation strongly preferred.
• County or municipal finance leadership experience preferred.
• Experience building or improving systems during a turnaround, remediation, or organizational reset is highly valued.

THE RIGHT CANDIDATE

• Brings technical credibility and can operate effectively from day one in a governmental finance environment.
• Is comfortable building structure where structure is missing and enforcing controls even when doing so requires firmness and consistency.
• Can balance statutory responsibility, practical operations, and productive working relationships with elected officials and department leaders.
• Sees this role as an opportunity to build something meaningful for the long term rather than simply maintain an inherited system.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Salary: 100k-140k DOQ.
• This position is eligible for enrollment in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS).
• Additional county benefits available per county policy.

IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT

• Appointment is contingent upon the successful candidate obtaining a corporate surety bond as required by KSA 19-6a02.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Submit cover letter, resume, and three professional references.
• All applications should be directed to kim@birddogrecruitment.com Attn: Osage County Controller.
• Application deadline: April 14, 2026.