Finance Director

Finance Director
Lea County Government Finance Department
 Lovington, New Mexico
Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Supervises and manages Finance Department, which includes General Ledger accounting, Indigent Claims, Payroll, Accounts Payable, and departmental clerical functions. Supervision includes – within the specific department -- implementation of all personnel policies, screening of applicants, performance evaluations, and recommendations for termination.
  • Under the direction of the Board of Commissioners, County Manager and the Administrative Services Assistant County Manager, coordinates the County's fiscal agency responsibilities.
  • With the Board of Commissioners, County Manager and the Administrative Services Assistant County Manager, coordinates budget preparation; assists all department heads and elected officials in budget preparation; recommends budgetary priorities by department.
  • Is responsible for finance-related correspondence between the County, the state Department of Finance and Administration, and other agencies.
  • Maintains responsibility for ensuring that all payments are prompt and accurate.
  • Prepares finance-related resolutions.
  • In coordination with the grant writer/administrator, oversees the financial administration of grants in accordance with rules and regulations of the state Department of Finance and Administration and/or any other relevant agency.
  • Prepares and maintains general ledger and chart of accounts.
  • Prepares financial statements for the Board of Commissioners, County Manager, Assistant County Managers, and administrative staff as needed.
  • Supervises property and fixed asset listings; arranges for disposition of property.
  • Assists the County Manager, Assistant County Managers and elected officials with capital improvements planning.
  • Supervises records retention/disposition.
  • Administers County travel and per diem policy.
  • Coordinates and supervises preparation of information for County audits. Promptly corrects audit findings as directed.
  • Regularly recommends, develops and – upon approval – implements new initiatives to enhance the assigned area of responsibility.
  • Actively seeks appropriate grant opportunities in coordination with the County grant writer/administrator.
  • Responsible for preparation and submission of the Budget, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and the Popular Annual Financial Report for GFOA certificates of achievement.
  • The duties of the Finance Director are not limited to those set forth above. The Director will perform such functions, duties or assignments as given by the Administrative Services Assistant County Manager or Board of Commissioners, consistent with ability, background and expertise.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Any combination of college education, training and experience in accounting, auditing, finance, business or public administration, budget analysis, financial management/systems analysis or closely related field totaling seven (7) years, at least four (4) of which must have been actual work experience involving application of accounting principles and procedures.
  • Licensure as a Certified Public Accountant by a state Board of Public Accountancy.

Experience:

  • Prior governmental accounting experience required. Prior public accounting experience in governmental audit preferred.
  • Supervisory experience required.

Certifications, Skills and Licenses:

  • Ability to communicate orally and in writing in English.
  • Valid New Mexico driver's license or ability to obtain one in 60 days.
  • CPA required. (5 plus years of governmental finance experience at the management level may substitute)
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and perform complex administrative tasks; to accept responsibility and make independent judgments; to handle confidential matters in a trustworthy manner.
  • Knowledge of job-related computer programs preferred.
  • Good communications and public relations skills required.
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