JOB SUMMARY
The Finance Director is responsible for supervising a team of 8 accounting and financial services staff and overseeing the financial operations of the Clerk & Comptroller's Office under the direction of the Chief of Staff and/or the Clerk & Comptroller. This position provides high level leadership over all financial operations, including general accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, investments, debt management, payroll, and the annual audit process. The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is the county's chief financial officer under Florida law, and the Finance Director acts as the principal advisor to the Clerk on all fiscal matters affecting the Clerk's Office and, where applicable, the Board of County Commissioners' finance functions. This is a position requiring sound judgment, discretion, and a comprehensive understanding of governmental accounting standards and Florida public finance law.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Leadership & Administration
- Direct and oversee all finance and accounting operations within the Clerk & Comptroller's Office.
- Serve as a trusted financial advisor to the Clerk & Comptroller on fiscal matters and strategic initiatives.
- Develop, implement, and monitor financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Recommend process improvements and technology enhancements to improve efficiency and accountability.
- Lead and develop finance staff through coaching, training, performance management, and succession planning
Accounting — Board & Clerk Operations
- Oversee general accounting, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and financial reconciliation functions.
- Oversee the full cycle of accounting activities for the Board of County Commissioners and the Clerk & Comptroller
- Ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with GAAP and GASB standards.
- Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and financial reports prepared by staff.
- Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for leadership and other agency partners.
- Monitor cash flow, fund balances, and investment activity; ensure proper classification of revenues and expenditures.
- Assist in the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (CAFR) & Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), if applicable.
Audit Coordination
- Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors during annual financial audits, performance audits, and any other oversight engagements.
- Coordinate the preparation and timely submission of schedules, workpapers, supporting documentation, and responses to auditor inquiries.
- Monitor and track implementation of audit findings and management letter recommendations; report progress to leadership.
- Conduct periodic internal reviews to assess compliance with applicable standards, identify discrepancies, and recommend corrective action.
- Maintain audit-ready files and documentation throughout the fiscal year.
- Delegate tasks to appropriate stakeholders for timely completion.
Budget Preparation & Monitoring
- Lead the annual budget preparation process for the Clerk & Comptroller's Office, coordinating with leadership and department supervisors to compile and validate budget requests.
- Prepare budget requests and supporting documents for submission to the Board of County Commissioners and Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation (CCOC) each year.
- Monitor adopted budget versus actual expenditures throughout the fiscal year; identify variances and prepare budget amendments as needed.
- Provide regular financial analysis and projections to support leadership decision-making.
Policies, Procedures & Internal Controls
- Develop, implement, maintain, and periodically review accounting policies and procedures to ensure operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
- Design and monitor internal controls to safeguard public assets, prevent fraud, and ensure the integrity of financial reporting.
- Ensure compliance with Florida Statutes, Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) requirements, Florida Auditor General standards, GASB pronouncements, and other applicable regulations.
- Research and communicate changes in accounting standards, laws, and regulations; recommend and implement necessary updates to policies and procedures.
Other Duties
- Provide executive oversight of the Human Resources division ensuring alignment of personnel functions with the Office's financial and operational goals.
- Respond to inquiries from county departments, vendors, auditors, and the public in a professional and timely manner.
- Assist with special projects or other duties as assigned by the Chief of Staff and/or Clerk & Comptroller.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field; Master's degree preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting or public finance, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or management capacity.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, active and in good standing, strongly preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
- Must successfully pass a background check, credit check, and drug screening consistent with the requirements of a fiduciary position handling public funds.
- Experience working within a Florida Clerk of Courts office, county government, or similar constitutional office strongly preferred.
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards (GAAP/GASB).
- Working knowledge of Florida Statutes governing county finance, including Chapters 129 (County Budgets), 218 (Local Government Finance), and 28 (Clerks of the Circuit Court).
- Familiarity with Florida Department of Financial Services reporting requirements and Florida Auditor General standards.
- Proficiency with governmental financial management systems or other similar ERP platforms.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing requirements; time management skills
- Strong leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time while concentrating on repetitious or complex tasks.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
- Ability to work in a typical office environment; may require extended hours during audits or fiscal year closeouts.
- High degree of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public accountability.
BENEFITS
- $10,000+ Annual Insurance Allotment used to purchase health, life and miscellaneous other insurance products offered by employer
- 24 PTO (includes traditional sick and vacation leave into one bank) days each year of employment after probation ends
- 12-14 PAID holidays per year
- A percentage (currently 13.63% subject to change each July) of your Gross salary is allotted to a State Retirement Plan (FRS) for you. The employer pays this percentage, and you contribute 3%.
Join us as our Finance Director to shape the future of our organization’s financial success through strategic insight, innovative thinking, and unwavering dedication to excellence!
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
