Lead the Financial Strategy of One of New Jersey's Largest County Governments
Ocean County is seeking an accomplished Director of Finance to lead one of New Jersey's largest county finance operations, overseeing a $609 million operating budget and a $971 million capital budget. Reporting directly to the County Administrator, this executive leader will provide strategic financial leadership, fiscal oversight, and organizational guidance while collaborating with the Board of Commissioners, County departments, and numerous governmental and community partners.
Why Join Ocean County?
· Influence long-term fiscal strategy for a large public organization.
· Drive innovation through financial technology, business intelligence, and AI-enabled process improvements.
· Work on initiatives that directly improve services for more than 650,000 Ocean County residents.
What You'll Do
· Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the County's Finance Department, supporting organizational priorities, fiscal policy, and performance expectations to support the effective delivery of financial services across County government.
· Direct the development and continuous improvement of Countywide financial policies, long-range fiscal strategies, and enterprise-wide financial planning initiatives.
· Oversee the development of the County's operating and capital budgets, ensuring effective coordination among the Chief Financial Officer, Finance Department leadership, executive administration, and County departments.
· Lead and evaluate the Finance Department's leadership team, including the Chief Financial Officer, by establishing performance standards, promoting accountability, and ensuring effective governance and stewardship of the County's financial resources.
· Lead executive collaboration with the Board of Commissioners and County Administrator by presenting strategic policy options and organizational recommendations developed by the Finance Department's leadership team to support informed decision-making and long-term fiscal sustainability.
· Direct the executive review of financial analyses, forecasts, reports, and recommendations prepared by the Chief Financial Officer and Finance Department staff prior to presentation to County leadership.
· Promote collaboration among County departments to strengthen financial planning, resource allocation, organizational performance, and enterprise-wide initiatives.
· Champion innovation through modernization of financial systems, business processes, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and other technologies that improve organizational effectiveness and transparency.
· Represent the Finance Department before governing bodies, auditors, regulatory agencies, financial institutions, bond professionals, rating agencies, and other governmental and external partners.
Minimum Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
· Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in government finance, public finance, budgeting, accounting, or executive financial management.
· Advanced knowledge of governmental accounting principles (GAAP/GASB), budget development, financial reporting, grants management, and capital budgeting.
· Strong leadership, communication, strategic planning, and organizational management skills.
· Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and enterprise financial systems, budgeting software, ERP platforms, OpenGov, SAGE, OMB, DLGS, eRA Commons, JustGrants, SAM.gov, and Grants.gov.
· Ability to obtain CMFO certification within two years and CCFO certification within one year of appointment, as required.
Preferred Qualifications
· Certified Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO)
· Certified County Finance Officer (CCFO)
· CPA, MBA, MPA, or related advanced credential
· Experience managing large public-sector budgets and debt programs
· Executive leadership experience in government finance
Compensation & Benefits
· Salary Range: $190,000 - $210,000 (Negotiable based on qualifications)
· New Jersey Pension System (PERS)
· Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage
New Jersey pension system
· Deferred Compensation
· Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
· Professional development and certification support
High-Value Search Terms
Director of Finance, Finance Director, Government Finance, Public Finance, Executive Leadership, Budget Director, Fiscal Management, Financial Reporting, Government Accounting, Capital Budgeting, Debt Management, Grants Management, Strategic Planning, Financial Systems, ERP, GAAP, GASB, Public Administration, Budget Development, Risk Management, AI, Business Intelligence.
Pay: $190,000.00 - $210,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
