For a complete job description, qualifications or to apply, visit our website at: www.wasecacounty.gov.
To be considered as an applicant, we do require qualified applicants to complete a job application. An applicant can find the job application and instructions at: https://www.co.waseca.mn.us/jobs.aspx
Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the Property & Election Services Director, the Finance Manager is responsible for the management and oversight of the County's financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, treasury management, investments, procurement, capital assets, and audit coordination. The position provides financial analysis and recommendations to support organizational decision-making and ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards, financial regulations, and County policies.
The Finance Manager works collaboratively with County leadership, departments, elected officials, and external stakeholders to support the County's fiscal health and effective stewardship of public resources.
Essential Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Strategic Financial Planning. Provide professional financial leadership through long-range financial planning, forecasting, investment management, debt administration, bond financing activities, and recommendations regarding the County's fiscal health and long-term financial sustainability.
2. Personnel Management. Supervise assigned staff and administer personnel actions in accordance with County policies and procedures.
3. Financial Policy and Compliance. Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard County assets, ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards, applicable laws and regulations, and promote efficient financial operations. Identify control deficiencies, operational risks, and process inefficiencies and implement corrective actions. Monitor changes in accounting standards, laws, and regulations and implement necessary policies and procedural updates.
4. Accounting Operations Management. Direct and oversee countywide accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, and financial reporting functions. Ensure financial transactions and records are processed accurately, timely, and in accordance with governmental accounting standards, state and federal regulations, and County policies.
5. Budget Development and Financial Analysis. Support the County's annual budget process by providing financial analysis, forecasting, revenue and expenditure projections, and recommendations. Assist departments with budget development and monitor financial performance throughout the fiscal year. Prepare financial analyses related to operating and capital budgets, long-range financial planning, capital improvement planning, financial forecasting, and other strategic financial initiatives.
6. Financial Reporting and Audit Coordination. Oversee the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc financial reports. Prepare financial statements, schedules, and supporting documentation. Coordinate the annual audit process and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors to ensure timely completion of all audit and reporting requirements.
7. Treasury and Investment Management. Monitor and manage the County's cash flow, banking relationships, investments, debt obligations, and related financing activities. Ensure compliance with investment policies, state statutes, and collateralization requirements. Oversee banking activities including account monitoring, deposit activity, cash transfers, investment transactions, and reconciliation review. Evaluate cash flow needs and recommend investment strategies that balance liquidity, safety, and return on investment.
8. Debt Management, Bond Issuance, and Rating Administration. Coordinate and support the County's debt management activities, including bond issuances, refinancing opportunities, debt service planning, and compliance with applicable debt obligations. Assist with the preparation of financing documents, coordinate activities with financial advisors, bond counsel, underwriters, and other external partners, and support debt issuance transactions. Monitor the County's credit profile and assist with bond rating reviews, rating agency communications, and the preparation of materials necessary to maintain and improve the County's bond ratings and access to capital markets.
9. Procurement and Purchasing Management. Develop, recommend, implement, and administer County purchasing and procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with County policies, state statutes, bidding requirements, and sound financial practices. Provide guidance and technical assistance to departments regarding procurement procedures, purchasing authority, contract administration, and vendor management. Oversee purchasing activities and recommend process improvements that promote transparency, efficiency, accountability, and stewardship of public resources.
10. Capital Asset Management. Oversee the County's capital asset program, including acquisition, tracking, depreciation, reporting, inventory controls, and disposal of assets. Ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards and reporting requirements related to capital assets.
11. Financial Systems Administration. Provide oversight of the County's financial management systems and accounting software applications. Coordinate system maintenance, upgrades, testing, and process improvements. Collaborate with Information Technology staff, software vendors, and County departments to ensure system functionality, data integrity, and operational efficiency.
12. Department Financial Support. Provide guidance and technical assistance to County departments regarding budgeting, accounting procedures, financial reporting, internal controls, purchasing procedures, and regulatory compliance. Develop and maintain effective working relationships that support sound financial management and organizational objectives.
13. Election Administration Support. Assist with election administration activities as assigned.
14. Department Operations and Special Projects. Assist with departmental initiatives, process improvements, operational planning, legislative implementation, and special projects related to property tax administration, records management, and election services.
Additional Functions
1. Effectively manage assigned responsibilities and workload to support departmental goals and ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, County policies, and departmental procedures.
2. Participate in training, professional development, and continuing education activities to maintain and enhance job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities.
3. Perform other duties and responsibilities as apparent or assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Office Equipment and Computer Proficiency:
- Proficient in operating standard office equipment and using computer programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, email systems, database software, and specialized applications.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial modeling, data analysis, and reporting.
- Ability to learn and effectively utilize County financial and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Financial Management and Accounting:
- Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles, practices, and procedures, including Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
- Knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, auditing, treasury management, investments, debt management, and internal controls.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and reporting requirements affecting local government finance.
- Ability to prepare, analyze, and interpret complex financial statements, reports, and accounting records.
- Ability to reconcile, balance, and verify financial transactions and accounts.
Technical Knowledge:
- Knowledge of public finance, municipal debt issuance, bond ratings, treasury management, and governmental budgeting practices.
Organizational and Project Management:
- Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Capable of independently managing projects from conception through completion.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Proficient in business communication, and professional writing.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, effective across diverse audiences.
Analytical and Data Management:
- Skilled in data collection, analysis, organization, and evaluation for accuracy, compliance, and problem-solving.
- Proficient in using analytical tools and both logical and creative thinking to develop solutions to complex challenges.
Decision-Making and Confidentiality:
- Exercises sound judgment in critical decision-making and problem resolution.
- Ability to set objectives, evaluate outcomes, and identify areas for improvement.
- Handles confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Collaborative Leadership:
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, auditors, financial institutions, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
2. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting, public finance, auditing, budgeting, or a closely related field; or
3. Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties.
Preferred Qualifications
1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
2. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) or similar professional certification.
Pay: $83,657.60 - $110,427.20 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Dependent care reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
