Finance Director

Sumner County, Tennessee, offers a compelling blend of rich history, strong schools, vibrant retail centers, and exceptional recreational amenities—making it an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family. Sumner County operates one of the larger and more complex county governments in Middle Tennessee, serving a population of more than 210,000 residents across a geographically diverse area that includes incorporated cities, suburban communities, rural farmland, and significant lakefront property. The City of Gallatin, the county seat, serves as the civic and cultural heart of the county, featuring a historic downtown, walkable streets, and a growing mix of dining, arts, and community events. Overview The Director of Finance serves as Sumner County’s chief financial officer and is responsible for providing executive leadership over all countywide financial operations. This position oversees the Centralized Finance Department, which supports virtually every aspect of county government. The Director is accountable for ensuring the integrity, transparency, and long-term sustainability of the County’s financial systems while aligning fiscal resources with policy priorities established by the County Mayor and County Commission. Responsibilities The Director of Finance has comprehensive responsibility for accounting, budgeting, payroll, purchasing, cash and investment management, debt administration, financial reporting, audit coordination, and regulatory compliance. The role includes direct oversight of the County’s annual operating and capital budget process, including preparation, analysis, presentation, and ongoing monitoring of appropriations and revenues. Beyond technical oversight, the Director serves as a key strategic advisor to elected officials, senior leadership, boards, and committees, playing a central role in long‑range financial planning, capital improvement programming, debt issuance and management, reserve policy oversight, and financial forecasting. The Director also serves as the County’s HIPAA Officer and is responsible for TitleVI compliance and other statutory obligations. As head of the Finance Department, the Director provides leadership, supervision, and professional development for finance staff, including hiring, performance management, training, succession planning, and fostering a collaborative culture. The position balances hands‑on involvement in complex financial matters with effective delegation, ensuring continuity of operations while developing internal capacity. Ideal Candidate Profile Strategic financial leadership with ability to guide long‑range financial planning, evaluate fiscal risks, and align resources with county priorities. Executive‑level advisory presence, serving as a trusted financial counselor to the County Mayor, County Commission, constitutional officers, and senior staff. Clear communicator who can translate complex financial data, budget concepts, and regulatory requirements into understandable, actionable information for diverse audiences. Collaborative and relationship‑driven, working productively across departments and elected offices to support budgeting, performance monitoring, and shared accountability. High emotional intelligence and professional judgment, demonstrating diplomacy, discretion, and confidence when navigating politically sensitive and high‑visibility financial matters. Change‑oriented leadership ability to assess existing processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and guide staff through system, workflow, or organizational changes. Sound decision‑making under pressure, balancing compliance, fiscal stewardship, service delivery needs, and competing priorities in a complex public‑sector environment. People‑centered management style emphasizing mentorship, staff development, succession planning, and accountability within the Finance Department. Uncompromising ethical standards, maintaining public trust through transparency, strong internal controls, and consistent adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. Adaptability and continuous learning mindset, remaining responsive to evolving economic conditions, financial regulations, technology, and organizational needs. Qualifications Extensive governmental finance experience, including a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in state or local government accounting and financial management. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is required. Candidates licensed in another state must be eligible to transfer licensure to Tennessee prior to appointment. Senior‑level leadership experience, with at least five (5) years of supervisory responsibility overseeing professional staff and complex financial operations. Demonstrated expertise in public‑sector financial management, including GAAP, state and local government accounting standards, and applicable federal and state regulations. Proven experience in budget development and administration for large, multi‑fund operating and capital budgets. Strong knowledge of debt issuance and debt management, including notes, bonds, and long‑term financing strategies, with experience evaluating affordability, compliance, and timing. Experience managing comprehensive financial operations, including accounting, cash and investment management, internal controls, audits, and financial reporting. Advanced analytical and technical skills, including a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial analysis and reporting tools. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly and effectively to elected officials, boards, committees, staff, and external stakeholders. Demonstrated ethical judgment and integrity, with a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and public trust. Salary Salary negotiations starting at $175,000. Benefits Sumner County Benefits Guide #J-18808-Ljbffr