Director of Finance

Director of Finance

Laurens County, South Carolina, is seeking a qualified and experienced professional to serve as Director of Finance. Established in 1785 and home to nearly 70,000 residents, Laurens County blends a strong rural heritage with strategic growth, particularly in residential, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. Conveniently located with access to I‑26, I‑385 and I‑85, Laurens County offers a high quality of life, close‑knit communities, and a strong commitment to responsible growth.

Under limited supervision, the Director of Finance plans, organizes, directs, and manages all fiscal and accounting operations of Laurens County government. This position performs highly complex managerial and strategic work in the areas of fiscal policy, accounting, budgeting, auditing, financial reporting, grants administration, and financial systems management. The Director of Finance provides professional, ethical, and strategic leadership while ensuring sound financial stewardship of County resources.

Our Core Values

• Responsible growth that protects what makes Laurens County special
• Stewardship of natural and financial resources
• Strong towns and communities , regardless of size
• A welcoming environment where residents, employees, and visitors feel at home

The Director of Finance plays a critical role in upholding these values through transparent, accountable, and forward‑thinking financial leadership.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic, detail‑oriented finance professional with proven leadership experience in local government.

• Plans, organizes, and administers all fiscal operations and support functions of Laurens County government.
• Provides strategic guidance and direction for the County’s overall financial operations, policies, and long‑term fiscal sustainability.
• Supervises professional and technical finance staff, including planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating work; mentoring staff; and promoting teamwork and professional development.
• Assists in the development, implementation, and enforcement of adopted financial policies to ensure sound financial management.
• Leads and participates in revenue and expenditure forecasting for budget preparation and decision‑making.
• Assists departments with budget requests; prepares, recommends, and administers the County’s annual budget; and monitors revenues and expenditures to ensure compliance with adopted budgets.
• Analyzes, interprets, and communicates financial information and trends to the County Administrator, County Council, department heads, and other stakeholders.
• Ensures all accounting records are maintained in compliance with GAAP, GASB, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Oversees and/or assists with accounting functions including general ledger maintenance, journal entries, reconciliations, accounts payable and receivable, and interdepartmental financial transactions.
• Supervises credit card and banking transaction oversight and ensures accurate and timely posting to the general ledger, including coordination with the Treasurer’s and Auditor’s offices.
• Prepares or supervises preparation of financial reports for grants and serves as grants administrator on assigned projects.
• Prepares audit schedules and serves as primary liaison for external auditors.
• Oversees financial software systems, data integrity, security, training, and troubleshooting.
• Attends and participates in County Council meetings; prepares and presents financial reports and recommendations for Council approval.
• Responds to inquiries from elected officials, staff, external partners, and the public with professionalism, diplomacy, and tact.
• Attends meetings, training sessions, seminars, and conferences to maintain professional knowledge and skills.

Additional Job Functions

• Performs related administrative and clerical duties as required, including report preparation, correspondence, and record maintenance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Laurens County employees and applicants for employment shall be afforded equal opportunity in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, religion, political affiliation, national origin, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, or age.

Reasonable accommodations may be available to employees or applicants of this position under the ADA/ADAA if given prior notice by the employee or applicant.

The information contained within this document has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work to be performed by an employee within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or work required of employees assigned to this position.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, business administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Four to five (4–5) years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably in local or county government.
• At least two (2) years of experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
• Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting principles, budgetary accounting, GAAP, GASB, and financial reporting systems.
• Proficiency with accounting and financial management software.
• Valid South Carolina driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• CPA, CGFO, or Certified Local Government Finance Officer designation.
• Demonstrated success leading finance operations within a public‑sector organization.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be an ethical, collaborative, and forward‑thinking leader who:

• Communicates clearly and positively in both written and oral formats.
• Encourages teamwork, accountability, and professional development.
• Applies diplomacy and sound judgment when addressing financial issues.
• Balances attention to detail with a long‑term strategic vision.
• Supports Laurens County’s commitment to responsible growth, transparency, and service to its communities.

All applicants must either: Submit a cover letter, resume, and five (5) professional references.

Contact Information

Chelsea Ziegenfuss
Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
Fax: NA
View email address on click.appcast.io