Finance Director

The Finance Director is responsible for leading, directing, coordinating, and administering the financial operations of the County. The position provides professional leadership and oversight of county financial management, including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, financial analysis, debt administration, and compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and county policies.

The Finance Director serves as a principal financial advisor working collaboratively with all county departments and offices to promote sound financial practices, accountability, transparency, and effective stewardship of public funds. The Finance Director shall perform all duties in accordance with the Tennessee Code Annotated, applicable rules and regulations of the State of Tennessee and federal government, county resolutions and policies, and generally accepted governmental accounting and financial management practices.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Financial Management

• Direct and oversee the County's day-to-day financial operations.
• Establish and maintain effective financial management systems, procedures, and internal controls.
• Monitor county revenues, expenditures, cash balances, investments, and financial obligations.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations.
• Monitor the financial condition of the County and identify emerging financial issues or risks.
• Develop financial projections and long-range financial plans.
• Review significant financial transactions, contracts, expenditures, and financial commitments for compliance with county policy and available appropriations.
• Coordinate with the County Purchasing Agent to ensure purchases are consistent with available budgetary appropriations and County financial policies.

Budget Administration

• Coordinate the development, preparation, and presentation of the annual county budget and support the County Mayor, Budget Committee, and County Commission throughout the budget adoption process.
• Establish and communicate budget preparation procedures and timelines to county departments and offices.
• Review departmental budget requests and provide financial analysis and recommendations.
• Monitor departmental expenditures and appropriations throughout the fiscal year.
• Coordinate budget amendments, transfers, and other budgetary documents as required.
• Monitor compliance with the adopted budget and applicable Tennessee law.
• Provide regular budget-to-actual financial reports to county leadership.
• Assist the County Mayor and Budget Committee in developing long-range financial strategies.
• Monitor fund balances and make recommendations regarding appropriate reserves and financial policies.

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Oversee the County's accounting functions and financial records.
• Ensure that financial transactions are properly recorded and documented.
• Coordinate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Ensure timely preparation of required financial statements and reports.
• Coordinate with the Comptroller’s Office auditors and assist with the annual financial audit.
• Monitor compliance with applicable governmental accounting standards and reporting requirements.
• Review audit findings and coordinate corrective actions when necessary.
• Maintain appropriate documentation supporting financial transactions and reporting.

Revenue and Cash Management

• Monitor county revenue collections and revenue projections.
• Analyze revenue trends and advise county leadership regarding potential changes in revenues.
• Coordinate with the County Trustee, County Clerk, departments, and other officials as appropriate concerning county revenues and financial matters.
• Assist in developing policies concerning cash management, investments, reserves, and liquidity.

Debt and Capital Financing

• Assist county leadership with the evaluation and administration of debt and other financing arrangements.
• Analyze proposed capital projects and financing alternatives.
• Monitor outstanding debt obligations and debt service requirements.
• Coordinate with financial advisors, bond counsel, lenders, and other financial professionals.
• Maintain appropriate records relating to county debt and financing obligations.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Develop, implement, and periodically review internal financial controls.
• Identify potential financial risks and recommend corrective measures.
• Promote segregation of duties and appropriate authorization procedures.
• Monitor compliance with county financial policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Assist departments in developing sound financial procedures.
• Investigate or assist with investigation of financial irregularities when directed or when required by policy.
• Recommend improvements to financial processes, technology, reporting, and controls.

Grants and Special Funding

• Assist departments with financial administration of federal, state, and other grants.
• Monitor grant revenues, expenditures, reporting requirements, and matching requirements as assigned.
• Assist with compliance with federal and state grant requirements.
• Coordinate with departments and auditors regarding grant-related financial matters.

Financial Reporting and Communication

• Prepare clear and understandable financial reports for elected officials, county leadership, department heads, and committees.
• Present financial information and recommendations at meetings of the County Commission, Budget Committee, and other governmental bodies as requested.
• Explain financial matters to elected officials, department heads, employees, and members of the public when appropriate.
• Promote transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

Policy and Strategic Planning

• Recommend financial policies and procedures to improve the County's financial condition and operations.
• Assist with long-term financial planning.
• Evaluate the financial impact of proposed legislation, policies, programs, capital projects, and organizational changes.
• Develop financial models and projections to assist county leadership in decision-making.
• Recommend strategies for maintaining adequate reserves and long-term fiscal stability.

Leadership and Administration

• Supervise, train, and evaluate finance department personnel.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, procedures, and performance standards.
• Assign work and ensure that financial operations are completed accurately and timely.
• Promote professional development and continuing education for finance personnel.
• Maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, auditors, financial institutions, attorneys, consultants, state officials, and members of the public.