Finance Director Trainee

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Affords assistance to the overall operation of the Finance Department, including Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions.
• Serves as backup to the Finance Director and Payroll Analyst.
• Supervises, trains, evaluates, and provides technical guidance to assigned staff.
• Maintains and reconciles County bank accounts; researches discrepancies and processes necessary corrections.
• Assists with the preparation and administration of the County’s annual operating budget.
• Maintains departmental revenues and expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets.
• Reviews and processes budget amendments and transfers submitted by departments.
• Assists with the annual external audit.
• Prepares audit schedules, year-end reconciliations, adjusting entries, and supporting documentation for independent auditors.
• Develops and recommends financial policies and procedures in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and County policies.
• Reviews and approves weekly check runs and purchasing requests.
• Processes and oversees purchase orders.
• Prepares required state and federal financial reports, including LGC-203 and Annual Financial Information Reports.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual journal entries and financial reconciliations.
• Oversees fixed asset accounting, inventory tracking, and related adjustments.
• Compiles financial data and prepares periodic, annual, and special financial reports.
• Provides project management and user support for ParaResearch financial software.
• Administers and monitors County credit cards, fuel usage, billing, and related reporting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles, practices, methods, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards governing local government finance.
• Knowledge of governmental budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting systems.
• Ability to prepare and analyze complex financial reports and records.
• Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate employees effectively.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail while managing multiple priorities.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Governmental accounting experience preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and/or North Carolina Certified Local Government Finance Officer (CLGFO) certification preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• This position is classified as sedentary work and requires the ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently. Duties may involve stooping, reaching, lifting, fingering, grasping, repetitive motions, verbal communication, hearing, and visual acuity necessary for preparing and analyzing financial information and operating standard office equipment. The work environment is generally free from adverse environmental conditions.

Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Personal Surety Bond.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

How to Apply

• On our website: www.mcdowellhrportal.org - under “Job Opportunities”
• In person at the County Administration building: 25 W Fort Street, McDowell, North Carolina, 28752
• By Mail to: McDowell County Human Resources - 60 East Court Street Marion, NC 28752
• By Email to: [email protected]

Benefits

• We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• We also offer up to 8 weeks of paid family leave to eligible employees.

Employer

McDowell County

Address

25 W. Fort Street
McDowell, North Carolina, 28752

Phone

828-652-7121

Website

www.mcdowellhrportal.org