Listing Summary

CLASSIFICATION TITLE: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

SALARY: Negotiable

PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION This is an appointed/unclassified position responsible for the core financial functions of the County including overall financial management, accounting, reporting, budgeting, payroll, internal auditing, financial recordkeeping and other departments as assigned by the Chairman and Board of Commissioners (BOC). The Chairman and BOC assigns work in the form of broad policy statements. Work requires the exercise of independent judgement and discretion and analytical abilities to accomplish diversified duties within the limits of County policies, standards, guidelines, and precedents. The employee in this class manages department operations and supervises professional and clerical staff. This position is also responsible for Executive Level Leadership within the county which includes overseeing general business operations for Clayton County through influence and guidance per the BOC, fulfilling organizational goals, strategic planning development and overall financial decision making in county operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Directs the methods and procedures for all financial accounts, designated financial accounting records as may be deemed necessary with the authority to recommend changes in implementation and maintenance.

Plans long range goals, objectives, organization structure and overall financial direction of county departments; provides direction and assistance to department staff and departments in the preparation and presentation of the county’s annual budget, financial audit reports, implementation of auditor recommendations, and countywide policies and procedures; monitors, reviews and communicates recommendations, and countywide policies and procedures; reviews and communicates implementation phases of the County’s strategic plans to ensure that long range goals and objectives are met.

Provides technical advice, counsel and direction to BOC and department heads as necessary to ensure effective administration and implementation of County approved policies, plans, procedures, hiring or promotion of financial accounting personnel, and systems, files various financial federal and state reports. Oversee preparation of annual Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) (ACFR for future years) in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards (GAS), and Governmental Accounting Standard Board (GASB) requirements. 

Works directly with Department Directors of assigned departments on day-to-day issues, special projects, and urgent issues to develop solutions and implement programs. Ensure credibility of the Finance Department by providing timely and accurate financial reports, balance sheet, budget analysis, budget to actual financial reports (monthly, quarterly and annually), financial trends, and forecasts to the BOC as requested. Review the general ledger system for proper entries and compliance with state and federal regulations; and prepares necessary reports.

Establish effective internal controls to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulatory laws for assigned departments. Develop and recommend annual departmental operating budget; monitors and administers approved budget; assists in development and advises BOC on annual operating budget. Provide leadership in the development of and continuous evaluation of short/long-term strategic objectives for assigned departments. Prepare and develop Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan designed to identify County capital needs by department and/or function and assist department managers in establishing timeline for project completion. Also, review funding requirements and advise the BOC of the funds necessary to fund the plan. Prepare and develop Five-Year Financial Forecast for county operations to identify funding sources as well as identifying possible funding shortfalls along with a proposed plan to fund any shortfalls. Evaluates and advises on the impact of long-range planning, introduction of new programs/strategies, and regulatory action for assigned departments.

Maintain budgetary control accounts showing encumbrances for obligations entered into, liquidation of such encumbrances, unencumbered balances of allotments, unexpended balances of allotments, and all un-allotted balances of appropriations. Maintain proprietary accounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenditures of all County funds. Maintain a permanent detailed fixed assets inventory of County assets in accordance with County financial policies and procedures and ensure fixed assets are properly tagged and accounted for. Responsible for financial reporting for all grants and works with recipient department to coordinate financial reporting (monthly, quarterly and annual reports) and related grant reporting. Oversee internal audit of County funds as advised or directed by the BOC. Directs, monitors and evaluate work of department staff; interviews, hires, trains, assigns work, addresses complaints, resolves conflicts, rewards and discipline employees.

Trains staff on changes in regulations, information systems and general accounting principles as related to each function within the Finance Department as needed. Implements and installs all changes to financial reporting system, as required. Represents the County at various functions including community functions and business meetings with other organizations.

ADDITONAL FUNCTIONS: Employee in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by the BOC.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES: Knowledgeable of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); Government Accounting Standards (GAS); Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB); financial reporting; and other applicable federal, state and local laws; and bond markets. Advanced knowledge of governmental fund accounting, finance, budgeting and auditing principles, procedures and techniques including experience performing internal audits and working with independent auditors. Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of public finance administration including operating and capital budget preparation as well as long-range financial planning. Advanced knowledge of statistical methods, techniques and financial report preparation. Advanced knowledge of financial system design and analysis. Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of investment of public funds, cash management and related processes and procedures. Knowledgeable of administrative practices and principles including goal setting, program budget development and implementation. Knowledgeable of principles and practices of bond market to ensure that future external issuance of bonds and notes are secured at reasonable rates, and that a satisfactory credit rating is maintained through the ongoing analysis and monitoring of the county’s status. Skill in effective, clear and persuasive oral and written communications about the County’s finances to residents, civic organizations, individuals and groups. Ability to interpret and apply related federal, state and local laws including bids laws and related issues.  Ability to act as staff advisor to the Chairman and BOC. Ability to supervise the work of departmental staff including: coordinating, assigning, monitoring, and evaluating work; hiring, training, counseling, and disciplining staff; and processing grievances. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other County employees/departments, County officials, citizens and public. Enhanced computer skills with the ability operate personal computer and related equipment to perform work tasks and assist staff and other employees if necessary. Ability to prepare accounting and financial projections and write clear, comprehensive explanatory texts to accompanying financial reports. Ability to present ideas effectively orally and in writing; apply sound administrative and fiscal practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field; supplemented by ten (10) years of progressively responsible governmental fund accounting experience at the administrative level in a Finance Department, Purchasing Department, County/City Manager’s Office, or other related department; experience should include supervisory/management responsibilities, budget preparation, financial reporting, and financial statement preparation; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for the job. Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Public or Business Administration, or a related field; or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and physical cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Clayton County, Georgia, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer