Job: Finance Director

Job Description

Job Type: Full time, Salaried

Wage: $95,000-$105.000/yr. 

Location: Leadville, CO.

Job Description:

Closing Date: May 23, 2025
*Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as qualified candidates will be interviewed as they are identified. All applicants must submit an online employment application by 11:59PM on the posted cut-off date.

Lake County was founded in 1861 and has a vibrant history. Lake County operates with a Commission-Manager form of government from the County seat of Leadville.

Lake County is looking for a talented government finance professional who takes the initiative, mentors staff, and has a proactive thought process. Lake County seeks a proactive professional who can drive forward long-term financial planning work and how changes to the budget can impact future programming and service levels. The person selected for this role will have a strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles, fund accounting, and have background working in a county government financial setting and should understand local government accounting functions and procedures. Colorado County government experience and understanding of various elected official’s roles and responsibilities will be important in this role.

The Director is charged with improving, developing, implementing, and streamlining processes, procedures and policies for the Finance Department including but not limited to budget, reporting, overseeing the audit and analysis of the County’s financials. The person selected for the Director position should be a creative thinker, able to work with various departments in a collaborative process to address the financial needs of departments and be an excellent problem solver. The Director is responsible for overseeing Finance Department operations and positions. This role serves as a member of the County Leadership Team and should be able to train and mentor staff, including Department Directors, on Finance Department functions and evolving protocols.

The Finance Department is responsible for the administration of the financial affairs of the County including compiling financial information and data for the County Manager, the supervision of disbursement of monies and control over all expenditures to ensure appropriations are not exceeded, the design and maintenance of a general accounting system along with the development and maintenance of internal controls, preparation of periodic statements of receipts and disbursements showing the financial and budgetary condition of the County, preparation of year-end financial statements, the purchasing of goods and services, and the disposal of surplus assets.

The Finance Director will additionally be responsible for overseeing grant administration, cost allocation plans, budget management, program analysis and efficiency, procurement assistance, financial policy development, department management, audit preparation, payroll and financial operations. The Finance Director will work closely with the Human Resources Department and the elected Treasurer’s Office.

General Duties, Responsibilities, and Essential Functions Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Oversees the preparation and execution of the annual county budget:

• Works with Department Directors and Budget and Policy Advisor on the development of annual budgets;
• Works with Department Directors and Grants Administrator to tracks all department and grant budgets;
• Works with the Policy and Budget Advisor and Department Directors to define and forecast expense and capital expenditure items and coordinates information into a final budget proposal.
• Is responsible for assisting with the annual County budget as directed by the County Budget Officer; creates and distributes monthly budget reports necessary for departments of responsibility (meeting with department directors monthly on annual budget requests; collects and reviews departmental budget submittals for accuracy and completeness in accordance with specified deadlines; maintains all budget information for the assigned County Departments and Offices throughout the budget process.

Manage the day-to-day operation of the department to meet the strategic vision of Lake County.

• Oversees the process and distribution of bi-weekly payroll for approximately 175 County employees.
• Ensures all payroll functions, including payroll preparation, payroll reporting and compliance with all payroll tax laws.
• Ensures coding for revenues and expenses to correct fund accounts;
• Oversees the accuracy of monthly and quarterly financial reports and other financial analyses as needed.
• Completes an analytical review of various programs.
• Oversees health Insurance billing reconciliations.
• Effectively manages all facets of the property and casualty claims management process.
• Maintains the fixed asset logs for all county property.
• Assists departments with Requests for Proposals and Request for Qualifications for all assets or expenditures greater than $5,000.
• Oversees the preparation of the annual Indirect Cost Rate proposal.
• Collaborates with Human Resources Department on benefits administration.
• Collaborates with the elected Treasurer’s Office

Oversees the financial administration of federal and state grants.

• Oversees the Grant Administrator and work on various State and Federal grants; ensures that preparation of documentation necessary for audit purposes and ensures compliance with grant provisions, ensures that reconciliation of subsidiary records to grant fund and to State and Federal reports.
• Works with various Department Directors to assure grant oversight is in accordance with state and federal requirements; reviews Treasurer coding of cash receipts and alerting the Treasurer to miscoded revenues.
• Tracks state and federal allocations expenditures.
• Reviews reimbursement requests to State and Federal agencies and reconciles reports.
• Oversees the preparation of the annual audited financial statement, footnotes, and schedules and serves as a liaison to the independent auditors.
• Ensures timely preparation, publication, and presentation of the County’s Comprehensive and Single Annual Financial Report.
• Assists in the preparation for the annual audit; reviews various fund account analyses as assigned; answers questions from auditors and provides additional information and documentation as requested.

Planning and Policy Development

• Directs policy development and policy management for the Finance Department.
• Analyzes departmental programs, projects, and activities as they pertain to efficient utilization of resources and materials; prepares reports and recommends corrective measures.
• Ensures efficient and effective financial management of the County's various funds.
• Develops and implements internal financial controls.
• Develops long-term plans for the County’s financial operations including revenue growth, taxation, borrowing and capital improvement programs.

Leadership

• Oversees the Deputy Finance Director, Accounts Payable Specialist, Accounting and Reporting Specialist, Accountant I, Grant Administrator, and other Finance staff that may join the department.
• Provides training workshops and conducts technical consultations for individual employees and departments as needed, often including information on financial policies and procedures.
• Ensures review of cash receipts from Treasurer’s Office is completed.
• Collaborates with Department Directors to actualize the Board of County Commissioners vision for Lake County

Supervisory Responsibilities

Oversees staff and the work of the Deputy Finance Director, Accounts Payable Specialist, Accounting and Reporting Specialist, Accountant I, Grant Administrator, and other Finance staff that may join the department.

Notice of Emergency/Disaster Responsibilities

All Lake County Employees may be required to work as a Disaster Service Worker when a local declaration of emergency or disaster is declared by the Board of County Commissioners.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description does not intend to cover or contain a full comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting, finance, business or public administration, or a closely related field
• Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible governmental accounting or finance work, including five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Candidates with certifications such as Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Government Finance Officer of America certificate (GFOA) are encouraged to apply, but we also welcome applicants with equivalent practical experience and qualifications.
• Membership in relevant professional associations a plus.
• The ideal candidate will be a strategic and forward-thinking collaborative leader with the ability to effectively communicate complex financial information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership or management role, with the ability to oversee and lead a team.
• Travel to conferences or events within and outside of the state of Colorado may be required.
• Preferred bilingual in English and Spanish.

The Ideal Candidate

- Bring a strong foundation in local government finance’s core services such as budgeting, audits, five-year forecasting, debt issuance and management, financial planning, financial reporting, modified accrual accounting basis, and sales tax administration – while also providing vision and strategy to create a high-performance departmental culture, and develop a solution-based, customer service focused department. Have the highest degree of integrity, judgment, and independence as well as expert level skills necessary to apply financial-related laws, regulations, policies, and methods to manage complex financial assignments.

- Promote the internal and external customer service expectations of the department and build strong relationships across the organization to achieve county-wide goals.

- Be skilled in creating a positive atmosphere for employees in the organization and within the department, and set a superior example of competence, professionalism, energy, collaboration, innovation and work ethic to the organization and community.

- Model ethical behavior and a strong work ethic to ensure fair and equitable treatment of employees.

- Be politically astute, an effective communicator, and equally comfortable talking with line level staff, department directors, and presenting before the County Commissioners.

- Be a persuasive, confident leader, with a clear understanding of complex financial issues while also open to learning and further professional development.

- Be able to focus on leveraging technology to improve services.

- Be a team player who is collaborative and supportive in serving as a member of the County’s leadership team.

- Be a skilled professional with a high sense of emotional intelligence and an awareness to learn and understand community, organizational, employee and constituent issues and political sensitivities as they relate to County Government services and the Finance Department.

- Be open, approachable, instill trust, work collaboratively in a team environment; be action oriented; exercise good judgment; treat others with respect; and hold staff accountable.

- Be an outstanding leader of employees who provides guidance and professional support to staff, offering regular feedback to County leadership and employees.

- Be a positive leader, bringing innovation and creativity to the finance department.

- Have the capacity and interest to be an effective mentor and leader for staff and should inspire staff to achieve excellence.

- Be a creative and innovative leader who can effectively make firm recommendations and decisions to County management based on experience and professional judgment.

- Be able to demonstrate superior management skills and has the ability to make strategic decisions pertaining to staff and procedures within the department.

- Have the ability to effectively delegate authority and responsibility while maintaining appropriate levels of operational control.

- Have extensive knowledge of governmental accounting practices to ensure that the County’s financial records are accurately presented. - Understand and implement GASB statements and have knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

- Be familiar with generally accepted auditing standards, government auditing standards, and public capital financing principles.

- Have a high level of expertise and hands-on skills with automated financial systems and electronic spreadsheets.

Physical Activity Work Environment

Sitting: More than 50% of the time Walking: Less than 50% of the time Standing: Less than 50% of the time Using hands/fingers to feel or handle items: More than 50% of the time Reaching, pushing, or pulling with arms/hands: More than 50% of the time Climbing: Less than 50% of the time Balancing: Less than 50% of the time Kneeling, crawling, or crouching: Less than 50% of the time Talking or hearing: More than 50% of the time Tasting or smelling: Less than 50% of the time Lifting, moving, or exerting force of up to 10 lbs.: Less than 50% of the time Lifting, moving, or exerting force of up to 25 lbs.: Less than 50% of the time Lifting, moving, or exerting force of up to 50 lbs.: Less than 50% of the time Lifting, moving, or exerting force of up to 100 lbs.: Less than 50% of the time Lifting, moving, or exerting force of more than 100 lbs.: Less than 50% of the time Seeing up close: More than 50% of the time Seeing long distances: Less than 50% of the time Seeing color: More than 50% of the time Use of peripheral vision: Less than 50% of the time Perceiving depth: Less than 50% of the time Adjusting and focusing vision: More than 50% of the time Working outdoors in inclement weather – extreme hot: Less than 50% of the time Working outdoors in inclement weather – extreme cold: Less than 50% of the time Working indoors in an office environment: More than 50% of the time Working in a loud environment: Less than 50% of the time 

EOE Statement

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. Assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability is available upon request.

Lake County Benefits - Full-Time Employees

As a reflection of the value we place on the contributions of our employees, the County offers a competitive benefits package for full-time employees. Please review the 2024 Benefits Guide for full details. The Guide provides information on Lake County Government's benefit offerings, including:

• Employer-Sponsored Medical and Dental Insurance Plans
• 100% Employer Paid Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Employer-Sponsored Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Employer Paid Term Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance Plans
• 401(a) and 457(b) Employer Matched Retirement Plans
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Days and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Public Health Emergency Leave
• Discounts on concerts, major sporting events, electronics, travel, cars and more!

Lake County Benefits - Part-Time Employees Lake County is also proud to offer paid sick time off and flexible work schedules for our part-time employees.

Expected Duration of the Application Process

Due to the nature of the application and selection process for Lake County full-time positions, applicants can reasonably expect the application process to take a significant amount of time to complete before a decision is made to hire or not to hire. Typically, it takes approximately four (4) to six (6) weeks from the date of application to complete the entire selection process. The length of time it takes to complete the process can vary depending on a variety of factors. Please note that this is an estimated duration of the selection process. 

**Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described above are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned to the employee, time to time; the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. Click “View Application” below for more detail on this specific job.