Finance Director

Sheboygan County is seeking a Finance Director responsible for overseeing accounting and financial management activities. The role includes developing financial policies, managing department operations, guiding budget preparation, and ensuring compliance with financial reporting. The position offers a generous benefits package, including vacation days, sick time, and retirement plans. This job is located in Sheboygan, WI and is not a remote position.
A career with Sheboygan County is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to serve a diverse and expanding community in meaningful ways. We challenge ourselves to be a different kind of government because we care deeply about our community and each other. Committed to our shared values, we provide excellent public service, seeking always to improve ourselves and our organization.

Becoming a member of our growing team also means that YOU become our top priority. You will not only enjoy a dynamic work environment but a variety of perks including but not limited to the following:
• Generous benefits package and access to our free InHealth Clinic
• Time off: 15 vacation days upon hire, sick time and 10 paid holidays
• Other perks: Referral program, Wisconsin Retirement System, education discount, quarterly recognition awards, wellness program and much more!

Primary function of this position is to assume responsibility for all accounting, financial management system related activities within the County and to supervise personnel performing the County financial functions while ensuring adherence to policies and procedures in regard to all financial activities.
• Develops, recommends, and implements County wide uniform policies in financial procedures, financial reporting, accounting methods, payroll procedures, budget preparation, debt administration, investment, and cash management, with the approval of the County Administrator and Finance Committee.
• Designs and directs long term department operations and tactical strategies with respect to financial support operations, and policy recommendations and implementation. Establishes department priorities, goals and objectives through collaboration, consultation and approval of the County Administrator.
• Evaluates department staffing levels and organizational structure for effective work performance and efficient resource allocation. Responsible for the selection, orientation, staff development, staff retention, evaluations and termination of Finance Department staff.
• Provides guidance to organization on financial system.
• At the direction of the County Administrator, plan, organize, and develop the annual budget preparation activities; assists Finance Committee and County Board in its review of the annual budget.
• Performs complex and varied financial strategic planning, budgeting, and forecasting revenues and expenditures, which includes monitoring financial outcomes, providing timely financial analysis and direction, directing analysis of fiscal and programmatic activities for County government in general and/or for specific County departments, directs in-depth program reviews (audits), develops multi-year financial plan for requested funds.
• Supervises and directs the preparation of all county, state and federal financial reports, budgets, financial analysis and studies of revenues, expenditures, assets, liabilities and equities.
• Recommends, implements, coordinates, maintains and reviews all existing and new financial and accounting systems and policies of the County to ensure uniform operation.
• Advises County Administrator and Finance Committee concerning new legislation and/or pending legislation impacting County operations and/or funding.
• Provides advice, counsel, and guidance to all department heads to the extent necessary to ensure effective administration and implementation of approved fiscal policies, plans and programs.
• Provides monthly financial statement report to the County Administrator, Finance Committee, Liaison Committee Chairs and departments summarizing the County’s budgetary performance.
• Supervises the centralized accounting, payroll and cash management services for all County Departments.
• Develops and recommends long-range fiscal programs and financial systems; reviews and develops financial information systems and programs in line with County policy and future needs.
• Coordinates activities of outside auditors or other financial review entities.
• Prepares fiscal notes on resolutions and ordinances presented to the County Board, as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or University with major course work in accounting or related field. Master’s degree desirable.
• Certified Public Accountant designation is desirable.
• Seven years of progressively responsible management experience involving fiscal administration is preferred. Previous government experience preferred
• Five years of supervisory experience is preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of accounting and auditing principles and methods and their application to governmental accounting systems.
• Considerable knowledge of the laws and regulations relating to the auditing and fiscal responsibilities of the County.
• Ability to keep up-to-date on the financial impact of changing state and federal legislation and agency actions.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial and accounting data and reports.
• Ability to determine violations and non-compliance, to detect and explain significant accounting irregularities, and to recommend effective corrective measures.
• Ability to read and interpret complex documents, such as Governmental Accounting Standards Board statements, Wisconsin statutes, contracts, and other legal documents.
• Establishes and maintains excellent working relationships with County Administrator, County Board Supervisors, department heads, subordinates, other employees and other governmental agencies.
• Maintains positive public relations with the citizens of Sheboygan County, the media and the general public.
• Demonstrate strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to be resourceful in solving complex auditing problems and recommending changes in accounting procedures.
• Ability to plan and coordinate short and long-range projects designed to improve financial systems and procedures.
• Ability to evaluate technologies and determine the applicability to County operations.
• Considerable knowledge of the concepts and applications of computerized financial systems and related information technology systems.
• Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting. Ability to frequently lift up to 20 pounds, and a combination of sitting and standing postures may be required.
• Must be able to travel by car to various locations throughout Sheboygan County.
• Must be able to operate standard office equipment including telephone, computer, facsimile, calculator, printer, and photocopier.
• Risk of blood borne pathogen exposure is considered low.

Working Relationships
• Director reports to the County Administrator. Finance Department is comprised of 17 employees.
• Directly supervises the following:
• Deputy Finance Director
• Controller
• Auditor/Analyst
• Purchasing Agent
• Administrative Assistant