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ACCOUNTING & BUDGET MANAGER DAWSON COUNTY FINANCE Full-Time/Salary/Exempt JOB SUMMARY This position, under the direction of the CFO, is responsible for management, oversight and supervision of the daily accounting, financial and budgeting functions of the Finance Department. The work is accomplished directly or by directing staff to perform accounting, cash disbursements and collections, reconciliations, grant administration, payroll, audit assistance, budget preparation and monitoring, and special projects as needed. The Manager provides the security functions for check signing and serves as back-up/assistant for and in the absence of the Chief Financial Officer. Work includes training the staff in all accounting areas. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Manages the accounting functions of the department. Oversees the accounting and budgeting functions for efficiency, timeliness and monitoring workload; Supervises the staff. Assists Chief Financial Officer with financial system period end close-outs. Assists Chief Financial Officer with financial reporting in conjunction with annual external audit. Implements/recommends procedures to reconcile accounts in the general ledger, to assist the Chief Financial Officer in ensuring proper accounting procedures to meet GAAP and GASB guidelines as well as state and local legislation. May assist Chief Financial Officer with special financing projects, i.e., bond issuance or capital leases. Assists Chief Financial Officer to meet debt service obligations in a timely manner to protect rating. Prepares procedural recommendations to Chief Financial Officer for improving the accuracy, efficiency of the accounting functions. Assists with preparation of audit schedules or directs staff to produce audit information to assist Chief Financial Officer to achieve audited annual financial report. Assists the Chief Financial Officer with cash management including investments. Supervises grant administration, accounting, budgeting and audits. Oversees accounting, reporting and compilation of capital assets and construction in progress. Manages the annual budget process in conjunction with the County Manager and Chief Financial Officer for review by the Chairman and Board of Commissioners. Plans, coordinates, prepares, oversees, projects, and monitors preparation of annual operating, capital and performance budgets. Ensures internal compliance with budget policies and procedures of the County; Prepares cash flow projections and budget reports as necessary. Conducts budget reviews with elected officials, department directors, Board of Commissioners, and the general public. DAWSON COUNTY GOVERNMENT 25 Justice Way, Suite 2233 Dawson County, GA 30534 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 Prepares an annual budget document based upon the approved financial and performance budget in conjunction with approved Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards for a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device. Monitors departmental expenditures, revenues and approved budget to ensure compliance with adopted budget and financial policies. Advises and assists departments/agencies with budget issues. Coordinates and facilitates any necessary amendments to the approved annual budget by preparing budget amendment resolutions for Board action. Prepares or reviews project resolutions and/or agenda items authorizing changes to budget. Approves and processes administrative budget amendments as allowed by the Budget Resolution. Determines compliance issues by reviewing budget aspect of administered state and federal grants or other programs. Coordinates capital project budgets with Purchasing to achieve appropriate budgetary control for capital projects. Makes oral presentations to Management, Board of Commissioners and citizens as needed; Conducts ad hoc and historical trend analysis to assist County officials in making budget related policy decisions. Responds to all budget data for audit purposes for annual financial reporting of budget-to-actual with external audit firm. Performs special projects as assigned. KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITY KNOWLEDGE OF: Basic accounting practices, governmental fund accounting, governmental budgeting and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements as pertains to local governments. County ordinances, codes, policies, and procedures. State and federal laws governing county government operations. Local government service delivery and Georgia county revenue sources. Property management policies and procedures. Grant administration regulations and common practices. Automated accounting and financial systems. Computer applications including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher). SKILLED IN: Interpersonal skills. Management experience helpful. Presentation skills/experience in making presentations required. Proficiency required in performing analyses and mathematical calculations of financial data. Oral and written communication required. Operating office equipment such as computer, calculator, copier, facsimile machine, etc. ABILITY TO: Compile budget data into report form. Manage projects; meet objectives independently or as a project team leader once objectives are developed. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 COMPLEXITY The work consists of understanding and applying accounting and budgeting guidelines, interpreting laws, ordinances and regulations for the entire County. The work is done either directly or through supervision of employees to meet the goals and needs of the Finance Department and ultimately serve the County departments with financial services. Guidelines include relevant state and federal laws and county ordinances, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, policies, Governmental Accounting and Standards Board statements, grant guidelines and regulations, contracts and agreements. CONTACTS Contacts are typically with Department directors, elected officials, and departmental and Finance employees. External agency contact can occur as the Manager may fill in for the Chief Financial Officer (bond consultants, banks, investors, state agencies, grant agencies, billing services, and auditors). Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, achieve compliance, maximize team efforts, motivate/counsel with employees, and provide financial services to the County departments. ADA MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Scope of Performance: The purpose of this position is to assist the Chief Financial Officer to ensure performance of all financial functions of the County including the accounting, budgeting and grants administration. Successful performance ensures efficient provision of services to County Departments, accuracy of County financial transactions, improved operation of the Finance Department, continued improvement in the County’s bond ratings, interest earnings and compliance with many financial regulations. Expeditious accounting and budgeting functions enhance the County’s ability to assist departments, management and elected officials to make good decisions regarding the financial status of the County. Errors can cause financial penalties and/or loss of funds. Physical Ability: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table other than physical inventory tasks. The employee must use office equipment, i.e., computers, scanners, etc. Environmental Factors: Work is typically performed in an office. SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY The Accounting and Budget Manager works independently with general direction from the Chief Financial Officer. Completed work is determined through performance and audit results. The employee is responsible for supervision of Finance Department staff. The employee assists the Chief Financial Officer to ensure provision of quality services to all County departments. Employee also may assist Chief Financial Officer to conduct training for operating departments if/as necessary for accounting, budget, payable, receivable, grants administration, fixed asset and any related financial function. ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field from an accredited college or university. Certification: CPA preferred but not required. Experience: Five years of financial experience and/or budget experience with at least five years of supervisory experience, preferably in governmental. Possess a valid Georgia driver license and maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). Applicant must be able to pass a background check and drug screening. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. I have read the above job description and understand the requirements. Signature: Date: Witness: Revised 6/2025