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FINANCE DIRECTOR (CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER) DAWSON COUNTY FINANCE Full-Time/Salary/Exempt JOB SUMMARY This position is responsible for financial management of all County financial functions. The work is accomplished directly or by directing staff to perform banking, accounting, accounts payable and receivables, fixed assets, grants administration and purchasing functions. Work includes establishing and accounting, reporting, and disclosure for special financing, i.e., bonds, capital leases, capital projects, etc. The director trains staff as necessary to accomplish financial goals for the County while promoting collaboration toward Countywide goal achievement. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Oversees financial reporting in conjunction with external annual audit firm. Reviews and analyzes legislation, laws, and public policy and designs and modifies financial policies to ensure that programs are current, competitive and in compliance with legal requirements. Establishes procedures to reconcile and reviews accounts in the general ledger, ensuring proper accounting procedures to meet GAAP and GASB guidelines as well as state legislation. Performs actions as required with bond underwriters/financial consultants and financial institutions to accomplish Board approved activities for bonds, capital leases, ratings, etc. Prepares policy recommendation to management for financial needs. Responsible for developing and maintaining integrated accounting and financial management systems, ensuring compliance with accounting principles and internal control standards, and providing timely and reliable financial information. Prepares requests for proposals/qualifications as necessary to accomplish project financing, banking services for all County departments. Establishes appropriate policies, services, structures, controls, and reporting systems, for the efficient and effective performance of financial functions and objectives; forms collaborative, service-oriented relationships with other County departments for the successful achievement of collaborative goals. Prepares audit schedules or directs staff to produce audit information to achieve audited financial reporting and bond disclosures. Directs County cash management directly or through staff to accomplish: Timely deposit of cash. Accurate posting of revenues. Investing of funds. DAWSON COUNTY GOVERNMENT 25 Justice Way, Suite 2233 Dawsonville, GA 30534 (706) 344-3501 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 Directs and trains staff to administer the grants awarded to the County including: Project set-up from the initial award. Cash account establishment as required. Contract administration, agenda preparation, works with department. Budget and monitoring. Compliance assistance to departments. Records/prepares salary allocations. Records receivables and ensures proper receipt of grant funds. Reimbursement report preparation and review. Audit responsibilities including single audit if/as required. Oversees staff for maintenance of property records (Fixed Assets) including accomplishment of: Additions and Deletions each year. Inventory for each department annually. Tracking insurance value. Calculating/reviewing of depreciation from automated system. Relieving system of Surplus Sale items. Recording Infrastructure and purchases according to policy (GASB 34). Communications with departments as necessary. Investment activities. Directs the Budget process directly and/or through staff to accomplish budget for all county departments and special revenue projects including sales tax, capital improvement program projects and grants/miscellaneous (Hotel/Motel Tourism, condemnation funds, Inmate Trust Fund, Jail fund, etc.: Prepares revenue estimates for annual budget. Adoption of balanced budget and setting of tax levy timely and to meet state regulations. Establishment of departmental line item budgets in the financial system, monitoring and revisions as required. Determines financing options for capital projects. Recommends budget solutions. Distributes financial statements with budget data to all County departments (operating departments, grants, capital projects and special revenue). Performs special projects as assigned. KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITY KNOWLEDGE OF: Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) statements as pertains to local governments; bookkeeping and basic accounting practices, preferably governmental generally accepted accounting principles. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) standards and practices. Relevant laws, regulations, and internal control standards. State and federal laws governing county government operations. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 County ordinances, codes, policies, and procedures. Property management policies and procedures. Grant administration regulations and common practices. Automated financial systems. Various software programs including Microsoft Office, CSI+ SmartFusion, contract management programs and basic website development skills. SKILLED IN: Supervision with poise and experience. Hiring and counseling employees. Handling high volume of complex work; preparing a variety of material, prioritizing workload, and managing projects. Performing analysis and mathematical calculation on computer (Excel). ABILITY TO: Operate office equipment such as a computer, calculator, copier, facsimile machine, etc. Provide effective communication, both verbal and written is vital, interpersonal skill as applied to interaction with the Board of Commissioners, County Manager, Department Heads, co-workers, and the general public. CONTACTS Contacts are typically with external agencies (bond consultants, banks, investors, state agencies) as well as Department directors, elected officials, and departmental employees. Contacts can include grant agencies, billing services, and auditors. Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, achieve compliance, obtain financial loans/bonds, and provide services. ADA MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Scope of Performance: The purpose of this position is to ensure performance of all financial functions of the County, including Cash Management, Accounting, Budget, Accounts Payable and reporting. Successful performance ensures accuracy of county financial transactions, insurance coverage, continued improvement in bond ratings, and compliance with many regulations. Expeditious reporting to county departments and elected officials impact decisions and contribute to the overall financial well-being 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 equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity. Environmental Factors: The work is typically performed in an office. ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY The employee reports to the County Manager. The employee is responsible for supervision of all finance department staff on financial areas. The employee ensures financial status of the County with all departments. Employee also may conduct training for operating departments if/as necessary for accounting, budget, payable, receivable, grants administration, fixed asset and purchasing and any related financial function. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / CERTIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and/or Finance, or related field; and; Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance or governmental accounting, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. CPA certification preferred. Able to develop and implement financial strategies that align with Dawson County BOC and County Manager’s overall goals Comfortable with using financial software and technology to manage financial operations. Skilled in operating modern office equipment and knowledgeable in office procedures and administrative methods. Microsoft Office proficient. Possess a valid Georgia driver’s 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 4/2/25