Assistant Chief Financial Officer

: Position Description Catawba County is recruiting a highly motivated, self-directed Assistant Chief Financial Officer to aid in planning, organizing, and directing the financial activities of Catawba County. The Assistant Chief Financial Officer provides professional oversight of the purchasing, investment management, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions as well as playing a key role in preparing the County's annual financial statements. Expected hiring range: $90,000 - $100,000 (Dependent Upon Qualifications) Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Assistant Chief Financial Officer's primary responsibility is to maintain control over the fiduciary duties of the organization while demonstrating impeccable stewardship of public resources. The ideal applicant will be a team player skilled in communicating complex information in a direct and straightforward manner. Specific responsibilities include:

• Maintain effective, efficient financial accounting systems in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles;
• Preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report in collaboration with independent auditor and ensure audit compliance in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer and the County Manager's Office;
• Process required state reporting including LGC 203 and Annual Financial Information Report, federal reports including quarterly Census and MSRB EMMA reporting;
• Plan, organize, and direct assigned departmental activities carried out by a 16-member team: cash management, debt management, accounts payable/receivable, audit, payroll, capital project financing, fixed assets, and purchasing;
• Serve as resource for departmental staff as needed, providing advice and consultation on financial matters and assisting in identifying problems and solutions;
• Provide necessary data for development of annual revenue and expense forecasts;
• Work with the Chief Financial Officer and the County Manager's Office to prepare and present financial analyses to elected officials and other key stakeholders;
• Assist with grant management activities and reporting requirements;
• Maintain current knowledge and familiarity with guidelines established through NC Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act and with standards and procedures issued by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board; and
• Assist with managing fund investment of County portfolio, ensuring principal investments are prudent and avoid unnecessary risks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration and 4 years of experience in Governmental Accounting and Financial Management as a director, assistant director, or other advanced leadership role;
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Public Administration preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to think analytically to prioritize work, make data driven decisions, meet established deadlines, delegate duties and attend to details as appropriate;
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate by example with excellent interpersonal and consensus-building skills, inspiring staff to high performance;
• Capacity to work collaboratively and maintain effective relationships with County Management, other county departments, state and federal regulatory agencies and institutions, vendors, and consultants;
• Impeccable judgment in analyzing situations and making decisions or recommendations involving a variety of fiscal and business areas, and the ability to accurately and effectively carry out that judgment;
• Independent and self-directed initiative and drive, with the capacity to learn new things and the appetite to take on new challenges over time;
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills; accompanied by a strong capability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and assignments simultaneously;
• Competence in organizing, supervising, and evaluating the work of diverse teams and individuals;
• Familiarity with the organization and functions of County government;
• Extensive knowledge of principles and practices of governmental accounting, fiscal policies, and statutory requirements governing county funds;
• Exceptional customer service orientation; including strong traits of diplomacy, tact, patience, and empathy;
• Excellent communication, both written and oral, including strong command of grammar and the essential ability to communicate complex financial information in a manner that facilitates decision-making;
• Adaptability in a dynamic and fast-paced environment with changing job requirements and duties as they occur; and
• Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.

Additional Information PREFERENCES:

• Prior experience with preparing the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
• Familiarity with compliance and reporting requirements for federal and state awards.

As of 7/1/2022: You will find that Catawba County has one of the best benefits packages around. Our Human Resources staff are dedicated to keeping in touch with trends in benefits on both a local and national level, listening to employees' suggestions regarding benefits, and continually reviewing to ensure our benefits package is of good quality and meets the needs of both our employees and our organization. Available benefits include: Health Care

• Health: For a small bi-weekly premium, employees may choose between a traditional (co-pay) health plan and a high deductible health plan coupled with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), or family.
• Dental Insurance: At no cost to full-time employees, the County covers preventive, routine, and non-routine care. Coverage for the same benefits may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren) and family. In addition, a $2,000 benefit toward orthodontia coverage is provided for children up to age 19.
• Vision Care: Coverage is available, at group rates, for employee and dependents, with 2 plan options to choose from.
• Supplemental critical care and accident insurance plans: These optional coverage plans are available at a nominal cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax accounts which can be used to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision expenses.

Employee Wellness

• Employee Health Clinic (EHC): An employee medical clinic, available to all County employees, which operates 40 hours a week. Services provided include acute care, first aid, evaluation and care for workers' compensation injuries, pre-employment screenings, health education, and behavioral health referrals. Services offered both in person and through telehealth. Acute care available to employee's children ages 5-17 regardless of health insurance coverage and for employee's adult children (ages 18-26) or employee's spouse if covered on the county's health insurance.
• Wellness: The County recognizes the importance of our health and well-being. We maintain a very proactive and effective Wellness Program, including reimbursement and discounts for gym membership, incentives for physical activity, on-site nutrition counseling, free exercise opportunities, wellness education and more.
• Employee Assistance Program: Counseling services are available to all County employees and immediate family members in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting (in-person or virtually). The County provides coverage for the first six visits.

Work Life Balance

• Annual Leave: Full-time employees earn from 10-21 days annually based on years of service. Service credit from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
• Sick Leave: Full-time employees earn one day (8 hours) of sick leave per month. Sick leave from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
• Holiday Leave: Throughout the year, 11 days of paid leave are provided in recognition of holidays.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Time off for activities that support our local schools.
• Continuing educational assistance.
• Discount tickets to recreational venues.
• Employee appreciation days/activities.
• Tax-free flexible spending account to pay for dependent care.

Financial Security

• Local Governmental Employees Retirement System: For employees assigned to work 20 hours per week or more in a benefitted position, participation in this program is automatic. Employees contribute 6% of their salary, which is tax deferred. After (5) years of creditable service, you become fully vested in the retirement system. Employees may also take advantage of individual and group retirement counseling through the Human Resources department.
• 401K: The County provides a 2% contribution plus an additional 1% match (up to 3% total contribution by the County). Our sworn law enforcement officers receive a flat 5% contribution to their 401k.
• Other Tax Deferred Programs: Other tax-sheltering programs are available through IRS Code 125 (Cafeteria Plan), and a 457 supplemental retirement plan (Deferred Compensation).
• Longevity Pay: After 5 years of creditable service, employees receive an annual longevity payment that is paid every year thereafter. This lump sum payment rewards employees for their length of service to Catawba County. The amount is based on years of service.
• Life Insurance: Death benefit equal to one times employee's annual salary with a minimum coverage amount of $25,000. Optional supplemental life insurance coverage is also available for both employee and dependents through payroll deduction at group rates.
• Short Term Disability: Available at no cost to employees, benefits are available after a 55-day waiting period.
• Long Term Disability: Available through payroll deduction at group rates.
• Eligibility for membership and financial services at State Employees Credit Union (SECU)/Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU).