Kalamazoo County, MI (pop. 261,670). Kalamazoo County is searching for a leader with excellent financial, budget, and strategic planning skills. Kalamazoo County is a growing county in a thriving metropolitan area located at a strategic midpoint between Chicago and Detroit, where I-94 and US-131 intersect in West Michigan. Kalamazoo is 45 minutes from the sandy shores of Lake Michigan to the west and Grand Rapids to the north. Kalamazoo is located on Amtrak's Wolverine Line from Chicago. Kalamazoo County is known as family-oriented, has excellent public and parochial schools, higher education institutions, and hosts internationally known corporate offices. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, and five other higher educational institutions provide a full range of lifelong learning opportunities. The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO), the Air Zoo, and the Gilmore Car Museum are located within the County, as well as the corporate offices and world headquarters for Pfizer-Kalamazoo and Stryker. Bountiful natural resources include 101 lakes and related recreational amenities, connected by 507 miles of trails and bikeways, including the popular 34-mile Kal-Haven Trail to Lake Michigan and the 22-mile Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. Kalamazoo Parks are exceptional and are partly supported by an innovative Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County. The County's eight major parks are crown jewels and provide abundant swimming, camping, fishing, and hiking. Within the County is the historic Downtown Kalamazoo which features a casual yet vintage atmosphere with farm-to-table restaurants, a diverse array of culinary choices, restaurants, cafes, and contemporary retail centers. Kalamazoo County is the 9th most populous County in the State and encompasses 580 square miles. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional looking to make a difference and interested in public service.

Organization Overview

A County Administrator & Controller appointed by the County Board of Commissioners oversees the day-to-day operations of the county government. The Department Heads, including the Finance Director, are all appointed by and report indirectly to the County Administrator & Controller. Direct supervision of this specific position is exercised by the Deputy County Administrator – Internal Services. The organization is comprised of nearly 1000 employees across 21 departments: Elected Officials Departments – Clerk/Register of Deeds, Drain Commissioner, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Surveyor, Treasurer; Courts – Circuit/Probate and District; Board of Commissioners – Corporation Counsel; Administrative Departments (those under the purview of the Board of Commissioners and managed by the County Administrator/Controller) – Administrative Services, Animal Services & Enforcement, Building & Grounds, Communications, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Finance, Health & Community Services, Housing, Human Resources, Information Technology, Parks & Expo Center, and Planning & Development. The County's 2022 all-funds budget is $285 million with a General Fund balance of $32 million (unrestricted unallocated General Fund reserve of approximately 30%). The 2022 General Fund budget is $113 million, and the planned capital improvement investment is $3 million.

The Position

The position is at will and reports directly to the Deputy County Administrator – Internal Services. There are two (2) Deputy County Administrators (Internal and External Services) who report to the County Administrator & Controller. The successful candidate will work in concert with the Deputy County Administrator in managing the financial operation of the county government, including: but not limited to developing and implementing financial policies, coordinating the annual budget process, financial forecasting and reporting, auditing, debt management, and purchasing. The Finance Director prepares or oversees the preparation of County budget submissions and other budgetary and reporting information required by State and/or Federal agencies; assists in preparing funding proposals for innovative approaches to providing services, and supervises all finance department staff. Lastly, the Finance Director will also be expected to propose a long-term financial strategy for the County, facilitate capital improvements planning and provide financial analysis of economic development projects. The Finance Director will be a selfless leader, a person who will listen, collaborate, mentor, and help transform multi-disciplinary teams throughout the County is essential. Innovation and proven experience in financial management and problem-solving are critical as they aid in researching and evaluating issues and proposing actions, policies, and solutions for a growing and progressive community.

The Finance Director position has a salary range of $107,223.42 – $146,742.30, with a hiring range of up to $115,972.98 based on experience and qualifications. The County offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, paid time off, holidays, and a pension plan. https://www.kalcounty.com/hrd/openings.php

Job Summary:

Plan, implement, manage, and provides oversight of all financial accounting and auditing, accounting policies and procedures, and advise County officials and employees regarding Kalamazoo County's financial decisions to ensure that the County complies with sound financial management and internal control practices.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary financial advisor for the County and provide relevant financial information to the County Administrator/Controller and Executive Leadership Team on all strategic matters as they relate to financial management and reporting: cost-benefit analysis, financial forecasting, management of debt service, risk management and the securing of new funding.
• Collaborate with elected officials and department directors to assess internal and external trends and issues, revenue sources, expenditure requirements, other relevant matters, and facility development of long-term fiscal strategies.
• Establish, maintain, and oversee all financial, project/program, risk management, grant application, and accounting systems, including asset management and plan administration of the retirement and retiree health systems pursuant to Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) rules and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Oversee and lead annual budgeting, planning, and monthly budget monitoring and analysis. Work with County Administrator/Controller and Deputy County Administrators to provide funding recommendations for the general operating budget and capital improvement projects.
• Design, analyze, and, if necessary, present financial reports to various audiences, including outside agencies, county personnel, numerous grants, state and federal reports.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies and internal controls to manage the County's financial risks by researching, analyzing, and implementing accepted governmental accounting policies and procedures.
• Evaluate Board actions as applicable for financial impact, compliance with policy, and accounting/reporting requirements.

Qualifications:

Education:

A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or any combination of experience and education would likely provide the relevant knowledge and abilities required (minimum 7-9 years) or military equivalency. Master's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Experience:

7-9 years’ experience in Accounting/Finance; experience overseeing departmental operations and finances for a large organization.

Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting principles (including GASB rules and GAAP standards), methods and applications; modern management and organizational principles and practices; budgetary methods and procedures. Demonstrated knowledge of computerized accounting systems and their integration with other administrative systems. The ability to analyze various complex problems and independently develop alternative solutions within critical deadlines. To communicate effectively orally and in writing; set work priorities and train, direct, motivate and evaluate the work of assigned staff; and establish and maintain cooperative and effective relationships with various persons, including officials, management, and staff.

To apply: all candidates must submit a Kalamazoo County Application for Employment accompanied by a resume and a cover letter. The position is open until filled. Application materials may be submitted online.

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