Finance Director

Under the direction of the County Manager or designee, this position requires highly responsible professional, administrative, and technical management work with responsibility for directing the functions assigned to the Grant County Finance Department.   Manages and coordinates all financial operations for Grant County, to include budget preparation and management, general accounting, accounts payable, revenue, payroll, procurement, capital assets/inventory, internal controls, grant oversight, and audit.  The employee must exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative in supervising assigned functional areas and in planning and directing the financial internal control system.  This employee works closely with the County Manager or designee and the County Treasurer.  

• Directs and manages all County financial operations, including budget preparation, implementation, monitoring, and control.
• Develops and implements financial strategies, policies, procedures, and internal controls aligned with County goals.
• Oversees general accounting functions, including general ledger, chart of accounts, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Coordinates and prepares the annual budget; monitors revenues and expenditures; and prepares budget adjustments in compliance with state law.
• Reviews departmental budgets and expenditures to ensure compliance with approved appropriations and financial policies.
• Provides financial analysis, forecasts, and recommendations to the County Manager and Board of County Commissioners.
• Prepares and presents financial reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, as well as special analyses.
• Ensures accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, GASB, and GAAFR standards.
• Oversees procurement processes, including bids, contracts, purchase orders, and requisitions, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Manages contracts, grants, lease agreements, and related financial activities.
• Coordinates and facilitates internal and external audits; ensures timely response to audit findings and implementation of corrective actions.
• Monitors cash flow, revenues, expenditures, and financial trends to maintain the County’s financial stability.
• Reconciles financial records with the County Treasurer and ensures accuracy of all financial reporting.
• Oversees billing, collections, and revenue management processes.
• Supervises records retention and disposition for financial documents.
• Assists departments with budget planning, purchasing procedures, and financial compliance.
• Collaborates with the County Treasurer, external agencies, auditors, and stakeholders on financial matters.
• Develops and supervises staff by recruiting, training, evaluating, and coaching employees; fosters a positive and productive work environment.
• Participates as a member of the executive management team, contributing to organizational planning and decision-making.
• Prepares and oversees contracts and grant-related financial documentation as authorized.
• Maintains confidentiality of financial information and ensures proper internal controls.
• Serves as the primary liaison with internal and external auditors, coordinating audit activities and ensuring timely and accurate completion of audit requirements.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local reporting requirements, including the accurate and timely submission of financial reports, budgets, and related documentation.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the County Manager or Board of County Commissioners.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of five (3) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or governmental budgeting.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Valid New Mexico driver’s license required. Must successfully pass background investigation and pre-employment screening.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

•  Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB).
• Ability to research and implement new GASB requirements such as GASB87 and GASB96.
• Must have knowledge and ability to prepare and effectively use spreadsheets, databases, financial analysis, bid specifications, internal audits, budgets, and grant applications/reports; evaluate financial systems; and formulate and implement accounting systems, methods, procedures, forms, and records as needed.
• Knowledge of New Mexico Statutes related to government finances, including procurement requirements. 
• Knowledge and experience in local government accounting specific to cash and modified accrual basis of accounting and pooled cash accounting practices. 
• Experience with Tyler ERP Pro 10 software preferred.   Knowledge and experience with other financial software programs are a must. 
• Payroll and benefits experience 
• Fund accounting experience. 
• Ability to interact professionally and maintain effective working relationships with officials, supervisors, County staff, and the public.  
• Ability to conduct long-range fiscal and program planning, including Infrastructure Capital Improvement Planning.
• Ability to organize, direct, and evaluate the work of employees in the Finance Department.
• Must be able to read,interpret, and analyze such items as financial reports, statutes, regulations, policies, legal documents, journals, and research materials.
• Must be able to writeeffective business letters, reports, manuals, and instructions. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities concurrently.
• Ability to work extended schedules as needed to carry out the financial management and supervisory functions for a variety of county programs.
• Employee must comply with the safety guidelines of the county.

Conditions ofEmployment:

• Must complete a conditional post-offer of employment physical examination.
• Subject to and must pass a post-offer of employment Drug & Alcohol AnalysisTest.
• Subjecttoandmustsatisfactorilycompleteapost-offerofemploymentbackground investigation
• Must not have any felony convictions or convictions involving immoral or unethicalcharacteristics.

Professional Requirements 

• Successful completion of an interview by County representative(s) who will measure traits that are significant or necessary to perform the job, and demonstrate the applicant’s ability to relate ideas and answer questions relative to the job. 
• Successful completion of required training, including but not limited to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Defensive Driving within one year from the date of hire. 
• Adhere to dress code; business casual dress is neat and clean.
• Report to work on time and as scheduled. 
• Represent the County in a positive and professional manner at all times, including use of tact when working with a wide range of individuals, including the public, often under tense circumstances.
• Comply with all County policies and procedures, and standards regarding ethical business practices in accordance with the Governmental Conduct Act, NMSA 1978, Chapter 10, Article 16.
• Participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement activities. 
• Attend regular staff meetings. 

Working Conditions

• Work irregular hours, including after hours if needed. 
• Work under stressful conditions and under pressure. 
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.   
• Work involves minimal exposure to physical risk.

• Other physical or mental requirements of this position that have not been addressed above