Chief Financial Officer / Chief Clerk

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has primary responsibility for the planning, implementation, managing and running of all the finance activities of the County, including budgeting and forecasting. This includes the development and implementation of financial goals, plans, policies, short and long range objectives for the County. The CFO serves as the Chief Clerk and may represent the Board of Commissioners at official functions and board meetings, as directed.

• Manages the preparation of the County's annual operating and capital budgets.  Coordinates budgetary information with Controller, Treasurer and other elected officials and department heads; amends budget as approved by Commissioners.
• Develops and updates a multi-year operating and capital budget.
• Serves as Chief Clerk as outlined in the Pennsylvania County Code. 
• Develops and provides monthly financial and statistical reports including analyses of monthly closings, cash flow analysis, and actual expenditures vs. budget.
• Manages County debt which includes working with underwriters, financial advisors, rating agencies, etc. for the issuance of new debt and refinancing of existing debt.
• Manages the cash flow needs of the County and any short-term financing required to meet those needs.
• Develops and implements accounting and financial management policy and procedure.
• Serves as a liaison between the Controller and Treasurer to ensure appropriate monitoring of County finances.
• Maintains a working relationship with the Controller's and Treasurer's offices and all departments with regard to financial management matters.
• Identifies problem areas and makes recommendations to resolve issues assuring a stable financial structure within the County.
• Conducts fiscal research and provides assistance to the Commissioners and staff regarding financial decision making and special projects.
• Supervises Budget Director, Tax Assessment and Tax Claims and Collections and Information Technology departments.
• Oversees the County's purchasing and inventory control procedures and proposes recommendations in connection therewith.
• Evaluates the County's financial position and issues periodic financial and operating reports for all departments.
• Assures compliance with federal, state and local accounting principles, procedures and financial record-keeping requirements.
• Participates in the implementation and integration of the financial software within the County.
• Analyzes and conducts studies of economic, business and financial conditions and their impact on the County's revenue and capital investments.
• Analyzes all contracts and/or projects for their financial impact prior to recommending same to Commissioners.
• Coordinates with various departments to assure policies and procedures are in place for maximum reimbursement from Federal/State funding sources for County programs.
• Participates in Department Head meetings as appropriate.
• Develops and Implements Departmental Strategic plan that aligns to the county’s overall strategic plan.
• Performs special projects as assigned by the Board of Commissioners.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned by Commissioners.

Essential Requirements

• Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Government Affairs, Business Administration or related field and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in Accounting, Government Affairs, or Business Administration.
• Must have knowledge of the Local Government Unit Debt Act as it relates to the issuance of County debt.
• Must possess an understanding of funding of public pensions and other post-employment benefits.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to work with other business software.  
• Must be an effective communicator, both orally and written.
• Must have knowledge of standard accounting practices and governmental accounting standards and the ability to interpret and assist in the implementation of those standards along with the ability to provide Commissioners and Department Heads with an understanding of the practices and standards.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with department personnel, government agencies/personnel, clients, and the public.
• Must posses the ability and willingness to work harmoniously with professionals and non-professionals.
• Must have patience, tact, and a professional manner when conducting business.
• Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and incorporate them into existing practices.
• Must possess the ability to evaluate staff and program effectiveness.
• Must have the ability to provide leadership and establish and maintain effective working relationship with staff members, other agencies, institutions and the public.