Finance Director

WCA: Wisconsin Counties Association; Missouri; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Wisconsin Counties Association seeks a Finance Director to lead budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, and internal controls for a county. The role collaborates with the County Manager and Finance & Personnel Committee to ensure sound financial operations.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, at least three years of accounting experience, and experience with government or public-sector processes. CPA designation is preferred; salary depends on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required.
• Minimum three years in an accounting environment.
• Prefer CPA designation and public-sector knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly accrual-based financial statements and management reports.
• Develop multi-year forecasts and analyze budget variances.
• Coordinate year-end audit and establish internal controls.
• Oversee accounts payable and payroll/benefits administration.
• Interface with board, department heads, and external vendors.

Skills

Accounting & finance

GAAP & auditing

Analytical thinking

Vendor relations

AP & payroll supervision

Interpersonal communication

Written & verbal communication

Grant writing (helpful)

Debt financing & insurance

Accounting software & MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

3 years accounting experience

CPA designation preferred

Tools

Accounting software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Overview

The Finance Director performs the following duties for the county that include, but are not limited to: budgeting, financial reporting, reconciliations, forecasting, tax levy preparation, financial analysis, audit coordination, year-end journal entries, establishing internal controls, state report preparation, insurance evaluation, and payroll/benefit administration. The position works under the direction of the County Manager and the Finance & Personnel Committee.

Application Deadline: 2026-10-31

Job Type: County

Job Description

The successful candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential to the position.

• Accounting and finance skills to prepare monthly accrual-based financial statements, create management reports, and develop multi-year forecasts that highlight issues for the board and recommend processes that streamline workflow throughout the organization.
• Knowledge of generally accepted auditing standards to coordinate year-end audit, prepare required reports, record year-end journal entries, and establish internal controls that safeguard county assets.
• Analytical skills to interpret financial data, investigate variances, and reconcile department data.
• Ability to work with outside vendors and employees for the seamless implementation of county-wide employee benefits.
• Supervise the accounts payable and payroll/benefit functions.
• Interpersonal skills to work with the board, department heads, and other employees.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to present views and concerns.
• Past grant writing experience is helpful.
• Familiarity with debt financing, insurance, and employee benefit programs.
• Experience working with accounting software programs, account structures, and the Microsoft Office suite, especially the use of spreadsheets to analyze data.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, three (3) years of working in an accounting environment, and some knowledge of government or public sector operations. Prefer a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. A complete job description is available upon request, detailing essential job duties and responsibilities. Salary is dependent on qualifications and work experience.