Finance Director Trainee

McDowell County; Marion (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

McDowell County is seeking a Finance Officer Trainee to work under the Finance Officer and gain the knowledge, skills, and certifications needed to become Finance Officer on July 1, 2027. The role covers accounting, budgeting, and financial management duties, including AP/AR oversight, budgeting, and financial reporting.

The position requires strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles, NC statutes, GAAP, and the ability to supervise staff. A CPA or CLGFO is preferred but not required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Governmental accounting experience preferred.
• CPA designation and/or CLGFO certification preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assists with the overall operation of the Finance Department, including Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions.
• Serves as backup to the Finance Director and Payroll Analyst.
• Supervises, trains, evaluates, and provides technical guidance to assigned staff.
• Maintains and reconciles County bank accounts; researches discrepancies and processes necessary corrections.
• Assists with the preparation and administration of the County’s annual operating budget.
• Monitors departmental revenues and expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets.
• Reviews and processes budget amendments and transfers submitted by departments.
• Assists with the annual external audit.
• Prepares audit schedules, year-end reconciliations, adjusting entries, and supporting documentation for independent auditors.
• Develops and recommends financial policies and procedures in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and County policies.
• Reviews and approves weekly check runs and purchasing requests.
• Processes and oversees purchase orders.
• Prepares required state and federal financial reports, including LGC-203 and Annual Financial Information Reports.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual journal entries and financial reconciliations.
• Oversees fixed asset accounting, inventory tracking, and related adjustments.
• Compiles financial data and prepares periodic, annual, and special financial reports.
• Provides project management and user support for ParaResearch financial software.
• Administers and monitors County credit cards, fuel usage, billing, and related reporting.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Skills

Accounting principles

Budget analysis

Financial reporting

Staff supervision

GAAP

Excel

Analytical thinking

Interdepartmental collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

Tools

ParaResearch financial software

Job description

Please Note: This position will serve as a Finance Officer Trainee through July 1, 2027. The incumbent will work under the guidance of the current Finance Officer to gain the knowledge, skills, and certifications necessary to assume the role of Finance Officer. Upon successful completion of the training period and meeting all qualifications, the position will transition to Finance Officer on July 1, 2027.

Performs advanced professional accounting, budgeting, and financial management duties in support of County operations. Responsibilities include oversight of Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions, maintenance of financial records, budget analysis, financial reporting, and supervision of assigned staff. This position assists with the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department and serves as a backup to the Finance Director. Work requires knowledge of governmental accounting principles, North Carolina General Statutes, local government fiscal operations, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Work is performed under the general supervision of the Finance Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the work performed and are not intended to be all-inclusive:

1. Assists with the overall operation of the Finance Department, including Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions.
2. Serves as backup to the Finance Director and Payroll Analyst.
3. Supervises, trains, evaluates, and provides technical guidance to assigned staff.
4. Maintains and reconciles County bank accounts; researches discrepancies and processes necessary corrections.
5. Assists with the preparation and administration of the County’s annual operating budget.
6. Monitors departmental revenues and expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets.
7. Reviews and processes budget amendments and transfers submitted by departments.
8. Assists with the annual external audit.
9. Prepares audit schedules, year-end reconciliations, adjusting entries, and supporting documentation for independent auditors.
10. Develops and recommends financial policies and procedures in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and County policies.
11. Reviews and approves weekly check runs and purchasing requests.
12. Processes and oversees purchase orders.
13. Prepares required state and federal financial reports, including LGC-203 and Annual Financial Information Reports.
14. Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual journal entries and financial reconciliations.
15. Oversees fixed asset accounting, inventory tracking, and related adjustments.
16. Compiles financial data and prepares periodic, annual, and special financial reports.
17. Provides project management and user support for ParaResearch financial software.
18. Administers and monitors County credit cards, fuel usage, billing, and related reporting.
19. Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of accounting principles, practices, methods, and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards governing local government finance.
Knowledge of governmental budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting systems.
Ability to prepare and analyze complex financial reports and records.
Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate employees effectively.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including intermediate to advanced Excel skills.
Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail while managing multiple priorities.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including supervisory responsibilities.
Governmental accounting experience preferred.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation and/or North Carolina Certified Local Government Finance Officer (CLGFO) certification preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

This position is classified as sedentary work and requires the ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently. Duties may involve stooping, reaching, lifting, fingering, grasping, repetitive motions, verbal communication, hearing, and visual acuity necessary for preparing and analyzing financial information and operating standard office equipment. The work environment is generally free from adverse environmental conditions.

Special Requirements

Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Personal Surety Bond.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.