Financial Director

Cleveland County; Shelby (NC); On-site; USD 109,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Cleveland County in North Carolina seeks a Finance Director to lead the county's financial operations and advise executive leadership. This role oversees accounting, budgeting, treasury, debt management, and reporting to ensure fiscal health and accountability across departments.

The ideal candidate combines technical government accounting expertise with strategic leadership, guiding policy development, long-range planning, and audits, while building collaborative relationships with county

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required.
• Six (6) or more years of experience in government accounting or public finance is preferred.
• Certified Local Government Finance Officer (GFOA), CLGFOA, or similar certification is highly preferred; CPA is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, organization, and direction of all financial activities for the County, including accounting, budgeting, procurement, and EMS billing operations.
• Partner with the County Manager to develop financial policies, establish goals, and align with priorities.
• Develop long-range financial strategies, including a five-year capital improvement plan.

Skills

Leadership

Public finance

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Job description

Cleveland County is seeking a detail oriented and forward-thinking Finance Director to lead the County’s financial operations and serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership. The Finance Director is responsible for ensuring the long-term fiscal health and sustainability of the organization while supporting strategic decision-making across departments.

Reporting directly to the County Manager, the Finance Director plays a critical role in shaping financial strategy, guiding policy development, and overseeing all aspects of county financial management.

To view the full position profile, please visit Cleveland County Finance Director Profile

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

The ideal candidate is a strategic and detail-oriented financial leader who brings both technical expertise and a collaborative leadership style. They are comfortable working at both the executive level and within operational details, ensuring strong financial practices while helping the organization move forward.

Key attributes include:

• Strong background in governmental accounting and public finance
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insights
• Proven experience in budget development, financial analysis, and long-term planning
• Collaborative approach with the ability to build strong relationships across departments
• Commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Lead the planning, organization, and direction of all financial activities for the County, including accounting, budgeting, procurement, and EMS billing operations
• Partner with the County Manager to develop financial policies, establish goals, and ensure alignment with organizational priorities
• Develop long-range financial strategies, including a five-year capital improvement plan

Budgeting & Fiscal Management

• Play a central role in the development and management of the County’s annual operating budget
• Collaborate with department leaders to review budget requests and ensure appropriate allocation of resources
• Monitor revenues, expenditures, and financial performance, and provide regular reporting to the County Manager and Board of Commissioners

Treasury, Investments & Debt Management

• Oversee revenue projections, cash management, and investment of county funds to maximize return in accordance with applicable statutes
• Manage debt service and participate in financing strategies to support county initiatives
• Evaluate financial risk and support long-term sustainability planning in collaboration with leadership and external partners

Financial Operations & Compliance

• Oversee accounting systems, financial reporting, and grant accounting across all county departments
• Ensure compliance with governmental accounting standards, laws, and best practices
• Coordinate and support the annual audit process and implement process improvements based on audit findings

Organizational Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a team of finance professionals, providing direction in hiring, training, performance management, and employee development
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture within the Finance Department and across the organization
• Support department leaders in financial planning, forecasting, and decision-making

QUALIFICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required for consideration.
• Six (6) or more years of experience in government accounting or public finance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Certified Local Government Finance Officer (GFOA), Certified Local Government Finance Officer (CLGFO), or similar certification highly preferred
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred

COMPENSATION

The salary range at the time of hire is expected to be between $109,000 – $141,000. The salary offered will be commensurate with experience. The Council offers comprehensive benefits to complement the salary provided to staff.