Fiscal Manager II - Public Works, Bureau of Utilities

Howard County Government; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Government in Maryland seeks a seasoned finance professional to oversee the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Utilities' operating and capital budgets. You will supervise staff, monitor expenditures, prepare forecasts, and manage financial systems and reporting to support fiscal stability and policy decisions.

The role requires a bachelor's degree, five years of related experience, and strong knowledge of governmental accounting, SAP, and budgeting processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and five years of related experience.
• Experience in governmental budgeting and financial management.
• Proficiency with SAP/COGNOS and financial reporting workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develops, administers, and monitors the Bureau’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Prepares and manages monthly, quarterly, and annual financial forecasts.
• Validates estimated spending projections and coordinates monthly Cost-to-Complete submissions.
• Tracks revenue deposits and financial reporting for the Bureau.
• Supervises staff and ensures policy and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Budgets

Financial reporting

Forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SAP

COGNOS

Records Management software

Enterprise financial systems

Job description

Howard County:

Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is an advanced level administrative and technical position managing and overseeing the development and administration of Capital and Operating revenues and expense for the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Utilities. Work includes supervising other professional staff, resolving major systems' problems and developing, evaluating and implementing financial systems, programs and procedures. The position requires evaluative thinking and carries out assignments in accordance with functional precedents, practices and policies, as well as developing new methods of completing assignments by identifying and implementing regulated changes affecting assignments. The position requires extensive knowledge in public relations and the procurement sector; contract development and management; budget development with revenue and expense tracking and evaluation. Work also includes researching, reviewing, and analyzing budget, personnel, purchasing and policy issues.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$45.68 - $59.81/Hourly

$95,019 - $124,409/Annually

*This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles.*

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs management and advanced level financial administrative work under general supervision from an administrative superior. Work includes planning, organizing, and supervising the activities of a major financial bureau and assisting in the operational and administrative management of the Budget office; resolving major program problems; and developing, evaluating and implementing financial and budgeting programs and procedures.

*This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months*

*This position has been designated as "essential personnel", meaning an employee is expected to report for regular work shift during inclement weather, emergency situations, County holidays and on an on-call basis.*

• Acts as a liaison to other county agencies and Department of Finance, Budget and other DPW Bureaus on all matters related to the operational work performed by the Bureau of Utilities.
• Develops, administers, and monitors the Bureau’s annual operating and capital budgets, manages the operating budget through SAP, tracks expenditures and projects funding/expenses
• Prepares and conducts Bureau-wide Operating Budget training.
• Prepares and manages monthly, quarterly, and annual financial forecasts; Validates estimated spending projections and financial assumptions using documented operational input, coordinates and facilitates monthly Cost-to-Complete (CTC) submission.
• Tracks expenditures, revenue collections, and budget performance through SAP and other financial systems; performs revenue versus expenditure analyses and develops recommendations to maintain fiscal stability.
• Prepares executive-level financial summaries, reports, and briefing materials for Bureau leadership and the Director’s Office.
• Maintains awareness of Bureau-wide financial performance, including surplus and deficit positions; Identifies financial risks and develops mitigation strategies.
• Implements and prepares Journal Vouchers,monitors the financial reporting of operational expenses and revenues; manages and processes all revenue deposits.
• Initiates funds transfers, adjusts budget to reflect program changes, prepares and tracks revenue projections, oversees rate setting/water consumption analysis, tracks fund to assure funds exist to cover expenses, ensures expenditures match Bureau's objectives, and administers Bureau operational tracking/reports.
• Manages the development and administration of the department budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints; and resolving problems, assist with rewarding and disciplining employees.
• Oversees the development and implementation of policies and procedures impacting Water and Sewer Operating funds.
• Maintains and tracks all employees’ licenses and certifications.
• Reviews Federal, State, and County legislative process; manages Bureau’s audit procedures.
• Assigns workload, assures coverage at each site, and oversees the severe weather program.
• Acts as liaison for all Bureau’s grants. Manages all grant documents, accounts, expenses, and FEMA funds and regulations.
• Analyzes and evaluates current trends and best practices to improve the accounts payable and receivables practices within the Bureau of Utilities.
• Provides financial insights to support strategic planning, operational decisions, and policy development; Serves as a financial advisor to Bureau leadership regarding budget, procurement, and financial management matters.
• Serves as the Bureau’s primary financial liaison with Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and other external agencies; Coordinates and validates cost-of-service calculations, invoicing, billing settlements, and other financial transactions; Manages financial documentation associated with intergovernmental agreements and other Utility Service arrangements.
• Represents the Bureau at meetings and Council hearings
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• This position is considered emergency essential, and, as such, the incumbent may be required to report for regular work shift during inclement weather, or when an emergency situation arises.

Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Possession of a valid driver's license.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Supervisory experience, at least two (2) years.
• Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) Certification
• Experience in local government administration.
• Formal training or experience in personal computer word processing, spread sheet, COGNOS, SAP, and Records Management software and enterprise financial systems.
• Advanced knowledge of governmental accounting, budgeting, and financial management principles.
• Ability to develop and interpret complex financial reports and forecasts.
• Ability to analyze financial data and formulate recommendations.
• Knowledge of general ledger management and financial controls.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to supervise, mentor, and develop staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across multiple organizational levels.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet critical deadlines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This is an office position requiring the ability to maneuver in and around such a setting. The position may require walking, bending, stooping, and listing materials up to 25 lbs.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.