Strategic Budget & Finance Director

Polk County; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County in Des Moines, IA seeks an executive Budget Director to oversee the county’s budgeting system, long‑term financial planning, capital and debt management, and fiscal policy development. In this role you will guide the Board of Supervisors through annual budgeting, monitor revenues and expenditures, and lead analyses of programs to inform strategic decisions.

You will supervise budget staff, collaborate with leaders across departments, and ensure transparency and compliance while

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of budgeting principles and capital project financing.
• Experience with forecasting and statistical analysis for decision support.
• Strong communication with boards, officials, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages the County’s comprehensive budget system across departments.
• Oversees debt management strategies and forecasting to support the bond rating and long-term health.
• Guides the Board of Supervisors through the annual budgeting process with transparency and accuracy.
• Monitors expenditures and revenues; prepares amendments and quarterly reports.
• Leads capital budgeting and ROI analyses to inform decisions.
• Represents Budget Division at meetings and builds stakeholder relationships.
• Supervises budget staff and administers HR policies.

Skills

Budgeting principles

Financial forecasting

Data analytics

Stakeholder communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Public Administration

Ten years of financial management experience

Master’s preferred

Tools

Financial management systems

Data analytics platforms

Job description

Polk County in Des Moines, IA seeks an executive Budget Director to oversee the county’s budgeting system, long‑term financial planning, capital and debt management, and fiscal policy development. In this role you will guide the Board of Supervisors through annual budgeting, monitor revenues and expenditures, and lead analyses of programs to inform strategic decisions.

You will supervise budget staff, collaborate with leaders across departments, and ensure transparency and compliance while