Assistant Finance Director

Paw Paw, MI

Full Time

Finance

Mid Level

2026 Salary Range: $75,746.53 - $92,334.59

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Finance Director, manages and coordinates the County's financial operations, including payroll administration, accounting functions, financial reporting, grant compliance, audit coordination, and policy development. Provides operational leadership for the Finance Department and serves as the Finance Director's designee in their absence.

ABILITIES, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

Knowledge and application of accounting principles and procedures, including payroll.
Analytical experience and ability to perform complex computations and projects.
Knowledge of Governmental accounting, functions and processes, local and/or county, preferred.
The ability to analyze a variety of complex problems and independently develop alternative solutions within critical deadlines
Ability to communicate effectively orally and written.
Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications, preferred.
Ability to work within a financial services software system.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Administers and processes the County's bi-weekly payroll, ensuring accurate calculation and payment of wages, elected official compensation, reimbursements, deductions, and benefits. Performs payroll reconciliations; prepares and submits required federal, state, and local payroll tax filings and reports; and coordinates funding and reporting for retirement, health savings, flexible spending, and other employee benefit programs.

Maintains payroll records and employee payroll data in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and County policies. Oversees timesheet processing, leave accruals and usage, tax withholding elections, direct deposit information, garnishments, benefit deductions, and other payroll-related transactions while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of payroll records.

Reviews and approves accounts payable transactions within delegated approval authority to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with County purchasing and payment procedures. Serves as backup for all accounts payable processing functions during staff absences or as operational needs require, including vendor maintenance, annual 1099 reporting, and ensuring accounts payable transactions are accurately recorded within the County's financial management system.

Assists with development, monitoring, and analysis of the County's annual operating and capital budgets, including coordination of Capital Improvement Plan data, financial projections, and related reporting.

Coordinates grant-related financial activities, including review of grant budgets and agreements, monitoring of revenues and expenditures, compliance reporting, reimbursement requests, and internal controls to ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting deadlines.

Reviews general ledger activity and financial transactions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with accounting standards and County policies. Assists with complex journal entries, account reconciliations, budget adjustments, and other accounting activities as necessary to support the integrity of the County's financial records.
Research, develop, recommend, implement, and periodically review County financial policies, procedures, and internal controls in collaboration with the Finance Director to ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, laws, regulations, and best practices. Prepare supporting analyses, recommendations, and related materials for consideration by County Administration and the Board of Commissioners.
Assist with coordination of the County's annual financial audit and related financial reporting requirements, including preparation of audit schedules, compilation of supporting documentation, coordination of auditor requests, collection of information from departments, preparation of data for the County's Cost Allocation Plan, and assistance with implementation of audit recommendations.
May provide guidance, training, and technical assistance to Finance Department staff and other County employees regarding accounts payable, purchasing, payroll, financial procedures, and related accounting functions. May provide functional direction on assigned projects or processes as delegated by the Finance Director.
Prepares and analyzes periodic financial reports, budget-to-actual analyses, and other financial information for County leadership, departments, and governing bodies as assigned.
Assists with other tasks delegated by Finance Director.
Serves as the Finance Director's designee during absences and assists in ensuring continuity of departmental operations, financial administration, and service delivery.

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field and five years of progressively responsible accounting, finance, budgeting, payroll, or governmental finance experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Governmental accounting experience preferred.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Employment is dependent on background check, criminal history, and drug screen. Applicant must complete County application form.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Reports:              None

Delegation of Work:       May provide functional direction and guidance on assigned projects and processes.

Supervision Given:        None; may provide technical guidance and training to staff and departments.

Reports To:                   This position reports to the Finance Director

WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This position works in a typical office environment using standard office equipment such as telephone, computer, copier and fax machine. No hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions (such as in a typical office).

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Assistant Finance Director

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