Van Buren County

Assistant Finance Director

Finance - Paw Paw, MI - Full Time

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.
 
  1. 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.
 
  1. 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.
 
  1. 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.
 
  1. 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.
 
  1. 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.
 
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Prepares and analyzes periodic financial reports, budget-to-actual analyses, and other financial information for County leadership, departments, and governing bodies as assigned.
  6. Assists with other tasks delegated by Finance Director.
  7. 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).
 
Apply: Assistant Finance Director
* Required fields
First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Location *
Phone number*
Resume*

Attach resume or Paste resume

Attach resume as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .odt, .txt, or .rtf (limit 5MB) or paste resume

Paste your resume here or attach resume file

Cover Letter
Who referred you to this position? Enter their first and last name here.
Do you have a valid driver’s license?*
What’s your citizenship / employment eligibility?*
What’s your highest level of education completed?*
College or University
Are you 18 years of age or older?*
Desired salary*
Earliest start date?
Have you ever been convicted of a felony?*
If “Yes”, you have been convicted of a felony, please explain the circumstances around the conviction:*
References: Please enter names and contact information:*
Please provide your drivers license number below*
Type of employment desired*
Have you ever worked for Van Buren County in the past? If yes, please provide details such as: department, name of last supervisor, dates of employment, and reason for leaving:*
Do you have any relatives working for the County? If yes, provide names of all relatives and their relationship to you.*
Do you have any employment records under a name other than listed above? If yes, please list additional names*
Have you ever been suspended or discharged from a former employer? If yes, please explain.*
Are you currently employed?*
What is your current or most recent salary?*
Why are you interested in this position?*
Please list applicable skills, including: supervision skills, specialized equipment or software, or information regarding the career/occupation you wish to bring to the County's attention.*
Previous employer:*
Job Title:*
Start Date:*
End Date:*
Status:*
City, State and Zip Code of past employer:*
Job duties:*
Reason for leaving:*
Salary:*
Supervisor name:*
Supervisor Contact Information:*
May we contact for a reference?*
Previous employer:*
Job Title:*
Start Date:*
End Date:*
Status:*
City, State and Zip Code of past employer:*
Job duties:*
Reason for leaving:*
Salary:*
Supervisor name:*
Supervisor Contact Information:*
May we contact for a reference?*
Previous employer:*
Job Title:*
Start Date:*
End Date:*
Status:*
City, State and Zip Code of past employer:*
Job duties:*
Reason for leaving:*
Salary:*
Supervisor name:*
Supervisor Contact Information:*
May we contact for a reference?*
Please upload any other supporting documents.
The County of Van Buren is committed to ensuring honorably discharged members of the armed forces of the United States are provided preference in public employment consistent with Michigan Public Act 205 of 1897, as amended. If you meet the definition of a “veteran” provided by MCL 35.61.

I am an individual who served in the United States Armed Forces, including the reserve components and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.*
Are you a guard or reserve member?*
I certify that my answers are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.
I authorize the investigation of all statements, including references, in this application for employment as necessary for arriving at an employment decision. I also specifically waive any written notice requirements of Section 67 of 1978 PA 397 pertaining to disciplinary reports, letters of reprimand, or other disciplinary actions. I also waive any claim against VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT and all current or former employers arising from such investigation or disclosure, including, but not limited to, slander and libel that may result from furnishing any information to VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
This employment application shall be considered active for a period not to exceed 90 days. Any applicant wishing to be considered for employment beyond this period should inquire whether applications are being accepted at that time. I hereby understand and acknowledge that in the absence of an express written contract or agreement to the contrary; any employment relationship with VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT of an “at-will” nature, which means that the employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge the employee at any time with or without cause.
In the event of employment, I understand that false or misleading information given in my application or interview(s) would be grounds for discharge. I understand, also, that I am required to abide by all rules and regulations of VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
I further understand that if I am offered employment, a physical, which may include drug testing (at VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT’s expense) may be required, proof of educational and licensing attainment must be submitted. If any driving is done for VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT purposes, I must be both eligible to drive and be qualified for insurance coverage. Employment by VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT is conditioned upon such results being satisfactory to VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.*
I agree that any action or suit against VAN BUREN COUNTY GOVERNMENT or its board elected or appointed officials, officers, and/or employees arising out of my application for employment, employment, or termination of employment, including but not limited to claims arising under State or Federal civil rights statutes, must be brought within 180 days of the event giving rise to the claims or be forever barred. I waive any limitation periods to the contrary.*
Human Check*