Finance Director
Apply NowCompany: Otter Tail County, MN
Location: Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Description:
Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : 500 Fir Avenue West Fergus Falls, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 88:03/25
Department: Auditor
Opening Date: 03/14/2025
Closing Date: 3/31/2025 4:30 PM Central
Description
Otter Tail County is accepting applications for a full-time Finance Director.
The Finance Director is responsible to provide timely and accurate financial information for the citizens, governing officials, oversight bodies, resource providers, investors, and creditors of Otter Tail County. The position administers and manages the finance, accounting, payroll, audit, budget, treasury, and long-term financial planning functions for the County, as well as provides oversight for finance staff across County departments. Duties include preparing financial reports in conformance with present and future professional standards and federal, state, and local statutes and policies; and ensuring countywide financial integrity and accountability to the County Board and to the public.
Examples of Duties
Minimum Qualifications
Supplemental Information
This position is regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 p.m. The 2025 starting salary for this position is $100,651 annually depending on qualifications, with career advancement to $150,925.
The selection process will include an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview. Prior to hire, finalists will be required to pass a background investigation. A standard twelve month probationary period applies.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link. On-line applications are stored on a secure site. Only you and authorized employees of Otter Tail County have access to the information submitted.
When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history. Failure to do so may render your application incomplete.
Veterans Preference
Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and required supporting documentation must be included with the employment application to receive preference.
Background Investigation
All employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include, but are not limited to, gathering information from the following sources: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant.
Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. Making false statements or withholding information during the hiring process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment.
Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace.
Otter Tail County does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex (pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, or genetic information.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Otter Tail County provides an attractive benefit package for regular full-time employees, including health, dental, life, long-term disability, and retirement benefits through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Regular full-time employees can expect to accrue holiday, sick, and vacation leave benefits. In addition, employees receive professional development opportunities.
01
The following questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills, and experience and is used to determine advancement in the hiring process. Be sure that your responses are thorough and complete. If a question asks for education and experience that you have already stated in the employment application, it is important to answer the question thoroughly on the questionnaire. All responses should be examples of your own writing and may be evaluated for potential AI. If we determine that the responses were created using AI, your application may be deemed ineligible.
02
Do you have a bachelor's degree in accounting, Business Administration, or other related field? List degree and major as well as any related certifications.
03
Briefly describe your accounting experience, including years of experience and whether you have governmental accounting experience.
04
Briefly describe your supervisory or management experience, including years of experience and number supervised directly and indirectly.
05
Describe your experience preparing, monitoring and analyzing budgets. Include the size of the budget and the functional areas that were included. Include your experience in the following areas: Estimating projected revenues Reviewing budget submittals from other departments Preparing narrative, budget messages and summary charts Identifying and prioritizing items and programs for budget cutbacks
06
Describe your experience with preparation of financial statements, including experience creating an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
07
Describe your experience in the creation, development and management of an organization's capital improvement plan.
08
Describe your experience developing, implementing and maintaining policies and procedures.
09
Are you bilingual? If you are bilingual, indicate the language(s) you speak and your skill level. Also tell us whether you can speak fluently, read/or write the language(s).
10
Have you included your entire work history on this employment application? Do not mark your application "see resume". Not including your entire work history will render your application incomplete.
11
How did you hear about this job opportunity? Check all that apply.
Required Question
Location : 500 Fir Avenue West Fergus Falls, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 88:03/25
Department: Auditor
Opening Date: 03/14/2025
Closing Date: 3/31/2025 4:30 PM Central
Description
Otter Tail County is accepting applications for a full-time Finance Director.
The Finance Director is responsible to provide timely and accurate financial information for the citizens, governing officials, oversight bodies, resource providers, investors, and creditors of Otter Tail County. The position administers and manages the finance, accounting, payroll, audit, budget, treasury, and long-term financial planning functions for the County, as well as provides oversight for finance staff across County departments. Duties include preparing financial reports in conformance with present and future professional standards and federal, state, and local statutes and policies; and ensuring countywide financial integrity and accountability to the County Board and to the public.
Examples of Duties
- Administer the County's finance functions as directed by the Deputy Administrator, including Auditor-Treasurer functions as assigned within the guidelines applicable to the Minnesota Statutes as well as the Otter Tail County policies, rules and ordinances.
- Advise, interpret, and inform County leadership, Finance staff, and Commissioners regarding financial matters. Develop and recommend policies, procedures and internal controls to maximize the County's fiscal management practices.
- Assist the Deputy Administrator by providing research, review, and recommendations as the need for technological changes within the service team arises. Identify computer software/hardware needs and provide recommendations regarding software/hardware acquisitions utilizing the assistance of the IT Department when necessary; instruct and train staff on the use of office equipment and technology within the division.
- Manage training of Finance employees in proper procedures and ensure implementation and follow-through of procedures.
- Direct the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the annual audit, internal control narratives and financial statements and ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
- Provide support and assistance in administering local, state and federal elections.
- Research and prepare reports for financial system audits and budget planning. Provide guidance and procedures to department heads regarding the county financial system including performing internal audits of the finance system to ensure accuracy of data.
- Assigns, directs, reviews and coordinates the work of assigned Finance staff; structures and schedules work activities and approves leaves and overtime; establishes performance standards and appraises work performance; address performance issues and disciplinary actions through regular personnel rules and policies.
- Represent the County at various citizen meetings, state and local government meetings and hearings.
- Lead budget process and capital improvement planning.
- Other duties as assigned.
- County leaders exhibit the core management values of growth, respect, integrity, innovation, and positivity.
- May assist with the duties and responsibilities as outlined in the County Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Management or related field
- Five years experience in accounting and auditing preferred
- Two years leadership experience preferred
- Valid driver's license
- Certified Public Accountant or Certified Public Finance Officer license preferred
Supplemental Information
This position is regularly scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30 p.m. The 2025 starting salary for this position is $100,651 annually depending on qualifications, with career advancement to $150,925.
The selection process will include an online employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Semi-finalists will be invited to interview. Prior to hire, finalists will be required to pass a background investigation. A standard twelve month probationary period applies.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, click on desired job title, then the "Apply" link. On-line applications are stored on a secure site. Only you and authorized employees of Otter Tail County have access to the information submitted.
When filling out any employment application materials for Otter Tail County, you must include your entire employment and education history. Failure to do so may render your application incomplete.
Veterans Preference
Eligible veterans as defined by Minnesota Statute 197.447 may claim Veterans Preference during the hiring process. A DD214 and required supporting documentation must be included with the employment application to receive preference.
Background Investigation
All employment offers are contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation which may include, but are not limited to, gathering information from the following sources: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, other law enforcement agencies, court documents, educational institutions, previous employers, Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, military records, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and known associates of the applicant.
Criminal convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. Making false statements or withholding information during the hiring process will cause you to be barred from employment or removed from employment.
Otter Tail County is a tobacco-free workplace.
Otter Tail County does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex (pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, or genetic information.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Otter Tail County provides an attractive benefit package for regular full-time employees, including health, dental, life, long-term disability, and retirement benefits through the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Regular full-time employees can expect to accrue holiday, sick, and vacation leave benefits. In addition, employees receive professional development opportunities.
01
The following questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills, and experience and is used to determine advancement in the hiring process. Be sure that your responses are thorough and complete. If a question asks for education and experience that you have already stated in the employment application, it is important to answer the question thoroughly on the questionnaire. All responses should be examples of your own writing and may be evaluated for potential AI. If we determine that the responses were created using AI, your application may be deemed ineligible.
02
Do you have a bachelor's degree in accounting, Business Administration, or other related field? List degree and major as well as any related certifications.
03
Briefly describe your accounting experience, including years of experience and whether you have governmental accounting experience.
04
Briefly describe your supervisory or management experience, including years of experience and number supervised directly and indirectly.
05
Describe your experience preparing, monitoring and analyzing budgets. Include the size of the budget and the functional areas that were included. Include your experience in the following areas: Estimating projected revenues Reviewing budget submittals from other departments Preparing narrative, budget messages and summary charts Identifying and prioritizing items and programs for budget cutbacks
06
Describe your experience with preparation of financial statements, including experience creating an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
07
Describe your experience in the creation, development and management of an organization's capital improvement plan.
08
Describe your experience developing, implementing and maintaining policies and procedures.
09
Are you bilingual? If you are bilingual, indicate the language(s) you speak and your skill level. Also tell us whether you can speak fluently, read/or write the language(s).
10
Have you included your entire work history on this employment application? Do not mark your application "see resume". Not including your entire work history will render your application incomplete.
11
How did you hear about this job opportunity? Check all that apply.
- Otter Tail County Website
- Minnesota Works Website
- Newspaper
- Social Media
- Word of Mouth
- Other
Required Question