BUDGET DIRECTOR

Job description

Under administrative direction, performs executive-level oversight of county budget operations, long-term financial planning, capital and debt management, and fiscal policy development. This position directs the county-wide budgeting system, develops and implements financial policies, oversees data analytics and strategic forecasting, and serves as a trusted advisor to County leadership. Illustrative Examples of Work

• Directs and manages the County’s comprehensive budget system, including operating, capital, and long-term financial planning to support county goals, fiscal sustainability, and strategic decision-making across departments.
• Oversees debt management strategies and financial forecasting to secure the County’s bond rating and long-term financial health. Develops models to anticipate future expenditures and revenue sources, identifying funding gaps and opportunities.
• Guides the Board of Supervisors through the annual budgeting process, including thorough review and analysis of department budget requests to evaluate alignment with county priorities and ensure accuracy; assists in preparing budget presentation materials to advance transparency and uniformity across departments; compiles financial data to formulate a countywide budget and financial forecasts.
• Monitors the expenditures and revenues of the departments and Elected Officials and prepares amendments and quarterly reports; investigates and documents budget variances and trends to assist in preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial report.
• Leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the County’s operating budgets and participates in capital budgeting; conducts in-depth financial and statistical analyses of County programs, initiatives, and proposals, evaluating cost-benefit scenarios, funding feasibility, and return on investment to support informed decision-making.
• Provides on-going financial analysis of occurrences that affect the financial management of the county; monitors legislative, programmatic, and policy decisions at the federal, state, and local level to determine their effect on the budget with particular emphasis on property tax regulations; reviews all resolutions submitted for Board consideration to ensure accuracy and transparency.
• Coordinates the issuance of County general obligation bonds and other financing instruments, working closely with internal offices, the Financial Advisor and Bond Counsel; compiles and submits extensive documentation to the bond market and Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Manages the County’s Tax Increment Financing (“TIF”) program including timely distribution of tax collections and required filings with the state and county auditor.
• Supports county-wide strategic planning, contributing financial expertise to long-term planning efforts; participates in a variety of special projects related to the review of County programs, departments, financial practices, and Board initiatives.
• Represents the Budget Division and/or Board of Supervisors at meetings, boards, and committees; builds collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance County initiatives.
• Supervises and evaluates budgetary staff, ensuring high performance; resolves personnel issues and administers HR policies in alignment with County standards.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of Government budgeting principles, appropriation processes, and capital project financing, including revenue structures and expenditure controls.
• Extensive knowledge of financial planning concepts, business continuity frameworks, and internal control systems.
• Extensive knowledge of financial modeling techniques, forecasting methodologies, and statistical analysis tools for decision support.
• Considerable knowledge of legislative processes at the federal, state, and local levels, particularly those affecting fiscal policy and compliance requirements.
• Considerable knowledge of budgeting and financial reporting systems including data architecture, enterprise applications, and web-based public transparency platforms.
• Proficiency in utilizing financial management systems, data analytics platforms, and software tools to analyze, report, and visualize fiscal data.
• Proficiency in preparing and reviewing complex financial reports, forecasts, and strategic documents to support executive decision-making and statutory compliance.
• Proficiency in collaborating within and leading cross-functional teams to evaluate multi-phase projects involving policy analysis, program evaluation, or bond issuance.
• Ability to analyze complex financial data to identify trends, assess fiscal impact, and develop actionable recommendations.
• Ability to communicate financial and policy concepts clearly and effectively to audiences ranging from the Board of Supervisors to the general public, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to conduct personnel investigations and adhere to administrative policies.
• Ability to lead, supervise, and mentor staff by assigning responsibilities, evaluating performance, and resolving personnel issues.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a dynamic public service environment with strategic focus and attention to detail.
• Ability to conduct personnel investigations and adhere to administrative policies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County official employees and representatives from other agencies, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

Training and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration, or a related field, and
• Ten years of financial management experience, including three years in government finance, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration or Finance is preferred.
• Considerable experience analyzing legislation is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.

Previous Budget Director will be available to assist the successful candidate transition into this position.

Benefits

Click below for a detailed overview of our benefits package.

Polk County Employment Benefits