Chief WRC Financial Services

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$113,247- $151,728
This is a hybrid position.

Are you a strategic leader with a strong background in finance, operations, and public administration? In this role, you’ll oversee critical business and financial functions for the Water Resources Commissioner’s (WRC) Office. You’ll provide leadership in budgeting, financial oversight, personnel administration, and intergovernmental coordination while helping drive operational effectiveness across the department.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee business, budgeting, and financial activities for the WRC
• Prepare and administer the department budget and monitor expenditures
• Coordinate departmental purchasing and financial processes
• Oversee personnel-related activities within the Finance Unit, ensuring compliance with Merit System Rules
• Represent WRC at Board of Commissioners meetings and with federal, state, and local agencies
• Participate in Drainage District Board meetings and serve as a liaison to County Administration and County Fiscal Services
• Assist with the development and administration of contracts for WRC, Drainage District entities, and other agencies
• Perform financial analyses and support special projects as requested
• Develop plans, procedures, and techniques to improve departmental efficiency and effectiveness
• Direct planning, staffing, and budgeting activities necessary for departmental operations
• Use Countywide and department-specific software to complete assignments

Why You’ll Love It

• Play a key leadership role in managing and improving public infrastructure operations
• Influence budgeting, staffing, and policy decisions at a department-wide level
• Collaborate with elected officials, boards, and intergovernmental partners
• Apply strategic thinking to improve efficiency and financial stewardship
• Build a rewarding career in public service with high visibility and impact

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or a closely related field.

Have had seven (7) years of full-time experience in the areas of accounting, statistical and financial analysis and/or budgeting.

NOTE: A Master's degree in one of the fields described above may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Working through one or more subordinate supervisors, plans, directs, makes staffing decisions, and exercises control over the assigned section. Exercises authority over professional and clerical employees.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Develops, prepares, and submits for approval annual budgets for the various systems under WRC jurisdiction including the development of 5-year planning budgets for utility rate setting purposes. Monitors the budget implementation on a daily basis, evaluating expenditures, ensuring adherence to authorized spending, and determining cost benefit computations. Assists staff in analyzing human resources and financial requests.

Acts as liaison with the Compliance and Fiscal divisions, coordinating purchases for WRC. Reviews and authorizes payment of invoices, purchasing requisitions and purchase orders. Ensures conformance to budget line-item allocations.

Coordinates, oversees, and can prepare resolutions, fiscal notes, budget items, contracts, and grants, as well as accounting related matters.

Assists staff in the determination of cost effectiveness regarding various staffing decisions.

Reviews, analyzes, and reports on legislation and related documents from the state and federal governments that have a financial impact to WRC operations.

Represents WRC at Oakland County Board of Commissioners meetings, federal, state, and local agencies, and acts as a liaison to County Administration and County Fiscal Services.

Reviews and assists in the development of contracts between WRC and other agencies and local municipalities concerning rates for maintenance & operation services. Can include monitoring of these rates to ensure compliance.

Performs cost-benefit analyses, conducts research, and makes recommendations as directed by management on programs designed to increase the effectiveness of the department.

Checks unit work progress and monitors the monthly and annual closing of accounts to ensure that deadlines are met, internal accounting problems are resolved, and quality of work is maintained.

Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

Interprets governmental accounting policies and formulates and implements divisional fiscal procedures to ensure accurate accounts in accordance with contemporary requirements and methodology.

Assists with new and revised computerized billing system in conjunction with department users and Information Technology to improve the accuracy and efficiency of accounting systems.

Prepares or supervises the preparation of special financial reports to the division manager, department director, Water Resources Commissioner and elected officials or other parties requesting financial data on specific WRC operations.

Assists managers, supervisors, etc. in preparing budget requests for all supervised units including recommending personnel, equipment and supplies to facilitate the efficient completion of section responsibilities.

Provides financial guidance, such as to the Water Resources Commissioner, Drainage Districts, and local units of government. Work may concern appropriate rate models and structures, methods of financing public works projects for local governments within legal requirements, and interpretation of rate structures developed by regional drain and disposal systems authorities.

Coordinates with bond counsel, financial consultants, and County Fiscal and Treasurer Department representatives on public works financing models and issuance of both general obligation and revenue bonds.

Monitors the progress of accounting work performed for Water Resources Commissioner construction projects, including the bonding of construction facilities.

Oversees and reviews assessment rolls of principal and interest amounts due the WRC for projects. Monitors the preparation of notifications to municipalities of principal and interest requirements to ensure accurate project accounts.

Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate and accurately convey information.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical office environment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable ability to initiate, plan, coordinate and implement the WRC financial and budgeting functions.

Considerable ability to analyze complex administrative fiscal problems and to recommend and implement solutions.

Considerable knowledge of statutes, ordinances, resolutions, and regulations governing County, state and federal fiscal matters and budgeting procedures.

Considerable ability to compile statistics, decipher pertinent information, and present oral and written financial reports to Water Resources Commissioner, County Commissioners, Drainage District Boards, and other parties.

Reasonable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees within the department, and employees of other divisions and departments.

Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.