Job Description

Announcement # 2025-023

Closing Date : October 3, 2025

Salary Range : $10,680 to $13,571 per month

The  DIRECTOR, FINANCE position is full-time, 40 hours, FLSA exempt, non-Civil Service and not represented by a Union. This position reports directly to the elected three member governing Board of County Commissioners.

Columbia County  is looking for a knowledgeable, dynamic, proven leader to lead our County's Finance Department.

The Columbia County Finance Department is responsible for accounting services and financial administration of the county including payroll, budgets, and accounts payable.

Finance Department staff provide the Board of Commissioners and departments with financial information, forecasting, program and financial analysis, as well as ensure that budget processes comply with applicable laws. The department is responsible for the county's annual budget, and for helping departments prepare and administer their specific budgets. The budget covers all major operating functions of the County as well as elected and administrative functions.

DUTIES : Responsible for professional performance and administration of the Finance Department for Columbia County. Responsible for planning, organizing and directing the activities of the Department.

Fairly enforce all laws, regulations, ordinances, and standards to ensure maximum compliance and to protect the public health and safety. Plan, organize and direct all Departmental activities, including those with other governmental units and private organizations. Work directly with a wide range of community groups, public and private sector officials, County employees, individual citizens and as part of the County management team.

Promote excellence, dependable performance, responsible customer services, pride, initiative, commitment, cooperation, safety and a team approach throughout the Department. Evaluate and define Departmental programs and policies along with the development of budget proposals in accordance with the vision of the County as articulated by the Board of County Commissioners. Supervise staff of professional, technical and office support staff and hold them accountable for results.

Direct planning, organizing, and maintenance of the central accounting system in a manner consistent with established accounting principles and practices.

Research, evaluate, develop, and recommend programs, procedures, and modifications to existing methods to improve the effectiveness and services of the department.

Oversee, prepare, and review statements and reports on county financial affairs in such areas as revenue, expenditure, debt, and cost for the Board of Commissioners.

Provide timely reports to the Board of Commissioners and county departments.

Review and authorize payroll, cash management, and revenue transactions.

Propose and review draft ordinances and resolutions relating to expenditures, revenues, tax levies, and other fiscal matters.

Develop financial policies for recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. Monitor and ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.

Consult with and advise the Board of County Commissioners on the financial condition of the county.

Make recommendations for appropriate courses of action for consideration of the Board.

Oversee details of county budget preparations; develop financial projections and forecasts to be used in budgeting process. Act as the County Budget Officer or Assistant Budget Officer when so appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.

Monitor adherence by individual departments and the county to approved budgets.

Arrange for and secure annual audit of county financial operations.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE : Equivalent to a four-year university education in accounting, finance, business or public administration or related field. Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in public finance and accounting, preferably within a county government, including responsibility for analysis of accounting and financial methods, procedures and records; development of recommendations and solutions; and personnel supervision. Any satisfactory combination of experience and training that demonstrates the knowledge and abilities to perform the above-described duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY : Must have knowledge of Oregon Government Budget Law. Broad knowledge of principles, methods and practices of county finance, accounting and budgeting, internal control and auditing procedures, state and federal regulations pertaining to areas of responsibility. Knowledge of county government organization, functions and relationships with other governmental jurisdictions, principles and practices of public administration, and data processing applications. Extensive knowledge of management principles and practices of human and financial resource management.

Familiarity with the use of personal computers and general business software such as word processing and spreadsheets. Experience with Caselle Accounting Software is a plus.

Ability to:

• Plan, implement, and evaluate department activities based on policy guidelines, regulations, and laws.


• Think conceptually and quickly to get to the heart of a problem.


• Set priorities and develop realistic solutions to problems.


• Express ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing. Use sound judgment and not be afraid to take reasonable risks.


• Adapt to change or new situations and openly acknowledge and work through conflict. Accept responsibility and be able to work well with ambiguity.


• Work independently and as part of a team.


• Model positive behavior desired in others and promote collaboration and shared responsibility for departmental success. Look for opportunities for people to contribute, develop skills, take responsibility, and be trusted.


• Provide constructive feedback in a way that is sensitive to the emotions of others.


• Act in such a manner as to maintain the confidentiality of the records and issues and other matters that may be encountered.


• Develop and maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, county officials, and the general public.


• Correlate and evaluate a large volume of complex written and numerical data.

Join our team - Columbia County online application must be completed - Apply today!

Salary/Compensation: $10,682 - $13,571 per month

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