Budget Director

Job Description:

Budget Director

Description

Description

About the Charleston County Budget Department

The Charleston County Budget Department plays a critical role in supporting the financial health and strategic direction of County operations. With a team of eight professionals, the department is responsible for

• Preparing and monitoring the annual budget in conjunction with each office/department,
• Preparing multi-year financial plans,
• Formulating financial strategies,
• Managing federal and state grants, and
• Making recommendations to the Administrator/Council regarding appropriations

This department partners with the Chief Financial Officer and the Finance Department to manage the County’s finances .

About Charleston County

• Serves a population of over 425,000 and 945 square miles
• Operates with an annual budget of $823 million
• Including a $366 million General Fund
• Employs over 2,700 full-time-equivalent employees within 50 separate offices and departments that include the Sheriff, Environmental Management and Public Works
• Manages a five-year Capital Improvement Plan totaling $1.7 billion

The Opportunity:

Charleston County is seeking a seasoned, strategic finance professional who has successfully operated with budgets of over $500 million in a multi-department environment to serve as its Budget Director. Under the limited direction of the Chief Financial Officer, this leader will provide financial vision and direction for the County, overseeing complex budgeting processes, ensuring sound fiscal policy, and leading a high-performing team. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of government finance; demonstrate strong leadership capabilities; and bring a collaborative, solution-oriented approach to budgeting and planning.

HIRING RANGE: $120,161 - $157,393 (Based on qualifications and experience)

APPLICATIONS WILL BE REVIEWED AS THEY ARE RECEIVED AND THE JOB POSTING MAY CLOSE ONCE A SUITABLE CANDIDATE HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED. EARLY APPLICATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED.

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Budget Development: Lead the preparation of the County’s annual operating budget, including identifying key issues and alternatives, calculating revenue estimates, coordinating tax millage rates, and communicating recommendations to County Council, leadership, and offices/departments.
• Capital & Long-Term Planning: Oversee the development of multi-year financial plans including the Capital Improvement Plan, Debt Management Plan, Transportation Sales Tax Plans, and five-year operating projections.
• Department Leadership: Provide strategic direction and day-to-day leadership for the Budget Department team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance environment.
• Document Oversight: Direct the preparation and final review of all annual budget documents, ensuring compliance with evolving best practices and standards in public budgeting.
• Council Presentation: Present the proposed annual budget to County Council and provide financial insight to support sound policy decisions.
• Budget Administration: Administer the approved budget, reviewing budget transfers and ensuring compliance with all County ordinances, directives, and fiscal policies.
• Financial Coordination: Collaborate with the Finance Department and other agencies to maintain the County’s financial accounting structure and support accurate and timely financial transactions.
• Fiscal Impact Analysis: Lead County-wide financial analysis and evaluate the fiscal impact of items presented to Council Committees.
• Grant and FEMA Funding Management: Oversee the grant staff to budget, prepare and submit applications, track expenditures, and help ensure compliance with relevant regulations and timely reimbursements to maximize the organization's financial benefit, to include FEMA.
• Financial Reporting: Conduct periodic financial reviews, including mid-year assessments, and provide regular updates to the Administrator and County Council.
• Emergency Management: Serve as a Finance Section member for Emergency Operations and act as the County’s Applicant Agent during declared disasters, managing FEMA reimbursement processes.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related financial field is required.
• A minimum of ten (10) years or more of experience in government budgeting, financial management, or a related field, including at least five (5) years in progressively responsible leadership roles in a public sector environment of similar scale and complexity.
• A minimum of five (5) years supervising at least five (5) direct reports

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related financial field.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Finance Officer (GFOA), Certified Government Finance Officer (SC-GFOA) designation.

Success Factors:

• Advanced knowledge of governmental financial systems, budgeting principles, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)
• Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with the ability to inspire collaboration and accountability.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze complex data, prepare clear financial reports, and present findings to varied audiences, including elected officials.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in handling sensitive and confidential matters in and out of a public forum.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate political and organizational complexities in a high-profile public environment.

• Strong ability to assess alternatives in terms of their financial, revenue, social, environmental, and strategic advantages and disadvantages and propose solutions.

• Ability to assess current practices/procedures for alignment with County directives.

OPEN UNTIL FILLED - APPLICATION REVIEW BEGINS IMMEDIATELY

Charleston County offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including but not limited to:

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
• Optional Life and Disability Insurance
• Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Fourteen (14) recognized Holidays
• South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
• Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
• Optional Deferred Compensation Program
• Longevity and Merit Pay Increases
• Optional Federal Credit Union Membership
• Leadership, Professional and Skill Development Training
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Well-being Program

For more information, visit our benefits page.

Salary:

$120,161.00 - $157,393.00 Annually