Deputy Director - Financial Management

Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget and Fiscal Services

The Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget and Fiscal Services serves as a key executive leader responsible for overseeing countywide budget development, fiscal policy, cash management, debt administration, procurement, and performance monitoring. This position works in close partnership with the Director and county leadership to ensure the county's financial stability, operational efficiency, and alignment with strategic priorities. The Deputy Director leads multidisciplinary teams and ensures compliance with legal, regulatory, and policy requirements while fostering a high-performing, service-oriented culture.

This role ensures financial operations align with county policies, state regulations, and long-term fiscal goals. The Deputy Director also plays a critical leadership role in promoting efficiency, accountability, and a positive office culture, while ensuring that key performance indicators (KPIs) are established, tracked, and met.

Work is performed with considerable independence and latitude within the framework of state statutes, Department of Revenue, County policies and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

This position assists the Chief Financial Officer / Director of Financial Management in the administration of three essential divisions : Office of Management and Budget, Fiscal Services and Procurement.

Working Conditions : Indoor / Office situation, importance of being accurate within short timeframes, and under pressure from internal and external sources.

• Note : This position has been designated by the Manatee County Commission as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employees so designated may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

Essential Functions :

Assist the Director in managing the day-to-day operations of the Office of Management and Budget and Fiscal Services, including budget, finance, procurement, and administrative support functions.

Lead the development, execution, and oversight of the county's annual operating and capital improvement budgets.

Monitor and forecast revenues and expenditures to ensure revenue sufficiency, cost control, and long-term fiscal balance.

Oversee cash management functions, including cash flow forecasting and coordination with the Treasurer's Office to maintain appropriate liquidity.

Administer debt management functions, including bond issuance, debt service tracking, compliance with covenants, and coordination with financial advisors.

Provide leadership in the management of the procurement process, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies, and promoting transparency and efficiency.

Develop and enforce fiscal policies and procedures that support accountability, risk mitigation, and resource optimization.

Collaborate with departments to support strategic planning, operational analysis, and alignment of financial resources with county priorities.

Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) across fiscal and operational areas to monitor effectiveness, efficiency, and service outcomes.

Supervise and mentor staff in budget, procurement, finance, and administrative functions; foster a respectful and productive work environment.

Prepare and present comprehensive financial and operational reports to the County Executive, County Council, stakeholders, and the public.

Act on behalf of the Director during absences and represent the office in intergovernmental, community, and professional forums.

Directs the development, monitoring and reporting of the county's five-year capital improvement program including identification of funding options and impacts on the operating budget, and identifies funding for capital needs. Oversees the development of the County's full cost allocation plan and coordinates the county's capital financing plan.

Provides information; responds to inquiries and questions from the public, the news media, elected officials, senior management, other government entities, and other employees regarding the County's budget.

Assists in negotiating the terms and structure of debt financings with bondholders, bond insurers and credit rating agencies and coordinates the County staff and participates in the team responsible for assisting in these negotiations. Assists in bond issuance process and management of long-term and short-term debt programs.

Prepares financial analyses in support of management initiatives and evaluation of policy options, ensuring budgetary compliance with the Governmental Accounting, Auditing and Financial Reporting procedures as they apply to all relevant laws, rules and regulations.

Reviews and advises department directors and deputy county administrators on financial issues and impacts and provides management analyses of county practices and systems to advise of opportunities for improved efficiencies.

Develops budgetary management systems utilizing computerized databases, revenue and expense projections, budget models and multi-year financial information. Recommend improvements to the budget development process and updates forms and procedures.

Recommends enhancements to existing technology capabilities and participates in process for developing specifications, evaluating selecting and implementing new finance / budget systems.

Coordinates with the Clerk of the Court's Finance Department and other constitutional officers on financial matters as needed.

Oversee the preparation and publication of the County's annual budget technical instructions which include timetables as provided by law, development of required forms and explanations of the budgetary process; prepare publications and notices for Board of County Commission hearings.

Understands financial reporting and financial statements to enhance the preparation of reports showing budget status and financial forecast information.

Monitors current, newly adopted and proposed legislation and its impact on the County budget.

Serves as Liaison and Emergency Operations Representative under Financial management (Public Service).

Performs other related work (including weather or extreme emergency duties) as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in public administration, Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (master's degree preferred).

At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in public sector finance or budget management, including five (5) years' experience as senior management budget / finance professional in government.

Minimum of five (5) years supervisory experience.

Expertise in public budgeting, fiscal analysis, debt administration, cash management, procurement oversight, and revenue forecasting.

Proficiency with financial management systems and ERP software (e.g., Oracle, Power BI, Smartsheet).

More

Strong analytical and leadership skills; ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights.

Exceptional communication skills and experience presenting to elected officials, senior leadership, and the public.

Desire recent experience with Florida Truth in Millage (TRIM) laws, Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) "best practices" for budgeting, automated financial management systems and report writing applications.

Experience in a county or municipal government setting desired.

Demonstrated success in implementing performance-based budgeting or enterprise-wide fiscal reforms desired.

Experience in FEMA recovery and financial recovery desired.

Experience in a county or municipal government setting.

Experience in issuance and management of tax-exempt bonds.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Demonstrated success in implementing performance-based budgeting or enterprise-wide fiscal reforms.

Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations affecting governmental finance and procurement.

Knowledge of the organization, functions, policies, laws and administrative procedures of County government.

Knowledge of Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) standards for budgets and financial reporting.

Knowledge of local government accounting principles and practices and automated government finance systems.

Knowledge of modern management methods and practices, budget preparation and analysis.

Ability to maintain complex financial records and analyze / prepare reports from same.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, employees and the public and to communicate clearly, orally and in writing.

Ability to organize and effectively present oral and written reports, findings and recommendations, and to make judgments, decisions and recommendations regarding complex financial and management issues.

High level skills in computer operations and pertinent software applications, i. e., MS Office (including Excel Spreadsheets), Cognos, Oracle, Smartsheet, Power BI, databases, etc.

Superior communication and public speaking skills required.