Employment Opportunities

Job Details

Position:
Budget Director

Company:
Charleston County - Charleston, SC , USA

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Job Description:

Description
This job description is a summary describing the level of work being performed. It is not
intended to be all-inclusive, and the duties of this position may change based on
business needs. Charleston County Government reserves the right to add, delete, or
update duties and responsibilities at its discretion.

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 SALARY RANGE: $120,161.60 – $157,393.60 annualized (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

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
 Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related financial field is required.
 A minimum of ten (10) years 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.

Why Join Charleston County?
Who doesn’t want to live in Charleston, SC? Which is why our population has blossomed by
over 40,000 residents in the past 10 years. We are the third largest County in South Carolina,
just behind Richland (Columbia) and Greenville. The County continues to draw national
recognition, winning dozens of local, state, and national awards for its innovative programs and
services.
The Budget Director position is a unique opportunity to contribute to the financial strategy of one
of South Carolina’s most dynamic counties. As Budget Director, you will have the chance to
shape the County’s financial future by collaborating across offices/departments to improve
County services. If you're a results-oriented leader with a passion for public service and for
financial excellence, we encourage you to apply today.
 

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Contact Information

Chrissy Martino-Lambert
Phone: NA
Fax: NA
[email protected]