
UTILITIES DIVISION - FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR
PAYGRADE 27 EXEMPT $92, 164 - $100,464 ANNUALLY
Employee Benefits
Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:
The Utilities Division is responsible for public health and safety, as well as safeguarding the environment, by providing crucial safe water and wastewater services. This position is part of the team that provides services necessary for human health, economic stability, and overall societal well-being. At the core of the mission of providing these services includes commitment to providing excellent customer service to our citizens, business partners, regulatory agencies, and other county divisions.
MAJOR FUNCTION
Responsible for financial management of all funds within the assigned area, totaling at least $200 million. The Financial Administrator oversees all aspects of financial operations including accounting, budgeting, fixed assets, inventory, payroll, FEMA reporting, grant management, and auditing.
This role provides administrative leadership for the implementation of financial technology improvements, overseeing process enhancements, workflow optimization, and the maintenance of financial information systems from a business functional perspective.
The position leads finance staff, including recruitment, training, supervision, and performance management, while ensuring efficient and compliant financial operations.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
Leadership & Supervision
• Supervise and manage assigned staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and addressing employee relations matters such as discipline and grievance resolution.
• Lead financial planning and forecasting activities in collaboration with departmental leadership to support fiscal and operational objectives.
• Support and participate in cross-functional initiatives and organizational projects.
Financial Oversight & Reporting
• Oversee and monitor all financial activities within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Review financial reports for accuracy and support informed financial decision-making.
• Conduct and oversee complex financial analyses, statistical reporting, and project implementation.
• Monitor revenue collections and ensure appropriate allocation and disbursement of funds.
Budgeting & Forecasting
• Develop, monitor, and administer the annual operating budget, capital improvement plans, and long-range financial forecasts.
• Performs various revenue and expenditure projections and makes decisions based on the projections.
• Oversees and coordinates the preparation and review of the Department operational and capital budgets.
Audit Management
• Oversee procurement activities for goods and services within the department.
• Prepare audit schedules and support both internal and external audits.
• Serve as the division liaison for FEMA reporting and grant compliance.
Contracts & Compliance
• Review contracts and agreements to ensure compliance with county, state, and federal policies and regulations.
• Monitor financial agreements and contractual obligations.
• Evaluate vendor and contractor performance and resolve contractual issues as needed.
Innovation & Process Improvement
• Identify and implement improvements to enhance fiscal operations and efficiency.
• Support development and implementation of performance-based financial metrics.
• Represent the department on internal and external committees, strategic initiatives, and special projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of accounting, financial management, and economic principles, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Strong leadership, team development, and administrative management skills.
• Advanced quantitative analysis, financial modeling, and forecasting abilities.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to analyze large volumes of information, identify trends, and develop data-driven financial strategies.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Sound judgment, strategic decision-making, and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Advanced proficiency in spreadsheet applications, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Four (4) year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience.
• At least three (3) years supervisory experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to secure and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment within this classification.
A comparable amount of related training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA),
• Master’s degree in business administration or accountancy, or
• Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO).
All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

Overview
As outlined in the Polk County Charter, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) is the governing body of Polk County. Each commissioner is elected by a countywide vote.
Duties and Powers
The County Commission adopts an annual budget which includes appropriations for services provided by county government including the Sheriff, Property Appraiser, Tax Collector and Supervisor of Elections. This budget also includes appropriations in support of the Circuit and County Courts, State Attorney, Public Defender and Clerk of the Court. Some other responsibilities:
* levying taxes and fees,
* provide and maintain county buildings,
* provide fire protection and ambulance services,
* provide health and welfare programs,
* provide parks, preserves, playgrounds, libraries, museums, historical sites, recreation and cultural facilities and programs,
* prepare and enforce comprehensive plans for the development in the county,
* establish, coordinate, and enforce zoning and such business regulations as are necessary for the protection of the public,
* adopt and enforce building, housing and related technical codes and regulations,
* establish and administer programs of housing, slum clearance, community redevelopment, conservation, flood control, air pollution control,
* provide and regulate waste and sewage collection and disposal, water supply and conservation programs,
* provide and operate public transportation systems, roads, bridges and related facilities.