Description

Salary

Hiring Rate: $37.43/hour, Grade 22, Non-Exempt, Non-Union
Salary Range: $39.30 - $57.68/hourly (2026 Rates

Stearns County Mission: Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All.
Stearns County Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable

Stearns County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, public assistance status, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. 

Position Objective
To provide assistance and guidance in the area of financial operations, control audits and preparation of financial statements as well as department reports for management. This position is responsible for analyzing, researching, designing, recommending and implementing financial operational practices focusing on internal controls and policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.
 
1. Assists with the preparation of annual financial statements ensuring accurate reflection of the county’s financial condition.
2. Collaborates with and recommends best practices on internal controls to better protect assets and/or improve operations.
3. Evaluates, designs, recommends and implements improvements to the County's systems to protect assets, personnel and operations.
4. Conducts operational and financial audits and presents findings and recommendations to the Audit Committee.
5. Creates new policies and reviews existing policies for revisions ensuring alignment with federal, state and local laws and policies.
6. Participates on the Grant Committee ensuring accurate grant reporting.
7. Assists with external auditors and follow-up on the implementation of the recommendations.
8. Collaborates with department heads and their staff to design financial and procedural systems within federal, state and county guidelines and coordinates implementation.
9. Investigates suspected fraud or other irregularities and creates written recommendations.
10. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.
11. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.
 
Minimum Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting or finance 
- Six years of progressively related accounting or finance experience 
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) license 
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications and electronic account systems

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Knowledge of accounting principles, standards and relevant laws.
2. Ability to design and evaluate internal control procedures.
3. Ability to implement new procedures, operationally and productively.
4. Ability to determine balance between stronger internal controls and the cost/impact on operations.
5. Ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports.
6. Ability to plan, organize and structure workload independently with follow-through.
7. Ability to develop presentations and communicate with management.
8. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees
1. Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's mission and values.
2. Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
3. Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
4. Informs immediate supervisor of all important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
5. Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
6. Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.
7. Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 100% of the time indoors.  May require minimal attendance at evening meetings.  Will have infrequent exposure to health hazards and accidents; requires a low level of physical effort. All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota. 

Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Finance Director. 

Responsibility for Public Contact
Minimal

Hours of Work
This position has a normal work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; may include some hours outside of normal work hours on occasion.

Interview Date
If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on a date to be determined. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. A job specific physical, drug and/or psychological exam may be required before appointment.

Benefits
To view Stearns County benefits, go to:  Stearns County Benefits Page

If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting or finance 
- Six years of progressively related accounting or finance experience 
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) license 
- Experience using Microsoft Office applications and electronic account systems