Located about 35 miles west of Denver, on the eastern side of the Continental Divide, Clear Creek County, Colorado (pop. 9,355, area 396 sq. mi.), is naturally beautiful and central to state history. Within four national forests (Arapaho, Pike, Roosevelt, and San Isabel) and 72% comprised of public lands, the county takes its name from Clear Creek, a major site of the 1859 Colorado Gold Rush, which led to the formation of Colorado Territory in 1861, and statehood in 1876. Clear Creek is one of the state’s original 17 counties. The 2024 budget of $47.6 million (expenditures all funds, GF $22.1 million) supports 210.313 FTE, including PTE and seasonal.

Reporting directly to the county manager, the finance director oversees a budget of $551,000 and a department of 3.7 FTE: the director, a grants administrator, and two accounts payable/payroll specialists. In the last 2.5 years, the finance department has improved the county’s financial position, updated the county’s budget preparation process; won the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (2023); instituted a purchasing card system; and collaborated with human resources to provide better employee benefits at a lower cost.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, and five to seven years of progressively responsible governmental accounting experience, including at least two years of management and supervisory experience, are required. Experience in budget preparation and financial reporting is also required, and technical training in automated accounting systems is expected. Experience in county government is strongly preferred, but all qualified candidates, both local government and private sector, will be considered. A graduate degree, CPA designation, GFOA credentialing, and payroll expertise are all preferred.

The hiring range salary is $134,000 to $171,000 DOQE. Comprehensive benefits: medical (UMR HDHP (includes company-sponsored Health Savings Account) or Open Access PPO Plans), dental (Delta PPO), and vision (VSP) insurances; flexible spending accounts (medical and child care). Employer-paid benefits include short- and long-term disability, basic life, AD&D insurance, wellness program, and EAP. Education assistance is also provided. The county matches 4% to a mandatory 401(a) deferred compensation plan for retirement, and a 457(b) plan is optional. Paid time off includes vacation, an additional bank of accrual-based sick leave, and 10 holidays. Relocation assistance, a four-day work week, a hybrid work schedule, and possible additional incentives are subject to negotiation.