Finance Director Lenior County

Position Closes May 23 2026

Are you a financial leader who

If so Lenoir County NC is seeking a strategic and collaborative Finance Director to lead the continued evolution of its financial operations. This position is for the motivated finance professional who recognizes and values the importance of a Finance Department to the health and vitality of an organization and more broadly its impact on the community at large. This Finance Directorwill support the Countys vision to serve as the economic and cultural center of Eastern North Carolina recognized for innovation and for preserving its rural heritage and small-town charm.

The next Lenoir County Finance Director has a meaningful opportunity to enhance core financial functions advance systems and processes and build a future-focused service-oriented Finance Department. The County is committed to investing in the department with plans to add key positions to support internal workload needs and support external department business functions. The next Director will play a central role in building and leading this expanded team establishing clear expectations and creating an environment that supports training accountability and professional growth.

Working closely with the County Manager Chief Financial Officer and external consultants who are currently evaluating the structure of the Finance Department the next Finance Director will help implement strategic improvements to strengthen financial reporting enhance data reliability and promote consistency in policies and procedures. The next Director will also lead efforts to optimize the Countys use of its Munis system reduce manual processes and improve the accessibility and usefulness of financial information across departments.

About the Community:
Located in eastern North Carolina approximately 75 miles east of Raleigh Lenoir County offers a welcoming blend of small-town charm regional connectivity and a strong sense of community. The county seat Kinston serves as the cultural and economic center complemented by smaller towns such as La Grange Pink Hill and Grifton. With a population of approximately 55000 residents Lenoir County provides an affordable cost of living and a diverse community with a balanced mix of families professionals and retirees.

Residents and visitors have access to a wide range of recreational cultural and entertainment opportunities that contribute to the areas overall quality of life. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of boating fishing and kayaking along the Neuse River as well as the countys numerous parks walking trails and greenways. A popular destination isNeuseway Nature Park a 55-acre riverside park that combines recreation with hands-on learning. The park includes the Ellis Planetarium a 52-seat dome theater offering shows on the night sky and space exploration; the Exchange Nature Center which features native wildlife exhibits aquariums and interactive experiences such as a saltwater touch tank; and a Health and Science Museum with engaging hands-on exhibits for all ages.

Downtown Kinston has experienced steady revitalization evolving into a vibrant hub with a growing mix of local restaurants breweries shops and gathering spaces. Notable destinations include Chef & the Farmer a nationally recognized farm-to-table restaurant Mother Earth Brewing a popular local brewery andGrainger Stadium home to minor league baseball and a hub for community events. Complemented by coffee shops boutiques art spaces and seasonal farmers markets the area offers a lively and walkable environment for both residents and visitors. Downtown Kinston also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year that bring the community together. Highlights include theBBQ Fest on the Neuse which celebrates eastern North Carolinas barbecue tradition with food music and vendors along with a range of seasonal holiday events such as the Turn on the Holidays tree lighting ceremony and the Kinston Christmas Parade. Additional eventsincluding farmers markets art walks and cultural celebrationsfurther highlight local talent and heritage while creating regular opportunities for residents and visitors to gather and connect.

Conveniently located near Greenville New Bern and within a short drive of North Carolinas Crystal Coast beaches Lenoir County offers both accessibility and a relaxed pace of life. With its combination of affordability outdoor amenities cultural assets and a community focused on growth and improvement Lenoir County provides a high quality of life and a meaningful place to live work and be involved.

About the Organization Department and Position:

Lenoir County operates under a Commissioner-Manager form of government. The County is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissionerscomprising five district representatives and two at-large memberswho serve staggered four-year terms. This elected board establishes policy and sets the Countys strategic direction while the County Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and implementing the Boards by its mission to create a vibrant physical social and economic environment for its citizens and businesses that helps inspire the spirit and realize dreamsLenoir County is committed to delivering high-quality responsive public service.

With approximately 512 full-time authorized positions and 190 part-time positions the County delivers a broad range of services through 16 departments such as Social Services the Sheriffs Office Health Department Emergency Medical Services and the Detention Center. The adoptedFY202526 budget is approximately $101.4M ($84.2M General Fund) and reflects modest growth following the Countys most recent property revaluation which occurs on an eight-year cycle. More information about the organization can be foundhere.

The Finance Department operates on a FY budget of approximately $450000 with anticipated growth to approximately $550000$600000 as additional staff positions are added. Supporting the Countys financial operations the Department maintains fiscal integrity and ensures accurate transparent reporting of the Countys financial condition. The Department is responsible for a full range of core financial functions including general accounting accounts receivable and payable fixed asset management payroll and benefits administration and financial reporting as well as cash and investment management. As Lenoir County continues to grow major capital project management will become an increasingly important area of focus within the Finance Department. Learn more about the department byvisiting the Countys website.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer the Finance Director oversees a small but experienced team of four full-time employees all of whom bring significant institutional knowledge with at least eight years of service to Lenoir County and a minimum of two years within the Finance Department. Lenoir Countys next Finance Director will have a vital role participating in senior management team meetingsand working collaboratively across departments.

The Director manages all aspects of the Countys financial operations including oversight of general accounting including revenues and expenditures financial analysis reporting and compliance. The Directormaintains a strong working relationship with the Chief Financial Officer working closely together on budget preparation revenue forecasting and fund balance analysis. This position will be supported by the Countys Chief Financial Officer in debt investment and grants management. The Finance Directorexercises independent judgment in administering fiscal control systems strengthening processes and ensuring sound financial stewardship.

Key Position Priorities:

• Evaluate the finance departments staff development needs and provide short and long-term training and professional development opportunities to help staff achieve goals and grow in knowledge and expertise.

Graduation with a bachelors degree in accounting business administration or a related field supplemented by considerable experience in public finance administration including supervisory experience. Local government experience particularly with county government is preferred. The selected candidate must possess a valid North Carolina drivers license successfully pass a criminal background and credit check and be bondable. County residency is not required for this position.

The Successful Candidate:

Salary and Benefits: The hiring range is $125558 - $135213. Beginning salary will be commensurate with experience. A signing bonus of up to $5000 may be available for the selected candidate. Lenoir County provides a rich benefit package that includes Health Insurance County contribution to Health Savings Plan Dental 14 Paid Holidays and Sick and Annual Leave accruals per pay period. Additionally as a County employee the Finance Director participates in the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System (NCLGERS) which includes a 6% pre-tax employee contribution. Supplemental retirement savings opportunities include participation in a 401 (k) plan with a 2.5% County Contribution based on salary as well as 457 and Roth 401 (k) plans. The County may recognize prior service through adjusted leave accrual rates and initial leave balances consistent with established policies.CW1MJ2CW3HL4Learn more about Lenoir Countys employee benefits byvisiting the Countys website.

To apply please visit click on thetitle ofFinance Director Lenoir County NC.

• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) NOT the Countys employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by May 23 2026.
• The hiring team will invite successful semi-finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on June 23-24 2026. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
• Candidates considering applying for this position may request additional information by directing inquiries to.

Lenoir County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Developmental Associates LLC manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process visit select Client Openings and scroll down to Important Information for Applicants.