Overview Middlesex County's Department of Economic Development drives growth and opportunity through business engagement, workforce development, innovation, and community investment. Within this mission, the Office of Workforce and Career Development (OWCD) plays a critical role in aligning job seekers with training and employment opportunities that meet the needs of local employers, while ensuring compliance with state and federal workforce development policies.
The Fiscal Officer supports this mission by providing leadership and oversight of all the Office of Workforce and Career Development's fiscal operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Middlesex County, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Director of the Office of Workforce and Career Development. The Fiscal Officer ensures fiscal accountability, compliance, and transparency across all workforce funding streams. This position manages accounting operations, grants and contracts, financial reporting, and fiscal monitoring, while also serving as a strategic advisor to the OWCD Director to ensure resources are deployed effectively in advancing Middlesex County's economic and workforce development goals.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Accountability & Fiscal Management - Provide accurate, complete, and timely fiscal services for OWCD.
- Develop, recommend, and administer the annual budget and Cost Allocation Plan (CAP).
- Prepare and submit monthly state reports required by NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
- Oversee grants, contracts, and expenditures to ensure fiscal integrity and compliance.
- Plan, organize, and direct accounting operations, including journal entries, bank reconciliations, accounts payable, procurement, and financial reporting.
- Maintain accurate financial records and spreadsheets to track obligations, accounts payable, and draw-downs.
- Review and analyze Commissioner listing reports to ensure timely vendor payment.
- Manage pension accounts, prepare actuarial charts, and ensure contributions are made as required.
- Monitor and analyze financial information, including variances between budget and actual expenditures, and recommend corrective actions.
- Allocate overhead expenses across grants in line with the cost allocation plan.
- Recommend and implement fiscal policies and procedures in alignment with County, State, and Federal requirements.
Compliance, Reporting & Monitoring - Coordinate with NJDOL to prepare and submit fiscal monitoring reports.
- Maintain financial records and systems to ensure audit readiness.
- Analyze variances from budgets and program plans, providing corrective recommendations.
- Process and apply all Notices of Obligation and De-obligation.
- Serves in a leadership role, regularly engaging with the Workforce Development Board, Department of Labor, and Commissioners to support strategic initiatives and ensure fiscal policy alignment.
Adaptability & Leadership - Tailors responses and services to meet departmental needs, while adapting positively to changes in work practices, policies, procedures, technology, and trends.
- Respond promptly to urgent fiscal issues with appropriate solutions.
- Easily shifts between diverse requests and priorities.
- Provide leadership in adapting to changes in regulations, funding, and policies.
- Develop strategies to help staff accept and implement change effectively.
- Informs staff of issues and resulting potential changes.
- Works in partnership with others to provide quality service.
- Accepts responsibility for decision-making and accountability for decisions.
Communication & Teamwork - Maintain positive communication with County, State, and Federal agencies, ensuring coordination and timely preparation of required fiscal correspondence.
- Listen attentively, ask clarifying questions, and express ideas clearly to ensure full understanding in discussions related to departmental policies and procedures.
- Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills, maintaining a professional demeanor in all interactions.
- Work in partnership with staff and partner agencies to achieve business objectives and foster teamwork.
- Demonstrate commitment to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) by applying and continually developing the technical, operational, and system skills necessary to effectively serve customers and partners.
- Solicit input and feedback from staff and partner agencies, translating insights into recommendations for improving performance and service delivery.
- Implement organizational vision and mission within the accounting function, ensuring alignment with broader departmental goals.
- Establish and maintain performance standards, functional budgets, and expense goals consistent with organizational objectives.
- Conduct regular staff evaluations to support professional development and accountability.
Continual Learning & Development - Remain current on fiscal policies, industry trends, compliance requirements, and new technology.
- Attend training, conferences, and workshops to enhance technical and professional knowledge.
- Review professional publications and apply best practices to fiscal operations.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: - In-depth knowledge of accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant management.
- Proficiency in financial systems and software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint; MIP preferred).
- Strong analytical, evaluative, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and county fiscal policies and procedures.
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Leadership and team management skills, with the ability to foster collaboration.
QUALIFICATIONS: Required: - Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- At least 5 years of financial experience, including 3 years in a managerial role.
- Working knowledge of federal, state, and county fiscal statutes, regulations, and policies.
- Proficiency in Excel, Word, and accounting systems.
- Valid New Jersey driver's license and access to transportation
Preferred: - Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or Public Administration
- Experience managing fiscal operations in a government or workforce development setting.
- Familiarity with NJDOL fiscal monitoring and reporting systems.
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: - $90,000-$110,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
Benefits: You can build your own future while helping to build the future of your community. With competitive benefits, including a pension plan, on-site wellness coaches, and health and dental insurance, Middlesex County offers the support employees need. The County also promotes a healthy work-life balance with generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave.
Middlesex County is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
