OPERATIONS OFFICER - 40008276

Durham County Government employs approximately 1,900 employees that work towards providing needed services throughout the community. With a wide array of services, Durham County Government is at the heart of a rapidly growing and diverse area offering residents, employees and visitors exciting opportunities to live, work, grow and play. For more information about Durham County Government, visit www.dconc.gov.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Office of Emergency Services (OES) Business Operations Officer oversees the administrative, financial, fleet, and logistic functions for Emergency Services. The Business Operations Officer is a member of the OES leadership team and as such serves advises the Director and the leadership team on issues including but not limited to budget, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fleet maintenance and repairs, Human Resources, and logistics issues for OES.

This class works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings and reports directly to the Director of Emergency Services. 

Normal work hours are Monday thru Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 PM (40-hour work week).  This position may be subject to after-hours or weekend hours in the event of a large-scale incident or activation of the Emergency Operations Center.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Manages the daily operation of the Department including directing workflow, reviewing generated work for accuracy and quality.
• Reviews and administers grant funds. Create and maintain database for each grant, prepare invoices, progress reports and other required paperwork.
• Prepares agenda for monthly meetings, minutes, and meeting notices.
• Demonstrates, models, and actively engages in the alignment and execution of the County's Strategic Plan Initiatives to ensure the objectives of the core goals are achieved to benefit Durham County employees, citizens, and the environment.
• Monitors and coordinates progress of departmental issues and projects to facilitate accomplishment of objectives.
• Prepares varied and complex department documents, records, reports, and forms requiring knowledge of programs, policies, and procedures. Initiates reports and documents based upon knowledge of department operations, reporting requirements, and established deadlines.
• Researches, compiles, consolidates, and/or tabulates information; incorporates information into requested reports and other prepared materials; proofreads for accuracy and completeness; and distributes upon approval.
• Skillfully handles complaints and inquiries regarding department functions and responsibilities; researches and responds to requests or refers complaints and requests to other staff when warranted.

• Researches and collects financial, statistical, technical, and specialized data from multiple sources for assigned research and special projects.
• Tracks and processes purchase requisitions, purchase orders and invoices on computer; assures that vendors receive payment in a timely manner and investigates any outstanding purchase orders, invoices or inquiries from vendors, employees, or others.
• Assists in the preparation of the department's annual budget submissions, monitors usage and account balances, audits invoices, and inputs to ensure timely payment.
• Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated experience in managing programs and projects.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting and financial planning principles and practices.
• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting and budgeting principles as applied to governmental accounting.
• Understanding of NC Fiscal Control Act, including standard accounting principles and operations.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software, and software specific to the area served.
• Demonstrated understanding of county single audit, including internal controls, uniformed guidance, and audit process.
• Accuracy in the review of numbers, including reconciliation and balancing of ledgers, funding sources, etc.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including employee relations, performance management, and supervision.
• Analyze internal operations and identify areas for process enhancement. Develop and implement strategies, procedures and operational plans that ensure efficiency within the organization. Develop internal policies and procedures.
• General understanding of programs and services provided with a thorough understanding of funding streams supporting these programs/services.
• Demonstrated knowledge of audit principles and processes, internal controls, and uniform guidance.

• Ability to analyze and develop policies and procedures that improve efficiency within the department. 

• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects.

• Ability to recommend and to ensure implementation of solutions and the impact on the organization.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships in complex/or difficult
situations to achieve departmental/organizational goals.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with a diverse workforce.
• Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration, Finance or related field from an appropriately accredited college or university discipline.
• Five (5) years of management experience which includes overseeing operational duties, accounting/fiscal and budget management activities, of which (3) three years are supervisory.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

As this position is responsible for the OES budget (including reporting and analysis) and financial reporting, prior experience in local government budgeting, Medicaid and NC Medicaid Transformation, Medicaid Reports, Medical Billing, Medicare Experience, HIPAA, and associated compliance preferred is preferred along with experience using the Microsoft Office 365 suite.

Durham County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer