Finance Director

Position Overview

The Finance Director provides leadership and oversight for all financial operations of the North Carolina State Firefighters’ Association (NCSFA), the North Carolina Firefighters’ Relief Fund, and the Fraternal Insurance Fund. The position promotes financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and transparency across all funds and programs while supporting the organization’s mission and long-term sustainability.

The Finance Director manages day-to-day accounting operations, coordinates annual audits, processes payroll, and partners with leadership to develop budgets and financial strategies.

A significant responsibility of this position is auditing the State’s relief fund at the fire department level.

Fire service experience is preferred but not required.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee and reconcile all corporate accounts and investments across three funds.
• Manage daily financial operations, including cash flow, journal entries, and account adjustments in QuickBooks, and review entries for accurate account classification.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for the Executive Director, COO, and Board of Directors.
• Develop and present the annual operating budget and other financial reports to the Board of Directors.
• Coordinate the preparation of year-end accrual-basis financial statements, tax filings, and audit documentation.
• Coordinate the annual financial audit with the external CPA firm; serve as the primary contact for audit activities and inquiries; and prepare required schedules and workpapers.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and organizational financial reporting requirements.

Investments & Retirement Programs

• Monitor investment portfolios and manage fund transfers to maintain liquidity and alignment with strategic objectives.

Payroll, Tax & Compliance

• Process staff payroll, Forms W-2 and 1099, tax withholdings, and quarterly filings accurately and on time.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable tax, audit, and ERISA requirements.

Relief Fund Oversight

• Provide financial oversight and audit support for the North Carolina Firefighters’ Relief Fund.
• Assist with statutory reporting, including Relief Fund reports to the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM).

Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate with the COO and Executive Director on fiscal strategy, risk management, and long-term planning.
• Mentor and provide guidance to accounting and administrative staff.
• Represent NCSFA at board meetings, conferences, and regional events as needed.
• Provide financial planning and related support for major events, including the Southeastern Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo (SAFRE).

Education & Directly Applicable Experience

Education

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, financial management, or a related field from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of accounting experience, including experience working with external auditors.
• Other Preferred Qualifications:  
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential
  • Fire service experience in an administrative role

Supervisory Controls

The supervisor establishes overall objectives and provides necessary resources. The employee and supervisor jointly establish deadlines, processes, and work plans.
The employee independently plans and executes assignments, resolves conflicts, coordinates with others as needed, and interprets policy within established objectives.
Work is evaluated primarily on results, effectiveness, and alignment with organizational goals.

Supervision Given

This position requires broad knowledge of financial management principles and practices to oversee multiple funds. In the COO’s absence, the Finance Director assumes the position’s finance-related duties and responsibilities.

Guidelines

Established guidelines are available but may not address every situation. The Finance Director exercises sound judgment in interpreting and adapting regulations, precedents, and policies to resolve issues and address procedural gaps.

Complexity

The work encompasses broad, multifaceted functions requiring a high degree of initiative and expertise.
Assignments involve analyzing complex or undefined issues, coordinating multiple workstreams, and developing effective solutions to organizational challenges.

Scope and Effect

This position directly affects the financial stability and strategic direction of NCSFA and its affiliated funds. The Finance Director ensures responsible stewardship of member resources and public trust, supports member benefits, and advances the organization’s long-term objectives.

Personal Contacts

Maintains regular contact with Board members, vendors, financial professionals, public officials, and agency leaders, including fire chiefs and municipal administrators.

Purpose of Contacts

Contacts are intended to influence, motivate, and negotiate outcomes; ensure compliance with financial regulations; and secure cooperation or information from parties who may be skeptical or resistant through diplomacy and professionalism.

Physical Demands

The position requires moderate physical activity, including standing, walking, lifting objects weighing less than25 pounds—and occasionally heavier objects—and traveling to meetings and conferences. Manual dexterity and mobility are essential.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in office and meeting environments under standard safety conditions. Regular office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional travel and extended hours may be required for major events, including SAFRE.

Other

This description summarizes the position’s primary duties and responsibilities and does not limit the supervisor’s authority to assign, direct, or modify duties as organizational needs require.