Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

Buncombe County is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Financial Planning & Analysis Manager to serve as a senior strategic leader within our Finance Department. In this highly visible role, you will shape long-range financial strategies, guide capital and debt planning, strengthen countywide financial governance, and lead modernization across critical financial systems.

As an employer deeply committed to employee wellbeing, Buncombe County offers an exceptional benefits package, including discounted medical premiums, generous county-funded Health Savings Account contributions, nocost physical therapy, 8% 401(k) employer contributions, comprehensive wellness programs, paid family leave, and access to an onsite Employee & Family Health Clinic with low-cost care.

This purpose of this position is to serve as a senior strategic leader within the Finance Department, partnering directly with the Finance Officer to shape, guide, and execute Buncombe County’s long-range financial strategies. This position provides leadership in financial planning, debt and capital analysis, cash and investment management, financial technology modernization, and policy development. As a highly visible leader, the role ensures strong financial governance, supports Countywide fiscal sustainability, and delivers advanced analytics that inform strategic decision-making across the organization.

Master’s degree in Business, Public Administration, or other relevant field and three (3) years of experience in government or business including two (2) years of supervisory experience and /or specific training in financial planning and business/financial data analysis; or a bachelor’s degree in finance, public administration, business, or other relevant field and five (5) years of experience and/or specific training in financial planning and business/financial data analysis;

or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Progressively responsible experience in public funds investment, cash management, municipal bonds and governmental financial planning and administration, including considerable analytical experience is preferred.

Supervise a division, program, or process with accountability for operations and results, responsibility for employee development, assignment and flow of work, and appraisal. Work activities involve managerial decisions that directly affect the efficiency, costs, reputation and service quality of the division, program, or process. May assist with developing budgets and/or distributing budgeted funds.

• Lead the preparation, coordination, and management of all County debt issuance processes in close partnership with the Finance Officer, ensuring comprehensive documentation, compliance, and collaboration with external partners.
• Serve as the County’s primary internal leader for capital financing analysis, annual debt modeling, and long-range capital planning outputs used by executive leadership and the Board.
• Guide development of capital-related financial strategies, financial modeling, and long-term fiscal sustainability analyses aligned with organizational priorities.
• Direct the County’s cash flow forecasting process, oversee liquidity planning, and ensure timely, strategic movement of funds to meet operational and capital needs.
• Oversee investment portfolio compliance, conduct analysis to identify excess cash available for investment, and coordinate quarterly investment reporting. Provide strategic advice to the Finance Officer on investment risk mitigation, market trends, portfolio positioning, and policy alignment.
• Oversee Finance business systems, lead modernization efforts, and optimize workflows to strengthen internal controls and enterprise efficiency.
• Assess emerging technology, automation opportunities, and finance-related risks; advise the Finance Officer and senior leadership on impacts, readiness, and recommended actions.
• Lead design, implementation, assessment, and improvement of…