Finance Director

Sumter Local Government Consulting is pleased to be assisting Sumner County, TN, in conducting a recruitment for their next Finance Director.

Sumner County, Tennessee offers a compelling blend of rich history, strong schools, vibrant retail centers, and exceptional recreational amenities—making it an ideal place to live, work, and raise a family. Sumner County operates one of the larger and more complex county governments in Middle Tennessee, serving a population of more than 210,000 residents across a geographically diverse area that includes incorporated cities, suburban communities, rural farmland, and significant lakefront property.

The City of Gallatin, the county seat, serves as the civic and cultural heart of the county, featuring a charming historic downtown, walkable streets, and a growing mix of dining, arts, and community events.

The Director of Finance serves as Sumner County’s chief financial officer and is responsible for providing executive leadership over all countywide financial operations. This position oversees the Centralized Finance Department, which functions as a core service organization supporting virtually every aspect of county government. The Director is accountable for ensuring the integrity, transparency, and long‑term sustainability of the County’s financial systems while aligning fiscal resources with policy priorities established by the County Mayor and County Commission.

The Director of Finance has comprehensive responsibility for accounting, budgeting, payroll, purchasing, cash and investment management, debt administration, financial reporting, audit coordination, and regulatory compliance. The role includes direct oversight of the County’s annual operating and capital budget process, including preparation, analysis, presentation, and ongoing monitoring of appropriations and revenues.

Beyond technical oversight, the Director of Finance serves as a key strategic advisor to elected officials, senior leadership, boards, and committees. The position plays a central role in long‑range financial planning, including capital improvement programming, debt issuance and management, reserve policy oversight, and financial forecasting. Responsibilities include evaluating financing options, reviewing debt instruments for regulatory compliance, recommending investment policies, and supporting the County’s efforts to maintain fiscal stability and strong creditworthiness.

As head of the Finance Department, the Director of Finance provides leadership, supervision, and professional development for finance staff. This includes hiring and managing personnel, setting performance expectations, supporting training and succession planning, and fostering a collaborative and service‑oriented culture. The Director is expected to balance hands‑on involvement in complex financial matters with effective delegation, ensuring continuity of operations while developing internal capacity.

The position also serves as the County’s HIPAA Officer and is responsible for Title VI compliance and other statutory obligations.

• Executive‑level advisory presence
  , serving as a trusted financial counselor to the County Mayor, County Commission, constitutional officers, and senior staff.
• Clear and effective communicator
  , capable of translating complex financial data, budget concepts, and regulatory requirements into understandable, actionable information for diverse audiences.
• Collaborative and relationship‑driven approach
  , working productively across departments and independently elected offices to support budgeting, performance monitoring, and shared accountability.
• High emotional intelligence and professional judgment
  , demonstrating diplomacy, discretion, and confidence when navigating politically sensitive and high‑visibility financial matters.
• Change‑oriented leadership capability
  , able to assess existing processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and guide staff through system,…