County Controller

Osage County, Kansas

Full-time | Salary Range: 100k-140k DOQ

Osage County is seeking an experienced governmental finance executive to establish and lead the county’s financial management function. This is a newly created position, authorized under KSA 19-6a03, with statutory responsibility for financial records, internal controls, budget oversight, and performance reporting. The successful candidate will help build modern financial systems, restore confidence in county finances, and serve as a trusted resource to the Board of County Commissioners, department heads, and the public. This is not a maintenance role. It is a leadership role for a financial professional who is energized by the challenge of building something that lasts.

Position Summary

· Serve as County Controller under KSA 19-6a03 and provide leadership for the county’s financial management function.

· Establish, improve, and maintain sound financial systems, reporting processes, and internal controls.

· Support the Board of County Commissioners with timely, accurate, and understandable financial information.

· Help stabilize key operational functions including accounts payable, payroll, audit readiness, and budget oversight.

Key Responsibilities

· Maintain the county’s financial records, systems, and related accounting controls.

· Design, implement, and monitor internal controls that protect county assets and improve financial accountability.

· Oversee or closely supervise accounts payable, payroll, and core financial operations.

· Prepare financial reports, analysis, and presentations for the Board of County Commissioners, department heads, and the public.

· Coordinate audit preparation and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.

· Support budget development, monitoring, and performance reporting against approved plans.

· Attend commission meetings as required and communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.

· Promote operational efficiency, process discipline, and a culture of fiscal accountability across county departments.

Minimum Qualifications

· Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible governmental accounting experience, including fund accounting and GASB standards.

· Demonstrated experience with accounts payable, payroll systems, audit coordination, and internal controls.

· Ability to produce accurate financial reporting and explain financial information to elected officials and other non-financial audiences.

· Strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively in a public-sector environment where accountability and follow-through matter.

Preferred Qualifications

· CPA license strongly preferred.

· CPFO designation strongly preferred.

· County or municipal finance leadership experience preferred.

· Experience building or improving systems during a turnaround, remediation, or organizational reset is highly valued.

The Right Candidate

· Brings technical credibility and can operate effectively from day one in a governmental finance environment.

· Is comfortable building structure where structure is missing and enforcing controls even when doing so requires firmness and consistency.

· Can balance statutory responsibility, practical operations, and productive working relationships with elected officials and department leaders.

· Sees this role as an opportunity to build something meaningful for the long term rather than simply maintain an inherited system.

Compensation and Benefits

· Salary: 100k-140k DOQ.

· This position is eligible for enrollment in the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS).

· Additional county benefits available per county policy.

Important Requirement

Appointment is contingent upon the successful candidate obtaining a corporate surety bond as required by KSA 19-6a02.

Application Process

· Submit cover letter, resume, and three professional references.

· All applications should be directed to kim@birddogrecruitment.com Atten: Osage County Controller.

· Application deadline: April 14, 2026.

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