Responsibilities of the Finance Department

The Office of Finance ensures proper accountability for county funds under its jurisdiction.

The Director of Accounts & Budgets leads a professional office overseeing accounting and budgeting for all county departments, excluding the Department of Education. Responsibilities include maintaining accounting records in compliance with state and federal laws, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and standards set by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

This office develops county department budgets through a six-month process involving standing committees. It also coordinates and publishes the final Sullivan County budget, including schools.

Debt management—including issuance, retirement, and refinancing—is handled here. Refinancing efforts over the past four years have saved taxpayers over $2.5 million. The county currently holds an “AA” credit rating from Moody’s for general obligation debt.

The office prepares annual financial statements for audit by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, typically completed within six months of the June 30 fiscal year-end.

Additional duties include preparing all payrolls, processing vendor payments, recording revenue, and producing monthly and annual reports. Non-school payment requests are processed weekly to ensure timely vendor payments.

The Payroll Section manages payroll for all county employees, except those in the School Department, with bi-weekly pay via direct deposit ensuring Friday morning availability. It also oversees employee benefit accounts and supports the Commission in updating health insurance plans. The office recently assisted Risk Management with implementing the Ashville Project for diabetes care under the county’s health plan.

The Director collaborates with the County Mayor on financial planning and reporting, supports the Budget Committee, and oversees designated operations. The Director also serves ex officio on the NETWORKS Economic Development Partnership board, linking Sullivan County with its municipalities.