Job Details

Position Closes May 23, 2026

View the Recruitment Brochure HERE

Are you a financial leader who can make a notable difference by investing in and building a department in an organization known for being collegial, fun, and highly productive? A finance professionalwho values leading with latitude, strengthens trust and credibility in a finance department, reinforces solid accounting practices, and produces clear, reliable financial information? Or someone excited about modernizing systems, improving processes, and helping an organization become more proactive in financial management? Someone who is highly respected by superiors, direct reports, and peers, and has demonstrable success in developing and supporting staff while building strong, collaborative relationships across departments?

If so, Lenoir County, NC, is seeking a strategic and collaborative Finance Director to lead the continued evolution of its financial operations. This position is for the motivated finance professional who recognizes and values the importance of a Finance Department to the health and vitality of an organization, and, more broadly, its impact on the community at large.

About the Community

Located in eastern North Carolina, approximately 75 miles east of Raleigh, Lenoir County offers a welcoming blend of small‑town charm, regional connectivity, and a strong sense of community. The county seat, Kinston, serves as the cultural and economic center, complemented by smaller towns such as La Grange, Pink Hill, and Grifton. With a population of approximately 55,000 residents, Lenoir County provides an affordable cost of living and a diverse community, with a balanced mix of families, professionals, and retirees.

Residents and visitors have access to a wide range of recreational, cultural, and entertainment opportunities that contribute to the area's overall quality of life. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of boating, fishing, and kayaking along the Neuse River, as well as the county's numerous parks, walking trails, and greenways. A popular destination is Neuseway Nature Park, a 55‑acre riverside park that combines recreation with hands‑on learning. The park includes the Ellis Planetarium, the Exchange Nature Center, and a Health and Science Museum.

Downtown Kinston has experienced steady revitalization, evolving into a vibrant hub with a growing mix of local restaurants, breweries, shops, and gathering spaces. Notable destinations include Chef & the Farmer, Mother Earth Brewing, and Grainger Stadium, home to minor league baseball and a hub for community events. Complemented by coffee shops, boutiques, art spaces, and seasonal farmers' markets, the area offers a lively and walkable environment for both residents and visitors. Downtown Kinston also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year that bring the community together.

About the Organization, Department, and Position

Lenoir County operates under a Commissioner‑Manager form of government. The County is governed by a seven‑member Board of Commissioners—comprising five district representatives and two at‑large members—who serve staggered four‑year terms. This elected board establishes policy and sets the County's strategic direction, while the County Manager is responsible for overseeing day‑to‑day operations and implementing the Board's priorities. Guided by its mission to create a vibrant physical, social, and economic environment for its citizens and businesses, Lenoir County is committed to delivering high‑quality, responsive public service.

With approximately 512 full‑time authorized positions and 190 part‑time positions, the County delivers a broad range of services through 16 departments such as Social Services, the Sheriff's Office, Health Department, Emergency Medical Services, and the Detention Center. The adopted FY2025‑26 budget is approximately $101.4 M. The Finance Department operates on a FY 2025‑2026 budget of approximately $450,000, with anticipated growth to approximately $550,000–$600,000 as additional staff positions are added. Supporting the County's financial operations, the department maintains fiscal integrity and ensures accurate, transparent reporting of the County's financial condition. The department is responsible for a full range of core financial functions, including general accounting, accounts receivable and payable, fixed asset management, payroll and benefits administration, financial reporting, and cash and investment management. As Lenoir County continues to grow, major capital project management will become an increasingly important area of focus within the Finance Department.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Finance Director oversees a small but experienced team of four full‑time employees, all of whom bring significant institutional knowledge. The next Finance Director will have a vital role participating in senior management team meetings and working collaboratively across departments.

Key Position Priorities

• Proactively lead the County's financial management—shifting from a reactive approach to forecasting, implementing consistent financial reviews, advancing key initiatives, and demonstrating a commitment to ongoing improvement efforts;
• Strengthen relationships across departments by establishing regular communication, improving access to financial information, supporting grant coordination and compliance, and developing effective financial processes;
• Direct policy review and development, integrating departmental financial policies and addressing current practices, while supporting staff and working with departments on policy issues;
• Oversee key financial functions and reporting, including the annual audit, Board presentations, and reports for internal and external stakeholders;
• Evaluate the finance department's staff development needs and provide short and long‑term training and professional development opportunities to help staff achieve goals and grow in knowledge and expertise.

The Successful Candidate

• Leads with professionalism, sound judgment, and emotional awareness, providing steady and consistent leadership through change;
• Builds trust and morale through transparency, reliability, and respectful engagement with staff and departments;
• Creates a supportive and accountable work environment where employees feel respected, informed, and encouraged to ask questions, develop skills, and take ownership of their work;
• Approaches change thoughtfully, addressing concerns directly and helping staff understand expectations, pace, and priorities;
• Recognizes the impact of workload, training gaps, and system challenges, and works to provide clear guidance, support, and opportunities for staff development;
• Sets clear priorities and advances improvements in a practical and sustainable manner;
• Listens carefully to understand departmental needs and responds with practical, well‑informed solutions;
• Communicates financial information clearly to support decision‑making at all levels of the organization;
• Establishes credibility as a dependable and knowledgeable resource with strong technical expertise;
• Maintains a steady, solutions‑focused approach to challenges while improving processes with evidence‑based practices to support efficiency, productivity, and workflow;
• Contributes to a positive, engaging, and fun work environment where progress is visible and meaningful.

Salary and Benefits

The hiring range is $125,558 – $135,213. Beginning salary will be commensurate with experience. A signing bonus of up to $5,000 may be available for the selected candidate. Lenoir County provides a rich benefit package that includes Health Insurance, County contribution to Health Savings Plan, Dental, 14 Paid Holidays, and Sick and Annual Leave accruals per pay period. Additionally, as a County employee, the Finance Director participates in the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System (NCLGERS), which includes a 6% pre‑tax employee contribution. Supplemental retirement savings opportunities include participation in a 401(k) plan with a 2.5% County Contribution based on salary, as well as 457 and Roth 401(k) plans. The County may recognize prior service through adjusted leave accrual rates and initial leave balances, consistent with established policies.

To apply

To apply, please visit and click on the title of Finance Director – Lenoir County, NC.

• All applications must be submitted online via the Developmental Associates application portal (link above) – NOT the County's employment application portal or any other external website.
• Resumes and cover letters must be uploaded with the application.
• Applicants should apply by May 23, 2026.
• The hiring team will invite successful semi‑finalists to participate in virtual interviews and skill evaluations on June 23‑24, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to reserve these dates for virtual meetings should they be invited to participate.
• Candidates considering applying for this position may request additional information by directing inquiries to hiring@developmentalassociates.com.

Lenoir County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Developmental Associates, LLC, manages the recruitment and selection process for this position. To learn more about our selection process, visit and select "Client Openings" and scroll down to "Important Information for Applicants".