Sampson County Finance Department: Stewards of Fiscal Responsibility

The Sampson County Finance Department plays a critical role in maintaining the financial health and stability of Sampson County, North Carolina. It acts as the central hub for all financial activities, ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly, transparently, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The department’s core mission is to provide accurate, timely, and reliable financial information to county officials, departments, and the public, enabling informed decision-making and efficient resource allocation. Headed by the Finance Officer, the department is organized into several key divisions, each responsible for specific financial functions. These divisions often include accounting, budgeting, payroll, purchasing, and risk management. The accounting division is responsible for maintaining the county’s general ledger, processing accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statements, and preparing financial reports. They ensure that all financial transactions are accurately recorded and that the county’s financial statements are presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The budgeting division develops and manages the county’s annual budget, working collaboratively with all county departments to identify funding needs and allocate resources effectively. This process involves analyzing revenue projections, evaluating departmental budget requests, and presenting a balanced budget to the Board of Commissioners for approval. After the budget is adopted, the budgeting division monitors expenditures throughout the year, ensuring adherence to the approved budget and identifying potential variances. Payroll services manage the timely and accurate payment of wages and benefits to all county employees. This includes calculating payroll taxes, administering employee benefits programs, and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal and state labor laws. They also maintain accurate employee records and provide payroll-related information to employees and other stakeholders. The purchasing division is responsible for procuring goods and services needed by county departments in a cost-effective and efficient manner. This includes developing purchasing policies and procedures, soliciting bids and proposals, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with purchasing regulations. They aim to obtain the best value for the county while promoting fair and open competition among vendors. Risk management identifies and mitigates potential risks to the county, protecting its assets and resources. This includes assessing and managing risks related to property, liability, workers’ compensation, and other potential liabilities. The division also works to develop and implement risk management policies and procedures, providing training and guidance to county departments. Transparency and accountability are paramount to the Sampson County Finance Department. They are committed to providing the public with access to financial information and ensuring that county funds are used wisely and efficiently. The department publishes comprehensive annual financial reports, which provide a detailed overview of the county’s financial position and activities. They also strive to be responsive to public inquiries and to provide clear and concise explanations of financial matters. In conclusion, the Sampson County Finance Department plays a vital role in safeguarding the county’s financial resources and ensuring its long-term financial stability. Through its commitment to sound financial management practices, transparency, and accountability, the department supports the county’s mission of providing high-quality services to its citizens.