Fiscal Officer

Due to an upcoming retirement, Mentor Public Library Board of Trustees is seeking an experienced and collaborative Fiscal Officer to join its leadership team.  Reporting directly to a seven-member Board of Trustees and working in close partnership with the Executive Director, the Fiscal Officer plays a vital role in ensuring the library's continued financial stability, transparence, and strategic growth.

Mentor Public Library serves the communities of Mentor, Mentor-on-the Lake, and Concord Township with a service population of more than 60,000 residents.  With four locations, 64 dedicated staff members, an annual operating budget of approximately $6 million, and a strong reputation for innovative programming and exceptional customer service, MPL is a dynamic and community-focused organization.  The library is also currently undertaking a main building renovation project, making this an exciting opportunity to help guide the organization through an important period of growth and transformation.

This position is a 32-40 hours per week exempt management position with a salary range starting at $85,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.  Also includes an excellent benefits package including generous earned time off and contributions to health insurance plans and OPERS retirement system.  The schedule includes working on-site as well as attending evening Board meetings.  The Fiscal Officer directly supervises one employee, a part-time Deputy Fiscal Officer.

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree with coursework in business, accounting, or finance and/or CPA licensure, along with three to five years budgeting and financial reporting experience.  Previous fund account experience is preferred.

Interested candidates should apply through the application portal https://mentorpl.org/employment/.

Full job description can also be found here.  The position closes 6/4/2026 or until filled.

Title: Fiscal Officer

Grade: Contract by Board of Trustees

Classification: Management; Exempt

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Basic Function:

The position functions as the Fiscal Officer for the Library and is responsible for the financial operations of the Library system including budget and financial management, procurement, accounting, risk management, internal controls, contracts, investments, audit, and compliance. This position is charged with developing the strategies and services of the Library and effective operations in all functional areas.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:

Under the general direction of the Board of Trustees, the Fiscal Officer works in partnership with the Director and is a member of the Administrative Team. This position also serves as a member of the Strategic Planning Team and Management Negotiation Team. This position, in coordination with the Director, is responsible for: finance, payroll, employee benefits, building insurance, health insurance, compliance/reporting, and communications. This position supervises a Deputy Fiscal Officer. Office work performed primarily inside the library facility. Employees assigned to this class are required to provide service in accordance with the library’s mission and core values.

The intent of this summary is to characterize the typical duties and responsibilities that will be required of individual positions assigned to this classification and should not be construed as representing the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be expected to perform their related duties which are specific to their area that may not be reflected in this class summary.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and implements strategies for the business operations of the Library including financial services, procurement, budgeting, and capital projects.
• Oversees the Library’s budget and financial operations. Supervises the preparation of the annual budget with input from the Director, including executing a comprehensive plan. Prepares long/short range financial projections and establishes internal controls. Reviews financial operations on an ongoing basis.
• Responsible for the bi-annual audit, annual budget document, and the comprehensive financial report.
• Provides oversight for investment of Library funds, cash management and controls, general insurance policies, purchasing policies and contracts, conflict of interest and legal compliance.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and completes all necessary reporting with the Lake County Auditor, the Lake County Budget Commission, the State Library, Auditor of State, and any other governmental/regulatory body.
• Serves as Fiscal Officer for the Library Board of Trustees; participates in all Board meetings and committee meetings. Prepares resolutions, reports, and presentations for the Board.
• Leads efforts in attaining and managing all Library revenues.
• Works as a part of the Strategic Planning Team to develop overall strategy, tactical objectives, and short and long-term planning for deployment of resources and achieving the Library’s vision.
• Serves on the Management Negotiation Team during union negotiations.
• Performs a variety of responsibilities inherent in managing a functional area (including, but not limited to timely and quality decisions, process management, conflict management, motivating and developing staff).
• Monitors and validates major expenditures of other functional areas by asking strategic and operationally appropriate questions. Assists peer and Director by reviewing and suggesting ways to strengthen recommendations and requested Board action.
• Supervises, hires, trains, and manages Deputy Fiscal Officer.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skilled in using accounting software, payroll systems, word processing, database and spreadsheet applications in a network environment
• Skilled in processing payroll, invoices, purchase orders, and other fiscal transactions accurately and timely
• Ability to identify discrepancies, resolve issues, and escalate complex matters appropriately
• Ability to maintain accurate records and attention to detail over extended periods
• Thorough knowledge of modern fiscal practices and procedures
• Ability to make decisions in accordance with rules and regulations of the library
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to exercise good judgment and professionalism
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to communicate and work effectively and tactfully with employees and the public to create a positive workplace environment and to present a positive public image with tact and courtesy
• Must be able to embrace change and manage transition in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manipulate loaded book carts weighing 300 pounds over carpeted floors
• Ability to lift library materials up to 30 pounds
• Ability to perform repetitive reaching, bending, and squatting daily
• Desire and ability to work as a contributing member of a team environment
• Must possess good judgment
• Must display thoroughness and dependability

Education, Training, and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree, to include business, accounting, finance coursework, and/or CPA licensure. Prefer three to five years of financial reporting and budgeting experience. Prefer knowledge of Fund Accounting work. Prefer knowledge of federal, state, and local law pertinent to fiscal operations and requirements governing Library financial procedures. Experience working with a Board of Trustees and public-sector, union environment preferred.

Must meet bonding requirements for this position and present evidence of surety bond per Ohio Revised Code Section 3375.32 (or its successor legislation) and proof of completion of required continuing education units annually to the Board to realize continued employment.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LIBRARY EMPLOYEES

All Mentor Public Library Employees are expected to have and maintain good interpersonal and communication skills; maintain a tolerance and sensitivity to the needs of patrons and staff; maintain a positive and pleasant attitude, and be co-operative with co-workers. All employees shall adhere to the Library’s policies and procedures and support the Library’s mission within the Library and in the community. Employees shall have regular attendance, be flexible with regards to scheduling which includes daytime, evening and weekend hours; and be in adequate physical condition to fulfill the requirements of the job.

This job description is illustrative of the duties that may be required for this position. The duties, functions, requirements, and conditions of this position are subject to change as the needs of the library require. Employees may be required to perform duties not listed herein. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Board of Trustees and the employee.