PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 15TH CIRCUIT- ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR-SM - 21010118

• Requisition No: 887451
• Agency: Justice Administrative Commission
• Working Title: PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 15TH CIRCUIT- ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR-SM - 21010118
• Pay Plan: Pub.DefndrsJAC
• Position Number: 21010118
• Salary: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00
• Posting Closing Date: 12/11/2026

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DANIEL EISINGER561-355-7500

Public Defender www.pd15.org

LAW OFFICES OF THE

Palm Beach County Public Defender

FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA

Job Description: Finance Director

Organization Description

Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office, 15th Judicial Circuit (PD-15), is a constitutional entity, which works to ensure justice for the poor in Palm Beach County, Florida. Known for its client-centered approach, the office represents indigent people who are charged with committing a criminal offense and unable to hire an attorney to represent them when their life or liberty is at stake. The office also handles appeals to the Fourth District Court of Appeal from the 15th, 17 th, and 19 th judicial circuits.

The office’s mission is to protect, defend, and uphold the constitutional rights of indigent persons to high quality legal representation, fair treatment, and equal justice.

The office handles approximately 30,000 cases per year and has approximately 200 employees including lawyers (120), investigators, social workers, and support staff. The main office, which houses the trial and appellate divisions, is in downtown West Palm Beach and there are four branch offices in other areas of the county. PD-15’s divisions include: County Court, Felony, Mental Health, Major Crimes, Serious Crimes, Youth Defense, and Appeals with Investigative, Forensics, & Social Services Units.

Responsibilities Include

This an opportunity to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization. The Director of Finance works closely with, and serves as an advisor to, the Palm Beach County Public Defender and senior leadership to translate financial data into actionable insights and help them understand the impact of hiring new employees and implementing other consequential budgetary decisions.

A hands-on participative manager, the Director of Finance leads and develops an internal team to support the following areas: finance, financial planning, accounting, and budgeting. Given the size of PD-15, this individual also focuses on accounting operations and represents PD-15 at key State of Florida Judicial Administrative Commission’s finance and budget meetings and trainings.

Specific responsibilities for the role include, but are not limited to, the following:

Developing long-term financial plans and forecasts

Overseeing budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting functions

Overseeing and leading annual budgeting and budget planning processes

Ensuring compliance with accounting procedures

Monitoring expenditures and cash flow

Evaluating financial risks and determining how to minimize them

Analyzing and presenting financial reports in an accurate and timely manner

Clearly communicating monthly and annual financial statements

Establishing internal controls to prevent fraud, including access controls for financial information

Overseeing all financial, project/program, and grants accounting

Coordinating and leading the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and the Public Defender

Managing and executing payroll

Implementing a robust contracts management and financial management/reporting system

Updating and implementing all necessary business policies and accounting practices

Implementing new processes and technology to increase efficiency

Directing and coordinating the activities of the finance team

Managing and mentoring employees in the finance departments

Establishing and maintaining strong relationships with vendors, auditors, and State of Florida personnel

Required Skills

To be successful as a Finance Director, one must possess strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of financial management and accounting principles. A solid understanding of business operations, risk management, and regulations is also important.

Specific skills required for the role include, but are not limited to, the following:

Excellent communication and relationship building skills

Ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders

Multi-tasking ability including wearing many hats in a fast-paced environment

Integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of PD-15

Familiarity with financial regulations and best practices

Proven experience leading and mentoring a finance team

Proficiency in creating long-term financial forecasts

Technology savvy with knowledge of accounting and reporting software including in-depth knowledge of Microsoft X-cel and its applications

Commitment to training programs that maximize individual and organization goals

Keen analytic, organizational, and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making

Required Background

• At least seven to 10 years of overall professional experience; ideally six-plus years of broad financial and operations management experience
• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation
• Extensive experience with enterprise financial and accounting software
• Experience in a similar role in a state agency is desired

Salary Range

$90,000 to $100,000 depending on experience

Application Link

Please use the following link to apply: https://palmbeachcountypublicdefender15thjudical.applytojob.com/apply/nVQFCEasoV/Director-Of-Finance-Palm-Beach-County-Public-Defenders-Office.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1-844-377-1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.