After serving four years as the finance director for Shawano County, Carrie Buntjer is stepping away from the courthouse.
Buntjer will resign her post effective May 2, said Jim Davel, administrative coordinator.
“She’s done an incredible job,” Davel said. “She’s an absolute superstar. It will be hard finding someone of that same quality.”
Buntjer said family played a big role in her decision.
“Family is really important to me, and I want to take the summer off to be with my kids,” she said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity I had to serve the residents of Shawano County for the past four years.”
The finance director manages an annual budget of about $70 million, as well as a variety of accounting, auditing and financial management duties. The finance director also supervises the centralized accounting, payroll, inventory, credit, collections and cash management services for all departments.
Davel said it’s sometimes difficult for the finance director to balance what he or she believes is the right financial decision against the desires of 27 elected county supervisors.
“This position can be a challenge,” Buntjer said. “There’s difficult decisions to make and policies to enforce. I’ve always tried to suggest what is best for the county for the long term, whether popular or unpopular.”
Buntjer started with the county in April 2021.
She received her bachelor of business administration in accounting and finance from UW-Oshkosh and a master’s of business administration from University of Wisconsin Consortium.
“When fall comes around, I’ll be looking for another opportunity, preferable part time to keep the balance with my family,” Buntjer said. “I have an interest in working with a nonprofit or government to give back to the communities around us.”
The county is offering a salary between $99,611.20 and $113,838.40.
The job posting seeks candidates with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, public administration or business administration, and official prefer someone with three to five years of governmental accounting experience.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
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