The Wilkes County Finance Department is comprised of three main areas that include General Accounting, Accounts Payable and Payroll. Purchasing Department also works under the supervision of the Finance Officer.

The Finance Office is responsible for managing and controlling the financial functions of Wilkes County in accordance with generally accepted principles of governmental accounting and the North Carolina Local Government Fiscal Control Act. The Finance Department establishes and maintains the accounting system, controls expenditures, receipts and deposits all revenues and manages the investment of all monies. The Department also accounts for all assets and capital project expenditures. Accurate financial information is maintained and provided in a timely manner, including reports internally and externally.

All county obligations are paid by this department, including operating expenses, debt and employee payroll. This department assists in preparing the annual budget and monitoring it after adoption. All financial activity of all county departments is supervised by the Finance Officer to ascertain solid internal controls are in place.

An audit of financial practices and principles is conducted annually by an outside auditing firm. The finance staff assists in providing this information and prepares reports and worksheets with pertinent financial data and information. This audit determines and explains any material weaknesses or discloses any compliance exceptions if there are any. This audit also discloses the financial strength of the county.