The Finance Department assists the County Executive in preparing the annual Executive Budget document, in monitoring and controlling the day-to-day financial operations of the County to ascertain compliance with authorized levels of appropriation and policies, in analyzing the potential fiscal impact of County policy initiatives under consideration and in determining the probable impact of both adopted and proposed Federal and State legislation, regulations, and administrative codes. 

Finance staff inform the County Board, its Finance Committee, and other appropriate committees of matters concerning the current financial condition of the County and its various divisions, departments, and programs, prepare fiscal notes for all proposed legislation and contracts, and review bills prior to recommending them for payment or other action by the Finance Committee. 

Finance Department staff assist Racine County's auditors in preparing the annual audit and provide direction and policy coordination to all other County accounting personnel. The Finance Director advises the County Executive, County Board and Finance Committee regarding appropriate changes in accounting policies and procedures. 

The Finance Department keeps the general books of accounts and is responsible for the payroll system. 

The Finance Director acts as the County Auditor.