Phil, a staff accountant, has been employed with Georgetown County's Finance Department since November 2021. Since that time, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in his role, going above and beyond to ensure the smooth operation of the Finance Department.
Phil was handed a challenging set of responsibilities with minimal transition from his predecessor, yet he quickly mastered the position and made it his own. He manages all accounts receivable duties, which includes working closely with Human Resources to accurately bill retirees for health insurance. His attention to detail ensures retirees are informed and current on their payments, contributing to his effective financial management of the County's Self-Insured Health Plan.
Phil also handles the billing for the County's rental properties, including hangar leases at the Airport, property leases at the Litchfield Exchange, Port property leases, and tower rentals. His ability to collaborate effectively with the Airport Manager, Economic Development staff, and the County Attorney ensures all lease agreements are up to date and compliant with their provisions. In addition, Phil works alongside Environmental Services to manage landfill billing and maintain accurate accounts.
A standout achievement during his tenure has been his identification of about six businesses that were not remitting their Local Accommodation and Hospitality taxes as required. Through Phil's diligence, the County was able to collect over $250,000 in back taxes, bringing these businesses into compliance and significantly increasing revenue. Phil is responsible for overseeing the collection of these taxes monthly for the unincorporated areas of the County, the Town of Andrews, and Pawleys Island, ensuring accuracy and timely payments.
In managing the County's fixed asset list and depreciation schedule (covering approximately $200 million in assets), Phil consistently demonstrates precision and efficiency. Additionally, he has played a critical role in processing the TransDev, First Vehicle Services billing, one of the County's largest expenditures. His keen analysis has helped departments better understand their fleet maintenance costs through comprehensive reporting and trend analysis.
Phil's contributions go beyond his job description. When the MIS department lacked personnel to manage their administrative tasks, Phil stepped in to process their accounts payable, displaying his willingness to support the broader organization whenever needed.
Phil's impact on the Finance Department is evident in the numerous improvements he has spearheaded, streamlining processes that enhance efficiency and effectiveness. His proactive approach and problem-solving mindset have made a substantial difference across multiple functions.
In addition to Phil's duties in the Finance Office, he also serves on the County's Central Safety Committee, further demonstrating his commitment to the well-being and overall success of the organization.