Cook new Republic finance director

Recent promotion for established finance employee within city
 
Meghin Cook is the new finance director for the city of Republic. She took over the spot in June from Debbie Parks, who resigned to become the grants administrator for the Ozarks Transportation Organization.
A graduate of Columbia College, Cook has nine years of experience working in government accounting and had already worked for the city for four years before moving into the position of finance director.
Previously, she was the city’s finance manager. She said she took on the role as a challenge while also serving the people of Republic in a new way.
“As this position became available, I took the opportunity to challenge myself and take on a role that I could continue to grow and learn from as I utilize my skillset in making any little bit of difference I can in ensuring the city meets its efforts towards financial sustainability through the current growth of the city,” she said.
As finance director, Cook has numerous responsibilities, ranging from daily operations to annual budgets and audits.
“The finance director is responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day functions of the city’s finances, payroll, and utility billing functions,” she said. “To include duties such as month-end closing, preparing monthly financial reports and forecasts, preparing annual budgets, overseeing the annual audit process, and updating any policies and procedures in relation to the city’s financial functions.”
Cook said that the job of finance director allows her to have a major impact on the city’s future growth.
“In overseeing accounting functions, I get to help ensure there are consistent results and accountability. I also get to provide projections, financial reports, and assist in the budget preparation that allow us to plan for the future growth of the city,” she said.
However, one of the best parts of the job is the teamwork, Cook said.
“I love collaborating with my teammates to make a difference by creating better efficiencies and improving processes,” she said.
When she’s not working, Cook said she enjoys a number of different activities.
“I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends and my hobbies include exploring the great outdoors, reading, sewing, knitting, and cooking,” she said.