Being in governmental finance isn’t easy, but someone has to do it.

That person for Dallas County is Nancy Wilson. As finance director, Wilson is responsible for maintaining the county’s financial records, supervising county commission staff and preparing the county’s budget.

Wilson summed up her job description this way: &uot;Managing the assets of the county.&uot;

Wilson received an accounting degree from Auburn University, but she noted that understanding governmental finance takes more than just a degree. According to Wilson, someone can hold an accounting degree and still know nothing of governmental accounting.

That changed after 17 years with the State of Alabama, though.

Wilson began her career in government at an entry-level position. For 17 years she commuted from Selma to Montgomery as she climbed the ranks until finally reaching an upper-level supervisor position.

Wilson interviewed for her current position in January 2000, and began work in April of that year. Wilson said she enjoyed her state job but wanted to move her career

to Selma because her daughter, Claire, was growing older and she felt she needed to spend more time with her.

Wilson said she works for a governmental entity because she enjoys being a public servant. &uot;I like being accountable to the taxpayers,&uot; she said. &uot;I don’t see a lot of waste. I just think it’s a well-organized government. Dallas County citizens ought to be proud of their government. They’re getting a good deal.&uot;

The next stage for Wilson includes ensuring all public records and files are easily accessible to citizens as well as auditors. &uot;I think we’re well on our way,&uot; she said. &uot;But the world wasn’t changed in a day. You just have to take it one day at a time.&uot;