The objective of Accounting is to maintain the fiscal integrity of the City's internal and external financial reporting. In compliance with federal, state and City policies, they ensure the accurate and timely processing of vendor invoices and capital asset tracking and reporting. Accounting is also responsible for assisting with other activities such as grant reporting, debt management and the coordination of the City’s annual financial audit.

In accordance with North Carolina General Statutes, the Budget Division prepares and maintains the annual operating budget for the City of Gastonia. They actively serve elected officials, City departments and citizens by being fiscally responsible and recommending appropriate measures to ensure the most cost-effective use of public funds and resources.

In conjunction with other departments, Grants Management staff assists in identifying federal, state and private grant funding opportunities that allow the City to provide services and programs that may not otherwise be available due to restricted budgets. To aid with compliance, they assist City personnel with understanding any regulatory or other requirements pertaining to the funding. They are responsible for detailed periodic reporting, both internally and to other agencies.

All employees of the City of Gastonia depend on this division for biweekly and monthly payroll processing and ensuring that all deductions, benefits and taxes are handled correctly and timely. Payroll is responsible for implementing changes dictated by local and federal legislation and reporting to State and Federal agencies on a quarterly, yearly or as-needed basis. Payroll works to serve our customer, the employee, through prompt customer service and assistance with payroll related questions and coordinates with stakeholders throughout the City to ensure accurate and timely compensation to our employees for work performed.

Purchasing is responsible for the efficient and cost-effective procurement of goods and services to assist City departments in the delivery of essential services to our citizens. In doing so, the division’s primary objective is to ensure impartial and equal treatment of all vendors who wish to do business with the City, while complying with all federal, state and local policies and requirements. They routinely try to maximize the value of every dollar spent and, when assets are no longer needed for City operations, they properly manage the sale or disposal of surplus personal property.

Treasury and Investment Management is responsible for managing and monitoring all the City's bank accounts and activity to insure proper cash management.  Idle funds are invested in accordance with state statute and City policy to provide a safe investment return.  Detailed periodic reporting on cash, investments and property tax revenues are provided both internally and to other agencies.