Finance Director

Description

Finance Director

City of Covington, KY

Finance Department

Location: City Hall

Full-time

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm

Salary Range: $125,000 - $135,000

Why Covington?

Welcome to the bold side of the river. Covington, Kentucky, is a place where history and progress come together—and as a Finance Director, your work will directly shape that future. We attract the bold and the best — people who are ready to make an impact—innovators, changemakers, and problem-solvers who want to be part of something bigger. Your work in the Finance Department will play a key role in shaping and maintaining the financial stability and growth of our City.

Covington is all about celebrating what makes us unique. Our rainbow crosswalks, locally owned businesses, and the warm Kentucky hospitality reflect the spirit of our city. It’s where timelessness meets the ventures of tomorrow. With the most diverse and accessible city government in the region, we believe that everyone can contribute to our collective success. Most importantly, we are a city that values its people—because around here, y’all really does mean all.

If you want to be part of shaping the future of the city, Covington could be the perfect place for you to grow your career and make a difference.

Role Overview

The Finance Director serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the City of Covington and is a vital part of the leadership team. Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Finance Director will oversee the City's financial management, including accounting, budgeting, debt management, revenue collection, and fiscal activities. You will ensure that the City adheres to all Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), while also managing long-term financial planning and analysis to support Covington’s goals.

This is a leadership role that requires the ability to manage a team, engage with the City Commission, and ensure the integrity and effectiveness of financial controls. A successful Finance Director will be a strategic thinker, skilled in municipal finance, and capable of working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Oversight: Oversee accounting, budgeting, procurement, debt management, revenue collection, and fiscal activities.
• Leadership: Oversees the Controller, Treasurer, Budget Director, and Procurement Officer, who manage procurement, payroll, billing, accounts receivable/payable, cash flow, and accounting procedures, while ensuring internal controls are maintained.
• Compliance: Ensure adherence to GASB standards, produce the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR), and manage capital improvement planning.
• Risk Management: Oversee internal controls and financial reporting to state and federal agencies.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the City’s annual budget process and long-term financial projections, ensuring that expenditures align with the City’s financial goals.
• Municipal Debt Administration: Manage the City’s debt and arrange for financing as needed, including bond sales.
• Employee Benefits: Direct the management of employee benefit programs and maintain records for pension funds.
• Audit & Reporting: Cooperate with external auditors for annual audits and prepare regular financial updates for the City Manager and Commission.
• Continuous Improvement: Promote a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and professional development within the Finance Department.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), cost accounting, and fund accounting.
• Extensive knowledge of local government operations, legal requirements, and financial records management.
• Familiarity with the issuance and administration of municipal bonds.

Skills:

• Seasoned project management and collaboration skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Deep skills in statistical and budgetary analysis.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and consultative skills.

Abilities:

• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and take ownership of work.
• Ability to lead staff in continuous efforts to improve quality, productivity, and effectiveness.
• Ability to prepare and implement short- and long-range strategic plans, considering budgetary, organizational, and public impact.
• Ability to communicate effectively, presenting complex financial data in multiple forms, including charts, graphs, narratives, and presentations to senior management and the public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive financial information with discretion.
• Must be detail-oriented, a self-starter, and committed to excellence, with a high tolerance for stress.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree or CPA license is preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance, accounting, or public administration, including at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Knowledge of GASB, GAAP, and municipal bond issuance.
• Proven leadership experience in budgeting, fiscal management, and compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field or CPA certification.
• Experience in managing public sector financial operations, including debt management and capital improvement planning.
• Strong communication skills for presenting complex financial data to City leadership and the public.

Language, Math, and Reasoning Skills

• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports and legal documents. Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting financial information effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Mathematical Skills: Proficiency in performing mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and interpreting financial data using percentages, ratios, and other mathematical calculations.
• Reasoning Ability: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to define issues, gather data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Why Join Us?

• Full Benefits Package: Health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and 12 paid holidays.
• Meaningful Impact: Your work will directly contribute to the success of Covington's services and the satisfaction of its employees.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a dedicated and supportive team in a culture that values communication, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the City’s expanding Finance programs.

EEO Statement

The City of Covington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the rich variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences in our community. We encourage individuals from all walks of life to apply and proudly provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, color, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Qualifications

Salary : $125,000 - $135,000