Finance Director

Position Description

Under City Manager direction, the purpose of the position is to perform highly professional accounting work and provide executive level administrative direction involving the planning, coordination and implementation of all fiscal operations of the City’s Finance Department. Employees in this job classification are responsible for management of staff engaged in highly technical governmental accounting designed for the safeguarding of City assets. Position is accountable for directing departmental personnel to ensure all work is performed according to generally accepted accounting principles, established procedures, departmental guidelines, and regulatory requirements applicable to the work. Employee works with a high degree of independence and initiative, and may confer with the City Manager on matters involving unusual administrative or legal issues.

Job Duties

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

• Lead the development, preparation, and administration of the City’s annual budget.
• Provide expert financial analysis and recommendations to guide decision-making by the City Council and executive leadership.
• Develop long-term financial forecasts and strategies to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Oversee capital improvement planning and financing for municipal projects
• Oversee the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and manage external audits.

• Plans, organizes and implements departmental goals and objectives; coordinates and integrates all activities toward achievement of established goals and objectives; develops and implements departmental policies and procedures.
• Plans, develops and administers all departmental policies and procedures of all administrative aspects of the departments.
• Supervises, directs and evaluates management.
• Performs complex accounting work according to generally accepted accounting principles, established procedures, departmental guidelines, and regulatory requirements applicable to the work; directs the preparation of the annual budget; directs and oversees audits by governmental agencies, state or independent agencies; approves and controls disbursements of funds for the entire City.
• Directs, evaluates and revises accounting/payroll activities, systems and reporting tasks to meet management needs, and local, state and federal regulations.
• Performs highly advanced accounting and finance work involving the organization and interpretation of the city's financial records, and the managing of City funds and investments.
• Researches City finances, and directs and oversees fiscal budget preparation for the entire city; administers reporting and validation tasks of budget preparation, control and results.
• Advises City Manager, department heads and other officials on accounting policies, and provides information regarding finances, budgeting or expenditure allowances.
• Performs related duties as directed when such duties are logical/appropriate assignment to position.

Qualifications

Master's Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Public Administration or related field; with eight (8) to ten (10) years experience in municipal finance administration, including four (4) years in management of professional accounting / finance staff; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. CPA, CGFO and/or CGFM certification preferred.

Supplemental Information

Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and procedures, and the application of such as applied to municipal finance and City Government operations.

Willingness to work in a “Team” environment.

Thorough knowledge of administrative management and internal control / audit principles.

Experience with financial forecasting, bond issuance, and capital financing.

Substantial knowledge of the operations of municipal government and of the laws and regulatory standards governing municipal accounting procedures.

Knowledge of effective supervisory and management principles, methods and techniques.

Ability to assess municipal problems and proposed policies in terms of their financial and administrative implications.

Ability to supervise the work of professional, technical and clerical accounting staff.

Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with employees, citizens, and City officials
and see them is internal and external customers.

Ability to present programs and recommendations orally and in writing.