What are the responsibilities and job description for the Finance Director position at City of Southaven?
The City of Southaven is seeking a dynamic professional to manage the overall administration of municipal finance activities in conformance with GAAP, including financial and managerial accounting, budget preparation and control, cash management and banking relations, debt management services as assigned. This role assists the Mayor and Board of Alderman in assessing, developing, and implementing policies and programs dealing with the overall financial direction of the City.
Job Functions:
- Prepares and submits annual financial statements.
- Develops and assists with the implementation of financial strategic plans for City programs and services, including Long-Range Financial Forecast and Capital Improvement Plan.
- Establishes goals, objectives, financial policies, and procedures for assigned areas of responsibility.
- Directs the preparation and implementation of the City’s annual operating budget, monitors the financial condition of the City, confers on a regular basis with the Mayor and department heads regarding financial and budgetary issues and assists the Mayor with presentations to the Board of Alderman.
- Calculates tax levies and determines millage rate requirement for approval by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen; ensures that all advertisement and public hearing requirements are met.
- Oversees property tax collections and reporting.
- Monitors expenditure levels of all city departments to ensure compliance with authorized City policies and procedures, State statutes, charter provisions, ordinance and resolution requirements, and bond covenants.
- Directs and coordinates the development and operation of the City financial accounting systems for all municipal financial activity.
- Distributes monthly budgetary finance reports to elected officials; provides detailed information as needed; responds to inquiries and prepares budget transfers as needed.
- Responsible for management of City debt: prepares and reviews documents related to obtaining bonded debt, equipment lease purchasing and credit ratings, communicates pertinent information regarding the City’s financial performance to rating agencies.
- Analyzes City-wide and departmental financial needs and develops short- and long-range objectives, goals, and action plans to meet those needs.
- Coordinates activities with audit firm for the annual audit and preparation of the annual audit.
- Directs the development of investment strategies, policies, and procedures, and oversees the investment activities of the City.
- Responsible for the full range of supervisory including selection, training, evaluation, and counseling of Finance personnel.
- Develops written reports and studies, as directed by the Mayor to address concerns identified by the general public, elected officials, or management.
- Represents the Government on committees/task forces and attends meetings of the Mayor and Board to gain insight into current and emerging issues.
- Assists in the development of Request for Proposals and in the selection of professional services.
- Operates a personal computer, telephone, copiers, and other general office equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheets, database, or other system software.
- Reconcile payroll and tax reports.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in finance, accounting, economics, or in a field related to the job. • Minimum of five (5) years of municipal finance management preferred. • Master’s degree in business, finance, accounting, economics, or related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
Special Requirements
• Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.) designation preferred. • Ability to be bonded.
Miscellaneous Information
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of municipal finance, accounting, and budgeting. • Knowledge of governmental accounting practices. • Knowledge of GAAP, generally accepted auditing standards, banking principles and practices, computerized financial management system, fixed assets accounting system, and federal and state grant requirements. • Knowledge of City Charter and City ordinances, local, state, and federal laws including finance, general accounting, and tax law. • Knowledge of the processes for various financial and operational planning processes, including modern methods of fiscal planning and budget preparation. • Knowledge of financial forecasting methods. • Knowledge of and proficient with computers. • Knowledge of resources for keeping informed of any changes in policy, methods, operations, and budgetary and equipment needs. • Ability to establish priorities, organize work, and communicate effectively by written and oral means. • Ability to develop short and long-range goals and plans. • Ability to deal effectively with organizational, management, human relations, and technical subjects. • Ability to develop and administer policies, procedures, plans, and activities and to monitor the performance of programs against measured, established goals. • Ability to develop and propose long-term goals in order to promote effectiveness and efficiency. • Ability to effectively communicate and interact with elected/appointed officials, management, employees, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the Government. • Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner. • Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems. • Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. • Ability to handle the required mathematical and statistical calculations. • Ability to read, understand, and interpret financial reports, contract documents and related materials.
