What are the responsibilities and job description for the Finance Director position at City of Sun Prairie, WI?

Salary : $139,711.39 - $151,228.11 Annually

Location : Sun Prairie, WI

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 2025-02

Department : Administrative Services

Division : Finance

Opening Date : 01 / 13 / 2025

Closing Date : Continuous

Located in northeastern Dane County, the City of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin (2025 estimated population 39,419), is seeking experienced municipal leaders as applicants to serve as the community's next Finance Director. Sun Prairie is one of the fastest growing cities in Wisconsin, with an annual population growth of 700 to 1,000 residents. Located in the Greater Madison metropolitan region, Sun Prairie is the second largest community in Dane County conveniently located next to the City of Madison and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Dane County region is consistently regarded near the top of the rankings for livability and quality of life indicators.

The Sun Prairie Common Council and dedicated city staff strive to provide smart fiscal policies and cutting-edge initiatives. Sun Prairie offers a wide range of housing, excellent public schools, and an abundance of parks. Sun Prairie provides ready access to major highways, rail transportation, local bus transportation including bus-rapid transit and the Dane County Regional Airport.

Starting salary of $139,711.39 - $151,228.11 depending on qualifications. Position is eligible for a 2% annual step increase July 1, 2025, based on performance.

Sign-On Bonus : Selected candidate will be offered up to $10,000 as a sign-on bonus to be used on candidate choice of one-time expenses in 2025 including but not limited to : relocation assistance, education assistance, or financial bonus.

This position will remain open until filled. First review of applications will be February 17, 2025

View the recruitment bulletin for more details about the Sun Prairie community, position and benefits.

Essential Job Functions

To view a detailed job description,

Top Candidate Qualities :

Leadership and Team Management : Strong leadership abilities with a focus on managing, supporting, and guiding finance staff in essential fiscal functions, ensuring efficient and responsible fund management.

Innovate and Improve : Continuously seeks ways to improve our financial operations and services to the public.

Long-Range Financial Planning : Skilled in creating and managing long-term financial plans to support sustainable growth and asset management

Budget Development and Management : Proficient in developing and administering accounting guidelines, collaborating on budget analysis, and presenting formal budget proposals for leadership approval.

Financial Reporting and Analysis : Extensive experience preparing comprehensive financial reports and conducting thorough research to provide data-driven insights for strategic decision-making.

Financial Consulting and Bond Issuance : Knowledgeable in collaborating with financial consultants to secure project funding, including managing the bond issuance and credit rating process.

Requirements of Work

Minimum Qualifications :

The City of Sun Prairie is a high-performance organization and is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. All candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance with certification as a CPA, MBA, MPA, CPFO and / or CGFM designations or any combination of training and experience that has developed the following skills :

Communicating effectively with internal and external contacts, including members of the City's Department Head Team and the City Administrator.

Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for financial accounting including general ledger accounting and account reconciliation.

Ability to formulate and install standard accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records in an automated environment.

Ability to supervise, train and direct staff.

Ability to evaluate and prioritize situations and tasks.

Ideal Candidate :

The ideal candidate will have 10 years of progressive finance experience including governmental accounting and supervisory experience, possess an advanced degree such as a CPA, MBA, or MPA with a thorough understanding of GAAP principles, and demonstrate the ability for collaborative leadership to effectively work with diverse teams. This individual must exude professionalism and maintain standards of ethical management and operational excellence.

Compensation & Benefits :

The City of Sun Prairie has chosen to be an employer of choice. By doing so, we are committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.

Starting salary of $139,711.39 - $151,228.11 depending on qualifications. Position is eligible for a 2% annual step increase July 1, 2025, if the start date is before April 1, 2025.

Comprehensive benefit package with 2025 Health and Dental premiums are fully paid by the city. For more information, please visit the City's Website :

Bilingual Incentive Pay : $1.50 added to base pay for employees who meeting the minimum comprehension proficiency requirements in Spanish and Hmong.

The city supports work-life balance by providing paid parental leave (240 hours), paid caregiver leave (80 hours), and a focus on physical and mental health through our Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Clinic.

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do. Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 608-825-1174 or

Learn more about our Benefits by visiting our website :

HEALTH INSURANCE

The City provides 100% premium payment for single or family coverage through Group Health Cooperative Select HMO plan or PPO Plan for those living outside the coverage area. Coverage begins the 1st of the month following date of hire. (i.e.; DOH=January 2nd, coverage begins February 1st)

ACCESS TO OUR EMPLOYEE WELLNESS CLINIC - myspwellnessclinic.org

DENTAL INSURANCE

Delta Dental The City provides 100% premium payment for single or family coverage. Coverage begins the 1st of the month following date of hire

LIFE INSURANCE

State Life Fund- Securian Life The City provides 100% premium payment for basic coverage (1 times annual salary)The employee has the ability to purchase at their expense supplemental coverage, additional coverage (up to 3 units),and spouse / dependent coverage. Eligibility begins 1st of month, following 30 days of employment. (ie; DOH Feb 1st, April 1st coverage begins).

Boston Mutual Whole Life Insurance - AFLAC Insurance

The employee has the ability to purchase at their expense

INCOME CONTINUATION INS - State Fund This benefit provides up to 75% of your average earnings if you become disabled. The City provides coverage up to $120,000 at the 180-day elimination period. Employees can buy down to a shorter elimination period at their expense. Eligibility begins the 1st of the following month.

VISION INSURANCE

Available for the employee to purchase at their own expense. Coverage begins the 1st of the month following date of hire.

RETIREMENT

Wisconsin Retirement System which requires a matching 6.95% employee contribution.

Deferred Comp, Traditional or Roth IRA The employee can participate in a 457 Deferred Comp Plan, IRA Traditional or Roth IRA, if they choose.

SICK LEAVE

Accumulation of one day per month. At retirement ability to convert sick balance up to 120 days into a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE

Employees who meet the eligibility criteria and have a qualifying event, shall receive 240 hours of paid parental leave and 80 hours of paid caregiver leave (prorated for part time). Both run concurrent with Family Medical Leave.

VACATION

Vacation is earned on your anniversary.

Upon Start Date - 15 days vacation

Completion of 5 years - 20 days vacation

Completion of 10 years - 25 days vacation

Completion of 15 years - 30 days vacation

HOLIDAYS

The following Holidays are observed :

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday

Memorial Day,

Fourth of July Labor Day,

Thanksgiving Day the day after Thanksgiving Day,

Christmas Eve Day Christmas Day,

New Years Eve Day New Years Day.

Two Personal Days are given at the beginning of each year (prorated if hired after July 1 and not available if hired after October 1).

Describe your supervisory experience. How many people have you supervised and to what extent. Identify whether this includes oversight of other supervisors.

Briefly describe your municipal budgeting experience including long range financial management planning. Include the amount of the budget breakdown between general fund and enterprise funds.

Of the City of Sun Prairie's values, which value resonates the most with you and why?

Required Question

Salary : $139,711 - $151,228

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