Director of Finance

About the role

The City of Decatur is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking municipal finance leader with deep expertise in governmental accounting, budgeting, treasury management, and long-range financial planning.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Leadership
  Oversees all fiscal affairs of the City, including accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and risk management.
  Serves as trusted financial advisor to the City Manager and City Council on fiscal policy, long-range financial planning, and funding strategies — including tax strategies and debt issuance — that support City operations and community development.
  Leads long-range financial planning forecasts for all City funds in collaboration with Department Directors.
  Evaluates financial trends, economic conditions, and operational impacts to inform decision-making and long-term fiscal sustainability.

• Budget & Reporting
  Directs the preparation and administration of the annual operating and capital budgets.
  Leads the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.
  Ensures accurate, transparent, and timely financial reporting to all stakeholders.
  Maintains compliance with applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations, reporting requirements, and internal financial controls.
  Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with external auditors, financial institutions, and regulatory agencies.

• Treasury, Debt & Investment Management
  Manages issuance and administration of long-term debt instruments.
  Develops and executes investment policies; oversees day-to-day investment of City funds.
  Monitors cash flow, financial reserves, and debt capacity to sustain the City's long-term financial health and advance strategic priorities.

• Procurement & Risk Management
  Oversees centralized purchasing of goods and services across all City departments in alignment with City objectives.
  Directs risk management functions to safeguard City assets and ensure financial stability.
  Promotes a culture of sound financial stewardship through effective internal controls, purchasing practices, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Technology & Innovation
  Evaluates and implements financial systems and customer service technology, including online payment platforms and digital processing solutions.
  Leads modernization and continuous improvement initiatives across financial operations and service delivery.

• Leadership & Staff Development
  Provides leadership and strategic direction for a Finance Department of approximately 25 employees, including direct supervision and evaluation of seven management and supervisory staff members.
  Fosters a collaborative, high-performing team culture and builds strong cross-departmental partnerships to support effective financial planning, operational coordination, and organizational goals.

Qualifications and Preferred Skills

• Education & Certification
  Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, public administration, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
  CPA, CGFM, or CPFO certification preferred.

• Experience
  Ten years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or budgeting, including at least three years in a supervisory or management role, preferably within a municipal or governmental setting.

• Technical Knowledge & Skills
  Comprehensive knowledge of governmental fund accounting, financial controls, public budgeting, financial forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
  Thorough knowledge of GASB rules and pronouncements, particularly those related to municipal accounting, debt issuance, and revenue administration.
  Thorough knowledge of financial automation systems, treasury management, cash management, and procurement practices.
  Demonstrated ability to develop, administer, and monitor complex operating and capital budgets in compliance with professional and statutory guidelines.
  Demonstrated ability to evaluate, implement, and optimize ERP and financial technologies, including online billing, payment platforms, and customer service solutions.
  Demonstrated ability to ensure ongoing compliance with state and federal financial reporting requirements.

• Communication & Leadership
  Demonstrated ability to analyze complex financial data and communicate findings and recommendations clearly and effectively to elected officials, City leadership, and community stakeholders.
  Proven leadership skills, including the ability to mentor and develop staff, build collaborative cross-departmental relationships, and foster a high-performing team environment.
  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department directors, employees, external agencies, and the public.