Finance Director

About the role

The Michigan Senate is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Finance Director to provide financial leadership within a collaborative legislative environment dedicated to public service, accountability, and institutional integrity.

Responsibilities

• Proactively leads the Finance department to meet goals and objectives of the Senate
• Oversees the development of department personnel
• Ensures compliance with state government accounting standards as outlined in the State of Michigan Financial Management Guide
• Manages and oversees the day-to-day accounting, procurement, and financial functions of the Senate
• Ensures accuracy and timeliness of accounting and financial reporting of the Senate accounting system, State of Michigan accounting system, and member Staff and Office Operations Budgets
• Oversees and directs procurement processes and purchasing activity
• Maintains and tracks spending against appropriated funds and tracks self-funded insurance programs
• Manages end-of-year processes, including meeting State of Michigan reporting and closing requirements, oversight of the annual audit conducted by the Auditor General and external auditors, and opening of new fiscal years
• Develops, analyzes, and presents the annual Senate budget and related budget recommendations
• Provides ongoing budget monitoring, financial analysis, and reporting to support informed decision-making
• Captures and coordinates financial data and documentation for public information requests, prepares accurate responses, and maintains supporting records
• Oversees security administration for accounting systems
• Develops business processes that improve the overall effectiveness of financial management, including the implementation of improved methods, systems, and procedures
• Performs management functions for department employees
• Interviews candidates for openings and recommends hires to the Director of the Senate Business Office
• Plans, assigns, and directs work
• Reviews performance, and rewards and disciplines employees
• Addresses complaints, resolves problems, and reviews leave time requests

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required
• CPA preferred
• Minimum of five years’ management experience required
• Minimum of five years’ accounting experience required; governmental and fund accounting experience preferred
• Experience with accounting software administration and/or implementation preferred
• Knowledge of state government operations and the legislative process, including Michigan appropriation laws preferred
• Experience with the State of Michigan accounting system and Financial Management Guide preferred

Skills

• Considerable knowledge of the principles and techniques of management, including organization, planning, staffing, training, budgeting, and reporting
• Comprehensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and financial concepts
• Experience with implementing accounting and financial management best practices
• Ability to select, train, and coach employees and act decisively when performance deviates from standards
• Advanced computer skills in MS Office, accounting software, and databases
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
• Superior attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, and work within time frames that may be rigid, or subject to change on short notice
• Ability to work outside prescribed work hours when necessary
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise professionalism, discretion, and nonpartisanship in interactions with legislators, elected officials, staff, vendors, other agencies, and the public
• Use diplomacy, discretion, and judgment in disseminating information

Benefits

The Senate provides excellent benefits, generous leave programs, and a competitive 401(k) match.

Pay

$120,000 - $160,000

Schedule

At-will position