FINANCE DIRECTOR/CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO)

About the role

The Finance Director/CFO is a member of the City's executive management team and functions under the general direction of the Mayor. The major responsibilities of the position include:

• Advises the Mayor, City Council, and staff regarding sound financial practices and policies, financial planning, and funding strategies.
• Directs and manages activities related to the City's budget, financial and accounting reporting systems, and audits.
• Develops the annual budget format, coordinates the budget process, and prepares the budget document; reviews all proposed budget amendments and ordinances.
• Manages the development and implementation of departmental operating procedures; approves updates and changes to departmental procedures.
• Reviews key financial operations and activities at regular intervals to ensure standard operating procedures are followed and performance standards are met; recommends and/or implements changes to same.
• Manages and monitors financial matters related to risk management, and coordinates with Legal and Human Resources Divisions on worker's compensation and/or liability claims, as needed.
• Directs procurement of insurance products.
• Develops and ensures compliance with policies related to all City financial and purchasing functions.
• Attends City Council and other meetings as required and prepares items for Council action.
• Develops systems to monitor the fiscal status of all City functions, prepares reports, and regularly reviews and advises the Mayor on fiscal condition, changes, and trends.
• Manages and monitors financial matters related to risk management, and coordinates with Legal and Human Resources Divisions on worker's compensation and/or liability claims, as needed.
• Maintains effective relationships with other City departments and governmental officials, community leaders, citizens, news media representatives, etc.

Responsibilities

The major responsibilities of the position include the following:

• Advises the Mayor, City Council, and staff regarding sound financial practices and policies, financial planning, and funding strategies.
• Directs and manages activities related to the City's budget, financial and accounting reporting systems, and audits.
• Develops the annual budget format, coordinates the budget process, and prepares the budget document; reviews all proposed budget amendments and ordinances.
• Manages the development and implementation of departmental operating procedures; approves updates and changes to departmental procedures.
• Reviews key financial operations and activities at regular intervals to ensure standard operating procedures are followed and performance standards are met; recommends and/or implements changes to same.
• Manages and monitors financial matters related to risk management, and coordinates with Legal and Human Resources Divisions on worker's compensation and/or liability claims, as needed.
• Directs procurement of insurance products.
• Develops and ensures compliance with policies related to all City financial and purchasing functions.
• Attends City Council and other meetings as required and prepares items for Council action.
• Develops systems to monitor the fiscal status of all City functions, prepares reports, and regularly reviews and advises the Mayor on fiscal condition, changes, and trends.
• Maintains effective relationships with other City departments and governmental officials, community leaders, citizens, news media representatives, etc.

Requirements

Required qualifications include:

• A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field.
• A master's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, or another relevant field is desirable but not required.
• At least ten (10) years of progressive executive experience in governmental budgeting and financial planning and management, including preparation of governmental comprehensive annual financial reports (CAFR).
• Extensive experience in all aspects of accounting, general ledger control, financial reporting, debt issuance, investments, banking, accounts payable and revenue billing, and collection.

Qualifications

Desirable qualifications include:

• Ability to plan, organize, analyze, and direct the comprehensive financial programs of a municipal finance department and communicate complex information effectively regarding the City's finances and financial programs to a wide variety of audiences.
• Committed to responsible fiscal stewardship.
• Committed to staff development and involvement, with an intentional focus on developing future leaders for the department and the City.
• Exceptional aptitude to anticipate and solve problems, identify alternative courses of action, and to prepare, present, and defend proactive recommendations.
• Commitment to responsive and dedicated customer service.
• Excellent communication skills, including listening actively, presenting effectively, and creating documents and reports that are clear and concise.
• Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of modern municipal financial management, including municipal budgeting, government fund accounting, financial forecasting, financial controls, audits, and financial planning.
• Thorough knowledge of controlling laws, regulations, and rules governing financial management.
• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of public procurement.
• Thorough knowledge of financial systems and technologies.
• Knowledge of risk management, including claims management, insurance, and liability.

Skills

The City considers the following skills, abilities, knowledge, and commitments to be essential for the successful candidate:

• Ability to plan, organize, analyze, and direct the comprehensive financial programs of a municipal finance department and communicate complex information effectively regarding the City's finances and financial programs to a wide variety of audiences.
• Committed to responsible fiscal stewardship.
• Committed to staff development and involvement, with an intentional focus on developing future leaders for the department and the City.
• Exceptional aptitude to anticipate and solve problems, identify alternative courses of action, and to prepare, present, and defend proactive recommendations.
• Commitment to responsive and dedicated customer service.
• Excellent communication skills, including listening actively, presenting effectively, and creating documents and reports that are clear and concise.
• Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of modern municipal financial management, including municipal budgeting, government fund accounting, financial forecasting, financial controls, audits, and financial planning.
• Thorough knowledge of controlling laws, regulations, and rules governing financial management.
• Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of public procurement.
• Thorough knowledge of financial systems and technologies.
• Knowledge of risk management, including claims management, insurance, and liability.