Finance Director
General Description:
The Director of Finance performs a variety of tasks including planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating all significant fiscal and related administrative functions for the delivery of effective and efficient accounting and financial systems, policies, and processes that meet the current and future requirements of the City. Financial services provided by the department include budgeting, accounting, financial reports, investment of city funds, financial policy development, debt management, billing, purchasing, pension fund support, and related functions.
The Director of Finance is part of and located in the Department of Administration. The Director of Finance reports to and works under the Business Administrator. The Director of Finance will work closely with the members of the Finance Office and the Mayor and Department Directors, in addition to engaging in regular dialogue with City Council, the City Controller, the City’s financial advisor, and entities providing any technical assistance.
Essential Position Functions:
- Plans and directs finance department goals and monitors performance through weekly meetings, monthly reports, and defined work schedules;
- Develops, proposes, and implements financial policies and procedures pursuant to Pennsylvania law, the City Charter and Administrative Code.
- Proposes investment of City funds pursuant to approved policies;
- Produces timely investment reports stating the effectiveness of the chosen investment policy;
- Assists the Mayor and Business Administrator with the direction of budgeting procedures, development of financial trends, cash flow analysis, fiscal forecast, annual audit, and budget monitoring programs;
- Works with the Finance Manager to maintain proper fund accounting procedures;
- Works with technical assistance providers to bring capabilities in-house at City;
- Oversees the preparation of monthly financial reports showing revenues and expenses to date in comparison with budget estimates and prior year actuals;
- Assists the Business Administrator with budget performance and recommends budget modifications during the fiscal year by reviewing year to date revenue and expenditure experience and assists in preparing the budget;
- Assists with monitoring the city’s cash position to ensure sufficient funds to maintain vital and necessary services and to meet financial obligations;
- Coordinates activities with Finance Manager and City Treasurer as to the receipt and disbursement of City funds;
- Coordinates with local, state and federal agencies charged with collection and disbursement of all City revenues, including taxes, assessments, fees, charges and other impositions;
- Develops financing plans in support of the City’s capital improvement program including debt refinancing;
- Assists the City in bond sales and meetings with rating agencies; and
- Performs related work as may be required.
Preferred Training, Experience, Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities
Education and Experience:
(A) Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration or a closely related field and one (1) year of experience in public accounting, including local government experience in a management capacity including the supervision of professional staff; or
(B) Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration, or a closely related field, and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance or public accounting, including local government experience, and three (3) years in a management capacity including the supervision of professional staff; or
(C) Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance or public accounting, including local government experience, and four (4) years in a management capacity including the supervision of professional staff.
The ideal candidate must possess extensive knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices of local government financial administration, including generally accepted principles for local governments and governmental accounting standards.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of modern governmental accounting theory, principles, and practices (GAAP and GASB)
- Knowledge of internal control procedures and risk assessment
- Knowledge of public fiscal planning and budgeting
- Knowledge of computerized financial accounting and reporting systems and applications
- Proficient in the use of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint computer applications
- Experience with Federal and State single audit requirements
- Skilled in detailed oriented budgetary and fiscal controls and adept at effectively utilizing limited resources while maintaining a high level of service
- Interpersonal style that fosters trust and respect
- Operates with professionalism and discretion at all times
- Excellent communicator, both orally and in writing, with an ability to make effective presentations
Nothing in this position description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
