FINANCE DIRECTOR

FINANCE DIRECTOR

REPORTS TO: City Administrator
FY2027 POSITION PAY GRADE: 74
DEPARTMENT : City Hall
STARTING SALARY RANGE : $103k - $119k/ Year (midpoint) based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.
FLSA STATUS : Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: The Finance Director provides leadership and management for the City of Kearney’s financial and administrative service functions, including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, accounts payable, utility billing, and financial compliance. As a key member of the City Administrator’s Executive Leadership Team, the Director ensures the City’s financial and administrative operations are organized, efficient, and compliant with applicable laws and regulations. The Director supervises departmental staff, coordinates operational workflows, and manages critical financial and reporting deadlines to ensure reliable internal services for all City departments. The position works closely with the City Administrator to communicate financial conditions, support strategic and capital planning, and translate complex financial information into clear and actionable insights that support informed decision-making and long-term fiscal sustainability.

OBJECTIVES

• Lead and develop the Finance and Administrative Services team to build engagement, accountability, and a high-performing, values-driven culture focused on results and continuous improvement.
• Organize and manage the department’s operational workflows and reporting deadlines, ensuring reliable delivery of financial and administrative services including accounting, payroll, accounts payable, utility billing, receipting, licensing, permitting, and municipal court financial administration.
• Establish clear procedures, expectations, and internal deadlines that ensure departmental responsibilities are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Coordinate development of the City’s annual operating and capital budgets, working closely with the City Administrator and department directors to align financial planning with City priorities.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, including monthly financial statements, annual financial reports, and audit preparation that support informed decision-making by the City Administrator and the Board of Aldermen.
• Maintain strong internal controls and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to applicable federal, state, and local laws, accounting standards, and City financial policies.
• Oversee administration of the City’s financial management systems, ensuring effective use of the City’s ERP system (Munis), financial reporting tools, and accounting processes.
• Ensure accurate oversight of City revenue collection systems, including utility billing, cash receipting, deposits, and financial transactions across all departments.
• Support long-term financial sustainability through financial analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning related to revenues, expenditures, debt, and capital investments.
• Strengthen collaboration with other departments to ensure financial processes, reporting, and administrative services effectively support citywide operations and align with City priorities.
• Build public trust through transparency, accountability, and clear communication of financial information.
• Promote continuous improvement by using departmental metrics and performance data to identify opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and service quality.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs and oversees all operations within the Finance and Administrative Services Department, including accounting, payroll, accounts payable, utility billing, cash receipting, and financial reporting.
• Leads supervisors and staff in establishing goals, performance standards, and professional development plans; coaches, trains, and motivates employees to maintain a high-performing team.
• Organizes departmental structure and resources to ensure financial and administrative responsibilities are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Coordinates development of the City’s annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the City Administrator and department directors; monitors financial performance and provides recommendations related to revenues, expenditures, and long-term financial planning.
• Oversees preparation of monthly financial statements, annual financial reports, and supporting documentation required for the City’s annual audit.
• Ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, and applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Maintains and monitors internal control systems and financial procedures that safeguard public funds and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Oversees the City’s revenue collection systems, including utility billing, cash receipting, deposits, and financial transactions across all departments.
• Oversees administration of the City’s financial management systems, including the City’s enterprise resource planning system (Munis), and ensures accurate financial records, reporting capabilities, and system functionality.
• Provides financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting to assist the City Administrator and Board of Aldermen in evaluating financial conditions, policy decisions, and capital investment strategies.
• Coordinates preparation and submission of required financial reports related to tax increment financing (TIF), grants, and other financial programs administered by the City.
• Prepares and administers compliant bid documents, contracts, and financial documentation in accordance with the City’s purchasing policies.
• Works closely with the City Administrator, members of the executive leadership team, auditors, consultants, and financial advisors to support effective financial planning and policy implementation.
• Confers regularly with the City Administrator regarding departmental operations and planning and provides updates, reports and recommendations to assist in prioritizing, planning and making future decisions.
• Engages with residents, businesses, and community stakeholders to provide timely and accurate information about department services and initiatives, gather input, and address concerns with transparency, responsiveness, and respect.
• Represents the City in meetings with auditors, financial institutions, and professional organizations related to municipal finance and administrative services.
• Analyzes departmental performance metrics and identifies opportunities for process improvement and cost savings.
• Promotes transparency, accountability, and exceptional customer service in all interactions with the public and employees.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

COMPETENCIES

• Motivational leadership, coaching, mentoring and personnel management
• Conflict resolution and constructive feedback
• Delegation, accountability and performance management
• Operational leadership and workflow coordination across multiple administrative functions
• Emotional intelligence and relationship management

Strategic and Budget Management

• Governmental budgeting and financial planning
• Financial analysis, forecasting, and long-range financial planning
• Resource allocation and cost management
• Debt management and capital financing strategies
• Data-driven decision-making and performance analysis

Technical and Operational Expertise

• Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements
• Municipal financial reporting and audit preparation
• Financial systems administration, including enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as Munis
• Utility revenue management, receipting, and financial transaction oversight
• Payroll, accounts payable, and financial operations administration

Regulatory and Safety Compliance

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local grant compliance and reporting
• Internal control systems and financial risk management
• Audit coordination and regulatory reporting
• Compliance with municipal finance laws, policies, and reporting requirements

Communication and Collaboration

• Clear written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear insights for decision-makers
• Interdepartmental coordination and collaboration
• Public communication and presentation of financial information

Innovation and Continuous Improvement

• Process analysis and operational improvement
• Performance measurement and benchmarking
• Technology integration in financial management systems
• Change management and creative problem-solving
• Proficiency with standard office and project management software, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business or public administration or a closely related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in governmental finance, accounting, or municipal financial management, including at least three (3) years of supervisory, budgetary, and management responsibility, preferably in a public sector environment; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Experience managing departmental operations, supervising staff, and coordinating multiple financial or administrative workflows is strongly preferred.
Licenses or Certifications: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Finance Officer (CFGO), or other relevant municipal finance certification preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE AND CONDITIONS

The Finance and Administrative Services Director is a full-time, FLSA-exempt, executive leadership position that requires attendance at evening meetings, emergency responses, and extended hours during critical events. The position demands a high level of commitment and accountability, and the Director is expected to work the hours necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the role, which may exceed a standard 40-hour workweek. This is a results-driven position requiring proactive engagement, creativity, innovation, flexibility, and dedication to public service – as well as a genuine love of helping people and leaving things better than you found them. The work is challenging, fast-paced, and deeply rewarding for those motivated by making a difference in the community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment. The employee may be required to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment for extended periods of time. The employee may occasionally be required to lift or carry items weighing up to 25 pounds. The position requires attendance at meetings, conferences, or other professional events outside the office environment.

ABOUT US

The City of Kearney serves to create a thriving, sustainable and desirable community. Our core values are integrity, compassion, service, and teamwork. We are honest and transparent in our communications and operations. We treat all people with respect and dignity. We express ourselves in a genuine and honest way. We apply the laws and rules that govern us to every decision we make and every action we take. We are kind, friendly and considerate towards the community and our colleagues, regardless of their status or disagreement with us. We listen well and seek to understand before responding. We nurture and embrace differing perspectives to make better decisions. We care about our community and are sensitive to its needs. We work towards mutually beneficial solutions to get to yes for positive outcomes. We believe learning never stops and are committed to continuous improvement. We admit mistakes freely and openly so that we can learn and become better. We are passionate about helping others and making Kearney a better place to live, work and visit. We recognize and appreciate that our differences make us stronger and smarter, allowing us to do amazing things for Kearney. We question actions inconsistent with our values and provide candid, helpful, and timely feedback to our colleagues. We take responsibility for our actions and decisions and following through on our commitments and promises. We value creativity, a positive attitude and enjoying ourselves at work.

The City of Kearney offers a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, 13 paid holidays, 4 weeks paid vacation, sick time and the L-7 Missouri LAGERS retirement pension for all full-time employees.We also offer a wellness plan, tuition reimbursement, annual service awards and an Employee Assistance Program.

The City of Kearney is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.