Director of Finance

Director Of Finance

The Town of Hamden is seeking qualified individuals to fill the role of Director of Finance. In accordance with the Town Charter and Connecticut General Statues the Director of Finance is responsible for the financial health of the municipality. Key responsibilities include accounting, investment management, data analysis, auditing, budget development, property valuation, tax collection, risk mitigation, and procurement. The role also entails strategic planning, policy development, and supervision of the finance department and its divisions.

Supervision Received: Receives policy direction and administrative supervision from the Mayor. Performs work with considerable independence. Prepares regular statistical and narrative reports, including financial statements, for the Mayor and Legislative Council.

Examples of Essential Job Functions: Drafts and recommends policy to the Mayor and plans for the implementation of financial management goals and objectives; directs the operations of the Finance Department through various divisional officers, and evaluates and administers financial management programs such as Town financial reporting, Town budgeting, data processing services, cash management, risk management, internal and external auditing, purchasing, payroll, property assessment, and tax collection.

Directs the preparation of the annual Town budget and of the Finance Department budget, and presents and defends the budget request before the Legislative Council; directs and controls the expenditure of Town and Department fund allocations within the constraints of approved budgets; directs the administration of Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Compensation claims; coordinates the efforts of external auditors in their review of Town financial management; builds and maintain positive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including elected officials, community leaders, and residents; serves on the Town Retirement Board and reports to the Finance Commission; trains departmental personnel in financial management principles and practices; performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of municipal financial administration, including accounting, budgeting, purchasing and investing required; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration as applied to a wide range of municipal functions; thorough knowledge of the laws, regulations and standards pertaining to municipal financial management; good knowledge of municipal data processing principles and practices, especially as applied to financial management.

Exceptional ability to articulate ideas clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing to staff, supervisors and general public. Demonstrated ability to effectively manage the operations of a municipal finance department and lead a team of professionals; demonstrated ability to create and implement effective short-term and long-term plans that align with organizational goals; ability to make sound judgments and solve complex problems in a fast-paced and resource-constrained environment.

Ability to prepare financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; ability to critically evaluate municipal financial systems and identify areas for improvement; ability to prepare statistical as well as narrative reports; ability to apply state and federal laws, Town Ordinances, department policies, procedures, rules and regulations to determine necessary action.

Knowledge of Munis or similar financial databases/systems preferred.

Minimum Qualifications Required: A Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university in Business Administration, Accounting, Public Finance or some closely related field, and seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in financial management, including three (3) years in a supervisory capacity or any equivalent combination of education and municipal experience. A Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration or CPA designation may be substituted for two (2) years of practical experience. Experience in municipal financial management strongly preferred.

Salary Range: $155,000-$200,000

The above description is illustrative of the tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and responsibility. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

NOTE: This position, pursuant to the Town Charter is a Mayoral Appointment, subject to approval by the Town's Legislative Council. The incumbent serves at the pleasure of the Mayor. Recruitment, evaluation, and selection of candidates will be in accordance with recognized principles of public employee selection.

Completed applications and detailed resumes can be sent to: Human Resources Department, Hamden Government Center, 2750 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT 06518. Or emailed to Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. This recruitment will be open until filled.