Deputy Director of Finance City of Central Falls

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Department

Finance

Reports To

Director of Finance

FLSA Status

Exempt

Position Summary

The Deputy Finance Director is a senior-level administrative professional responsible for assisting the Director of Finance in the planning, coordination, administration, and oversight of the City's financial operations. The position manages daily accounting functions, financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, budget administration, and audit coordination while ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and generally accepted governmental accounting standards (GASB).

The Deputy Finance Director serves as a key member of the City's leadership team, providing financial guidance to departments, supervising assigned staff, and ensuring the integrity of the City's financial systems and reporting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Finance in the administration and management of all municipal finance operations.
• Coordinate daily accounting activities, including general ledger maintenance, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly reconciliation of all asset, liability, equity, revenue, and expenditure accounts.
• Monitor cash flow and oversee the City's banking relationships and cash management activities.
• Supervise accounts payable, payroll, tax collection, and other assigned finance personnel.
• Prepare, review, and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Assist with the preparation, monitoring, and administration of the City's annual operating and capital budgets.
• Coordinate and manage the annual external audit, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to auditor inquiries.
• Prepare annual accruals, depreciation schedules, and fixed asset accounting.
• Ensure compliance with Rhode Island General Laws, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements, Internal Revenue Service regulations, Office of the Auditor General requirements, and municipal policies.
• Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls and financial policies designed to safeguard municipal assets.
• Recommend improvements to accounting procedures, financial reporting systems, and business processes.
• Review financial transactions for accuracy and compliance with established policies.
• Assist in grant accounting, reporting, and compliance monitoring as assigned.
• Participate in long-range financial planning and forecasting.
• Prepare reports and presentations for the Mayor, City Council, Finance Director, and other municipal officials.
• Attend City Council meetings, committee meetings, budget hearings, and other public meetings as required.
• Provide technical guidance and financial support to department directors and managers.
• Serve as Acting Director of Finance during the Director's absence when designated.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of GASB standards, municipal budgeting, treasury management, and public finance.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, auditing principles, and financial reporting.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to supervise, motivate, and develop staff.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• Experience with municipal financial management software is preferred.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, auditors, vendors, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.

Experience

• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting, municipal finance, public sector budgeting, or financial management.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience with governmental financial reporting and external audits is highly desirable.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience in municipal government.
• Knowledge of Rhode Island municipal finance laws and regulations.
• Bilingual proficiency, particularly Spanish or Portuguese, is desirable.

Physical Requirements

Work is performed primarily in an office environment requiring prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and occasional lifting of files and office materials up to 20 pounds. The employee may be required to attend evening meetings and public hearings.

Working Conditions

This position operates in a professional office environment with regular interaction with elected officials, department directors, employees, auditors, and members of the public. The position may require attendance at evening meetings and occasional work beyond normal business hours during budget preparation, year-end closing, or audit periods.