Director of Finance

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the City Manager, the Finance Director plans, organizes, and directs the city's financial activities, including debt management, cash management, purchasing, general accounting, investments, financial planning, payroll, and Utility Billing.

Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions may include the following. Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the job's essential functions can be performed. Other related duties may be assigned.

1. Directs and manages the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service and operational area; oversees the development and implementation of policies and plans related to departmental service and operations.
2. Plans, organizes, and directs general ledger accounting, including payroll, accounts payable, utility billing, service fees, etc.
3. Ensures the highest financial accountability and transparency to the City Council, City management, and citizens; maintains and encourages the highest ethical standards.
4. Manages and directs the administration of the City’s accounting operations, which includes overseeing the City’s financial system. Establishes and enforces financial policies, ensures adherence to Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, and produces monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial reports.
5. Ensures proper internal financial controls are established and followed.
6. Serves as the City’s liaison with external auditors, financial advisors, and bond counsel.
7. Establishes and maintains accounts receivable processes for all receivables to the City, including the use of collection agencies, law firms, and other collection resources; manages and controls the accounts payable process for the City.
8. Establishes and oversees accounting procedures and internal controls for cash receipts and disbursements.
9. Advises the City Manager on financial matters; formulates and oversees the City's investment policies; and provides long-term and strategic financial support for the City’s public projects.
10. Prepares the request for proposal for audit services, evaluates proposals received, and presents firms to City Council; Coordinates and assists with the annual financial audit with the external auditors.
11. Understands and applies federal, state, and local accounting practices and regulations.
12. Prepares financial summary and forecast reports for revenues, expenditures, and fund balances and presents them to the City Council monthly.
13. Manages City lines, including processing, reporting, and calculating amounts owed; ensures that paid lines are released and recorded.
14. Calculates the city's effective tax rate and presents it to the city manager and city council; acts as liaison to Ellis County and Dallas County Central Appraisal Districts to evaluate properties and develop revenue forecasts.
15. Review and revise the Finance Department's policies and procedures.
16. Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates assigned staff; performs performance evaluations; counsels and interviews employees’ on-the-job performance; resolves informal complaints and grievances; and takes necessary disciplinary action by City policies.
17. Oversees the budget development process with City Management and Department Heads.
18. Prepares annual budget book and presentations for City Manager and City Council.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field, Master’s Degree preferred, and
• 5 years of experience in municipal or government accounting and finance or related areas and
• 2 years of supervisory experience or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the job's essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced skills in analyzing and interpreting fiscal and accounting information; preparing accurate and timely financial statements and reports.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
• Ability to understand, interpret, explain, and apply city, state, and federal laws regulating City financial accounting, reporting and recordkeeping, investment of funds, and borrowing.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of governmental accounting and the regulations governing the reporting of municipal government financial activities
• Comprehensive knowledge of budget preparation, projection, development, management, and justification practices and procedures
• Ability to develop and maintain a positive working relationship with staff, fellow employees, elected officials, supervisors, citizens, business, and community groups.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive information and to comply with all records retention laws.
• Ability to elicit respect and trust through actions and leads by example.
• Ability to provide leadership, counsel, motivation, and constructive performance reviews to staff.
• Ability to respond to and manage emergencies and incidents.
• Ability to develop and implement City policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Comprehensive abilities in problem-solving, conflict management, and customer relations techniques
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Proficient skills in payroll, billing, and budget application management
• Comprehensive knowledge of municipal accounting and finance regulations

Licenses and Certifications:

• CPA preferred but not required.
• A Certified Government Finance Officer is preferred but not required.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

The work environment and physical demands described here represent those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The incumbent works in a typical office environment with little or no exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards. It requires lifting up to twenty-five pounds and includes repetitive actions while sitting or standing. It may require sitting and working at a computer for extended periods.
• Required to work some nights and weekends.