Assistant Finance Director

Job Description

Job Description

Please click the link at the bottom of the page to view the Assistant Finance Director flyer for more information.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Finance Director, the Assistant Finance Director is expected to have a strong working knowledge of generally accepted governmental accounting principles and practices and will assist with all financial operations. This position performs a variety of highly technical financial tasks, including but not limited to accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, debt management, capital projects, audit coordination, grant reporting, purchasing, payroll, equipment replacement, and special projects as assigned.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated professional who takes initiative, anticipates needs, and approaches challenges with proactive and critical thinking. This role requires the ability to work independently while maintaining strong collaboration across departments. The Assistant Finance Director will also assist in overseeing utility department personnel and the utility billing process.

This position is required to be on-site for all scheduled hours.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Maintains accuracy of the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers.
• Assists with month-end and quarterly closing processes, including reconciliations and reporting requirements.
• Prepares journal entries as assigned.
• Reviews bank reconciliations.
• Reviews accounts payable transactions for proper coding and compliance with City purchasing policies.
• May process accounts receivable and payable and perform backup payroll duties as needed.
• Participates in the year-end audit process; compiles and prepares supporting schedules, work papers, and financial reports as requested.
• Assists in the preparation and review of the annual budget.
• Assists in the preparation of the comprehensive annual financial report.
• Assists in developing and performing internal control procedures to ensure a strong control environment.
• Monitors and reviews utility billing and collection efforts to ensure accurate recording of accounts receivable and revenue collection.
• Maintains working knowledge of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Meter Data Management (MDM) systems.
• Ensures all customer service interactions with Utility Department staff are professional, responsive, and solution-oriented.
• Assists the Utility Department in handling customer inquiries or complaints with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Monitors performance of Utility Department staff, providing constructive feedback and fostering continuous improvement.
• Maintains current knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Governmental Accounting Standards Board updates.
• Demonstrates initiative by identifying process improvements, addressing issues proactively, and contributing to operational efficiencies.
• Exercises independent judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving in complex financial and operational matters.
• Demonstrates courteous, cooperative, and team-oriented behavior in all interactions.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
• Upholds the highest standards of ethical conduct, accountability, and integrity in all responsibilities.
• Regular and punctual attendance is required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of fiscal programs, governmental accounting, and budget control methods, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations and the ability to apply them appropriately.
• Proficiency in spreadsheet applications and advanced computerized accounting systems.
• Knowledge of budgeting procedures and formats.
• Knowledge of utility billing practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of cash handling procedures.
• Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.
• Ability to think critically, analyze complex data, and develop proactive solutions to financial and operational challenges.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while demonstrating strong initiative and accountability.
• Ability to lead a team, resolve conflicts, and foster a collaborative, respectful work environment.
• Ability to monitor staff performance and provide effective coaching and feedback.
• Ability to handle high-stress or emotionally charged situations professionally and tactfully.
• Ability to interpret and apply accounting principles and theory.
• Ability to work accurately with numerical detail.
• Ability to analyze, consolidate, and interpret accounting data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to perform tasks effectively and efficiently while managing competing priorities.
• Ability to present a professional appearance and conduct when representing the City.
• Ability to work cooperatively and build effective relationships with staff, other agencies, and the public.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

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

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience in governmental finance, budgeting, accounting, or a related field
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or public sector financial management, including 2 years of supervisory or lead experience.
• Governmental accounting experience is preferred but not required.
• CGFO certification must be obtained in a reasonable time frame based on conference availability.
• CPA preferred but not required.
• Must be bondable.
• Valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license with an insurable record.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to read a computer screen or documents, grasp, handle, feel, type, listen, hear, see, speak, walk, and sit. May be required to drive on occasion. The employee is frequently required to bend, stoop, reach overhead, crouch, carry, and lift up to 35lbs. Work is generally performed in a climate-controlled office with minimal exposure to outdoor weather conditions. This position may be exposed to stressful or high emotion interactions with irate or difficult customers.