Finance Director

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

For more information about this position and the City of Johnston please review the Finance Director brochure 

This position will remain open until filled, applicants are encouraged to apply before September 25, 2026 at 5:00pm CST for initial consideration.

Summary:

Under general direction of the City Administrator, this key-leader professional directs, coordinates, and evaluates the overall financial activities of the City including budgeting, cash management and investing, accounting and auditing, and financial reporting, while maintaining standards of excellence necessary to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, elected officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters collaborative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the City Administrator in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

Examples of Duties:

The following duties are normal for this position but dependent upon the level of skill, ability, and experience of the individual. They are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Responsible for managing all financial matters of the City, including but not limited to Chapter 7, Financial Management, and Chapter 19, City Finance Director/Treasurer, of the Johnston Code of Ordinances.
• Leads the Finance Department, setting goals and objectives in line with the City's overall strategic priorities.
• Directs the development of and implements approved financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard assets, ensure the integrity of fiscal data, and promote legal and regulatory compliance related to financial processes within the City of Johnston.
• Oversees the development and implementation of financial operations within the City, including the operating budget and capital improvement program, bond sales, purchasing procedures, financial reports, reporting guidelines and fixed assets accounting.
• Provides leadership, direction, and professional development opportunities to Finance Department staff .
• Oversees the development of long-range financial forecasts for the City.
• Develops and administers the departmental budget and ensures that all operations of the department are within authorized resources (i.e., budget, staffing).
• Prepares, edits, reviews, organizes and conveys summary financial information for City Council, City Administrator, department directors, City employees and the public.
• Fosters collaboration with other departments and serves as the financial liaison to intergovernmental entities and regulatory agencies.
• Leads the City in preparing relevant cost data related to collective bargaining, and assists HR in preparing contract proposals and contract language as well as the administration of collective bargaining agreements.
• Assists in developing and executing a strategy for the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), including management of TIF debt, financial incentives, rebate programs, state certifications and annual reporting requirements.
• Manages the City's cash and investments, including cash flow analysis, banking operations, investment of funds and merchant card services.
• Oversees the reconciliation of bank statements for all City banking activity, and certifies the balance of cash and investments of each fund.
• Develops and implements special accounting information systems and reports, including financial statements and the Treasurer's report.
• Oversees coordination of the annual City audit.
• Undertakes continuing education to keep up-to-date with professional standards and innovations in municipal finance, and stay informed of any legislative and regulatory changes that may impact the City’s financial policies and practices.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Governmental Accounting Principles. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of current principles and practices of municipal finance operations and auditing procedures. 
• Ability to perform and oversee complex financial auditing and reporting procedures within a municipality. 
• Ability to provide administrative direction within a municipal department and to supervise, train, evaluate and lead the work of others. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language. 
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions. 
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations. 
• Ability to operate a computer using standard or customized software applications. 
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions. 
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time sensitive deadlines. 
• Ability and willingness to learn quickly and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Work is performed in a typical office or administrative environment.
• Work involving sitting, walking, standing, occasionally bending, lifting and carrying paper and related light objects generally weighing 10 lbs. or less.
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to review a wide variety of written material in both electronic and hard copy;
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer and related equipment;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to function within the general office environment.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all inclusive. Employees may need to perform other duties consistent with the role and function of the classification as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, or related field; or A
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work is required. 
• At least (5) five years of increasingly responsible experience in governmental finance operations, including supervisory experience.
• Experience in municipal finance is strongly preferred. 
• Professional certification or advanced credentials such as CPA, CPFO, or MPA are also preferred.

Supplemental Requirement:

• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Iowa driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
• Ability to successfully pass DCI background check.
• Required to complete a pre-employment offer physical examination and drug screening.