ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Finance Director, the Assistant Finance Director is a working manager responsible for the daily execution and oversight of the City’s accounting operations, financial reporting, audit preparation, cash management, and internal controls. This position combines advanced technical accounting responsibilities with direct supervision of staff and hands-on involvement in core financial processes.

The Assistant Finance Director serves as the senior technical accounting authority for the City’s accounting operations and ensures the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of all financial records. The role actively participates in month-end close, bank reconciliations, audit schedules, and coordination and technical review of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).

This position represents the Finance Department in meetings and presentations as assigned and provides opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within the Finance Department.

The Assistant Finance Director directly supervises assigned Finance staff, including but not limited to the Senior Accounting Specialist, Accountant, Intern, Budget Manager, and Procurement Manager.

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Working Management & Supervision

• Directly supervises assigned Finance staff, including but not limited to the Senior Accounting Specialist, Accountant, Intern, Budget Manager, and Procurement Manager.
• Assigns work, establishes priorities, evaluates performance, and provides training and professional development.
• Serves as a hands-on technical resource for complex accounting issues, reconciliations, and problem resolution.
• Ensures adequate staffing coverage and continuity of critical financial functions.

Monthly Close & Financial Reporting

• Oversees and actively participates in the monthly close process.
• Reviews and approves:
  • Bank reconciliations
  • Balance sheet and revenue reconciliations
  • Journal entries
  • Financial statements and internal reports
• Prepares and reviews monthly financial reports for executive leadership and City Council.

Audit & ACFR Coordination

• Leads and actively works on the annual external audit process under the direction of the Finance Director.
• Prepares audit schedules, confirmations, reconciliations, and supporting documentation.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Coordinates with auditors on the preparation and review of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).
• Reviews draft ACFR schedules, statements, and disclosures for accuracy, compliance, and consistency with City records.
• Ensures City records fully support audited financial statements and disclosures.
• Ensures timely resolution of audit findings and implementation of recommendations.

Cash, Banking & Investment Oversight

• Reviews and approves all bank reconciliations.
• Oversees the City’s cash position, including:
  • Cash flow monitoring
  • Investment summaries
  • Collateralization reports
  • Compliance with state investment laws
• Reviews revenue deposits, cash activity, and related reconciliations.

Internal Controls & Process Improvement

• Maintains and strengthens internal controls over:
  • Cash handling
  • Revenue recognition
  • Accounts payable and procurement
  • Capital assets
  • Payroll-related accounting
• Identifies inefficiencies, risks, and compliance issues and implements corrective actions.
• Assists with development, updates, and enforcement of financial policies and procedures.

Capital Assets & Compliance

• Oversees capital asset accounting, inventory records, depreciation schedules, and audit support.
• Reviews capital asset reports for ACFR compliance and accuracy.
• Oversees preparation and review of annual compliance filings, including OPEB and other required regulatory reports.

Procurement Oversight

• Provides oversight of procurement and accounts payable operations through the Procurement Manager.
• Reviews high-risk or complex purchasing transactions.
• Ensures compliance with City purchasing policies, contract requirements, and state procurement laws.

Systems & Reporting

• Assists with maintenance and improvement of the City’s financial ERP system.
• Helps develop reporting tools, workflows, and reconciliation processes.
• Supports system implementations and enhancements affecting Finance operations.

Council & Executive Communication

• Prepares and presents financial reports, audit results, budget information, and special projects to City Council and executive leadership as assigned.
• Represents the Finance Department in interdepartmental meetings and external discussions when delegated by the Finance Director.
• Assists in responding to Council inquiries and public financial questions.

Support to Finance Director & Leadership Development

• Provides advanced technical and operational support to the Finance Director in accounting, audit, reporting, and compliance matters.
• Assists with preparation of complex financial analyses, schedules, and reports.
• Supports departmental planning through process improvement, documentation, and workflow development.
• Participates in special projects and initiatives that build experience in departmental leadership and management.
• Serves as acting Finance Director for operational matters in the Finance Director’s absence, as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a closely related field and five (5) or more years of relevant accounting or finance experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred experience includes –

• Demonstrated analytical skills, including the ability to interpret complex financial data, identify trends, and support sound financial decision-making
• Bank reconciliations
• Governmental accounting and financial reporting
• GAAP and GASB standards and implementation
• External audit coordination and review
• CPA, CGFO, or similar professional certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Advanced knowledge of public accounting, governmental accounting, utility accounting, fixed assets accounting, finance, budgeting and auditing principles, procedures and techniques;
• Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of public financial administration, including budget preparation;
• Advanced knowledge of statistical methods, techniques and financial report preparation;
• Advanced knowledge of computerized financial system design and analysis;
• Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of fund investing procedures and cash management;
• Knowledge of administrative practices and principles including goal setting, program budget development and implementation;
• Knowledge of City ordinances, City investment policies and bond agreements, property tax allocation, property tax billing, federal and state payroll taxes and laws governing local governments;
• Knowledge of general office procedures, policies and equipment
• Work effectively with people from all backgrounds, with dignity and respect
• Establish and develop productive, positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally;
• Show respect and understanding of diverse points of view
• Ability to communicate effectively about the City's finances to individuals and groups;
• Ability to interpret and apply related federal, state and local laws;
• Ability to apply sound administrative and fiscal practices;
• Ability to write clear, comprehensive explanatory texts to accompany financial reports;
• Ability to prepare accounting/financial data projections;
• Ability to present ideas effectively orally and in writing;
• Ability to supervise the work of departmental staff including, coordinating, assigning, monitoring, and evaluating work; hiring, training, counseling, and disciplining staff; and processing grievances;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other City employees/departments, City officials, and the public;

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requires the incumbent to sit at desk with intermittent standing, walking, or occasionally lifting objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The incumbent regularly make decisions that could lead to major community or organizational consequences if there is a failure to make the appropriate decision at the time.