Director of Finance

City Treasurer

The Director of Finance serves as the City of Hyattsville's Chief Financial Officer and City Treasurer, a Charter-established office, and is responsible for the overall financial management and fiscal health of the City. Reporting to the City Administrator and accountable to the Mayor and City Council, the Director leads the Department of Finance in delivering high-quality business and financial planning, analysis, and advisory services to every operating department. The Department's core functions include annual budget development and administration, investment management, debt management, general accounting, purchasing, revenue collection and management, accounts payable, payroll, and audit management. The Director also maintains the accounting systems and records that accurately reflect the City's financial condition and directs debt management, financial administration, compliance, collection, and disbursement of all City funds. As the City's chief steward of public resources, the Director provides technical expertise to City leadership, safeguards the integrity of the City's financial reporting, and ensures compliance with all applicable City, State, and federal financial policies, laws, and sound fiscal practices — supporting the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, and operating departments in the responsible management of the City's financial assets. This is a highly visible position. The City is seeking a finance leader who will strengthen internal controls, restore and sustain timely and accurate financial reporting, and ensure transparency in the City's financial position to elected officials and the public.

Example of Duties

The duties below are representative of the work performed. They are not exhaustive, and the incumbent may be assigned other duties consistent with the scope of the position.

Budget Development and Fiscal Planning

• Develop, administer, and monitor the City's annual operating and capital budgets, including preparation of the recommended budget, budget calendar, and supporting analysis.
• Advise the Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator on the City's fiscal condition, revenue outlook, expenditure trends, and long-range financial position.
• Prepare multi-year financial forecasts, fund balance projections, and fiscal impact analyses to support policy and capital decisions.
• Develop, monitor, manage, and track the budget and special projects assigned by the City Administrator.

Accounting, Financial Reporting, and Audit

• Maintain the City's accounting systems and financial records in accordance with GAAP, GASB pronouncements, and applicable State and local requirements.
• Direct month-end and year-end close, account reconciliations, interfund accounting, and the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
• Ensure all financial reports and filings — including those required by the State of Maryland — are complete, accurate, and submitted on or before applicable deadlines.
• Coordinate timely annual independent audits, serve as the City's primary liaison to external auditors, and ensure Departmental practices satisfy all applicable auditing and regulatory standards.
• Respond to audit findings and management letter comments with documented corrective action plans and monitor those plans through to resolution.
• Serve as the principal staff liaison to the City Council's Audit Committee — developing meeting agendas and supporting materials, presenting audit results, management letter comments, and corrective action status, and facilitating the Committee's direct engagement with the independent auditor.
• Support the Audit Committee and the City Administrator in the selection and periodic re-procurement of the City's independent audit firm.

• Prepare and present clear, accurate financial reports and recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator.

Treasury, Debt, and Investments

• Oversee the collection, deposit, disbursement, and safeguarding of all City funds.
• Manage the City's cash position and investment portfolio consistent with the City's investment policy and Maryland public-fund safekeeping and collateralization requirements.
• Direct debt issuance and management, including planning, structuring, official statement disclosures, continuing disclosure obligations, and debt service administration and reporting.
• Maintain banking, custodial, and financial advisory relationships, and periodically evaluate the cost and performance of those services.

Revenue, Procurement, and Disbursements

• Manage revenue collection functions, including billing, receivables, delinquency follow-up, and enforcement of City revenue policies.
• Supervise purchasing and procurement operations to ensure cost-effective, policy-compliant acquisition of goods and services.
• Oversee accounts payable and payroll operations, ensuring timely and accurate processing, appropriate segregation of duties, and strong internal controls.
• Coordinate with the Department of Human Resources on payroll, position control, benefits funding, and compensation-related budget matters.

Internal Controls, Policy, and Systems

• Recommend and implement fiscal policies, procedures, and internal controls that support long-term financial sustainability and prevent, detect, and correct errors and irregularities.
• Document Departmental procedures and maintain a control environment that withstands independent review.
• Administer and continuously improve the City's financial management and enterprise system to integrate financial processes, including budgeting, payroll, procurement, and accounts payable modules.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal grant requirements, including allowable cost, subrecipient monitoring, and single audit obligations.

Public Engagement, Presentation, and Transparency

• Present quarterly and year-end financial reports, budget proposal, audit results, debt and capital financing proposals, and fiscal policy recommendations at regular and special meetings of the Mayor and City Council, budget work sessions, and public hearings.
• Serve as liaison to the the City Council's Audit Committee and other committees, boards, or commissions with financial oversight responsibilities, and provide financial briefings to those bodies as requested.
• Represent and ensure the Department of Finance present at community meetings, neighborhood and civic association gatherings, community budget forums, and other public events — explaining the City's budget, tax structure, and financial condition to residents in plain, accessible language.
• Ensure financial transparency, including publication of the budget, financial reports, and other public-facing financial information.
• Respond to inquiries from residents, elected officials, and — in coordination with the City Administrator and Communications staff — the news media, and assist in responding to public records requests involving financial records.

Leadership and Supervision

• Lead, supervise, and develop the Department of Finance staff, including hiring, assignment of work, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures and address performance concerns promptly and consistently with City policy.
• Foster a service-oriented culture that supports operating departments as internal customers while maintaining the independence required of the finance function.
• Participate as a member of the City's senior leadership team and contribute to citywide strategic planning and problem-solving.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Supervisory Responsibilities The Director of Finance provides departmental leadership over a team of six. This includes: a Deputy Budget Director, Deputy Finance Manager, 3 Accountants, and an Administrative Assistant intern. The Director carries full supervisory authority, including recommendations on hiring, performance evaluation, discipline, and separation, in coordination with the Department of Human Resources.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Municipal or public-sector finance management experience. A city of comparable size and complexity, with extensive knowledge and experience across municipal accounting and finance.
• Has demonstrated success strengthening internal controls, resolving audit findings, and rebuilding confidence in an organization's financial reporting.
• Has worked closely and collaboratively with the Mayor, City or County Council, and City Administrator to formulate and implement citywide fiscal policy.
• Brings a proactive approach to municipal finance, offering clear recommendations and timely advice to City leadership before issues become problems.
• Delivers outstanding customer service to operating departments and drives ongoing cost-effectiveness in municipal operations.
• Uses sound judgment and strong common sense, comfortable presenting to a wide range of public audiences.
• Communicates complex financial concepts clearly, credibly, and persuasively to non-technical audiences.
• Presents the Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator with well-developed alternatives, and is open, honest, and direct — while respecting the confidentiality of sensitive matters.
• Streamlines processes to ensure efficiency and reduce human error and unnecessary steps.

Core Competencies

• Deep working knowledge and experience with municipal accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting under GAAP and GASB standards.
• Experience with debt issuance, debt service management, and related disclosure obligations.