Director of Finance in Fort Meade, Florida at CITY OF FORT MEADE

Job Summary:

Under City Manager direction, the Director of Finance performs highly professional accounting work and provides administrative direction involving the planning, coordination and implementation of all fiscal operations of the City’s Finance Department. The Director is responsible for the direction, planning and management of the financial operations of the City and advises and makes recommendations to the City on all fiscal policy matters necessary for the financial health of the City. This position is responsible for performing professional work in planning, organizing, staffing, controlling and administering all financial functions including fund accounting, budgeting, utility billing, payroll, reporting, investing, debt management, banking, fixed asset management, purchasing, internal support, external support, treasury management and pension plan management for the City. Must be bondable in an amount established by the City Council with such bond conditioned upon the faithful discharge of the duties of the finance director.

Essential Functions:

• Lead the development, preparation, and administration of the City’s annual budget.
• Provide expert financial analysis and recommendations to guide decision-making by the City Council and executive leadership.
• Develop long-term financial forecasts and strategies to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Oversee capital improvement planning and financing for municipal projects
• Oversee the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and manage external audits.
• Plans, organizes and implements departmental goals and objectives; coordinates and integrates all activities toward achievement of established goals and objectives; develops and implements departmental policies and procedures.
• Plans, develops and administers all departmental policies and procedures of all administrative aspects of the departments.
• Performs complex accounting work according to generally accepted accounting principles, established procedures, departmental guidelines, and regulatory requirements applicable to the work; directs the preparation of the annual budget; directs and oversees audits by governmental agencies, state or independent agencies; approves and controls disbursements of funds for the entire City.
• Directs, evaluates and revises accounting/payroll activities, systems and reporting tasks to meet management needs, and local, state and federal regulations.
• Performs highly advanced accounting and finance work involving the organization and interpretation of the city's financial records and managing City funds and investments.
• Research City finances and directs and oversees fiscal budget preparation for the entire city; administers reporting and validation tasks of budget preparation, control and results.
• Advises City Manager, department heads and other officials on accounting policies, and provides information regarding finances, budgeting or expenditure allowances.
• Directs the City procurement of supplies, equipment and services. Reviews purchasing policies and procedures for efficiency and economy in the acquisition of supplies, equipment and services for all City departments.
• Monitors changes in applicable laws, rules and regulations, and informs appropriate staff and makes recommendations as needed.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties. Employee will be required to perform other job-related duties, as required.)

Minimum Qualifications (KSAs):

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of all applicable Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) rules and regulations to city financial reporting standards.
• Knowledge regarding MD&A for Audit Compliance
• Knowledge regarding proprietary, special revenue and other funds.
• Knowledge of restricted vs capital assets vs. fixed assets
• Knowledge of due to/ due from other governments
• Knowledge and skills to produce long term debt schedules
• Knowledge of the State of Florida TRIM Process
• Knowledge of administrative management and internal control / audit principles.
• Knowledge in the areas of budget preparation, budget administration, financial investments and financial computer software is essential.
• Knowledge of applicable local, state and federal laws and policies with the ability to learn and demonstrate the understanding thereof within a prompt timeframe from hire or adoption of said laws and policies.
• Skilled in dealing with people with a demonstrated ability to handle stressful situations in a courteous, tactful and effective manner.
• Skilled in the use and care of office tools, equipment, and materials of the tasks for which they are assigned.
• Ability to assess municipal problems and proposed policies in terms of their financial and administrative implications.
• Ability to supervise the work of professional, technical and clerical accounting staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with employees, citizens, and City officials and see them is internal and external customers.
• Ability to present programs and recommendations orally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise good independent judgment and initiative in applying standards to a variety of work situations.
• Ability to keep accurate records and reports.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, public finance, business administration or a closely related field and must have four (4) years’ of local government managerial finance experience; or eight (8) years’ experience in local government accounting, public finance or business administration with four (4) years’ experience as a Chief Financial Officer, Director of Finance or Assistant Finance Director; or similarly related work may be substituted for a B.S. degree.
• Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A) is preferred or a Certified Government Finance Officer (CFGO). Must possess knowledge of State of Florida Uniform Accounting System and any other areas concerning governmental accounting.
• Must have working knowledge of local governmental utility services.

Licenses, Certificates, Special Requirements:

• Valid Florida Driver’s License

Physical and Mental Demands:

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

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; interact with City staff and other organizations; and may deal with dissatisfied or quarrelsome individuals.

Work Environment:

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

• The employee’s work is generally conducted in an office setting.

BENEFITS

The City offers comprehensive health insurance, city-paid basic life insurance and long-term disability insurance, optional vision, dental and short-term disability insurance, robust retirement plan options, both pension and deferred compensation, generous paid leave, and ample professional development