Finance Director in St. Louis Park, Minnesota at City of St. Louis Park

As the top financial position for the city, the finance director provides strategic leadership of the finance and assessing divisions in the administrative services department and serves as a core member of the City’s leadership team. Operating as a trusted, collaborative partner across the organization, this position aligns financial strategy with the city’s strategic priorities and excels at translating complex financial data into clear, actional options for staff, the city council and the public. The finance director ensures the completeness, integrity, timeliness, and accuracy of the city’s financial systems; champions long-term financial planning, budgeting and performance metrics; and safeguards the city’s assets through sound policies and internal controls. Additionally, the role fulfills the duties of city treasurer in accordance with city charter, provides visionary direction to division personnel, and fosters positive, responsive relationships with staff, elected officials, residents and community partners.

2. Effective leadership, promote a positive culture and provide coaching

• Serve as a member of the city’s leadership team, contributing to city-wide collaborative decision-making, policy development, and culture development.
• Establish and support positive work culture for all work groups in the division (assessing, utility billing, accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable and cash receipting), providing vision, employee development and individual work direction.
• Serve as a coach and mentor to staff, prioritizing individual employee development and growth.
• Evaluate and handle job performance issues, performance evaluations, and recognition.
• Assist with recruitment, selection, and training of employees.

3. Leadership and direction to the assessing division

• Oversee and coordinate with city assessor and assessing division staff as they conduct operations.

4. Day-to-day financial health and accountability

• Develop, maintain, and monitor all accounting and financial records and provide an accurate reflection of city finances, including, governmental and proprietary funds, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA).
• Partner with directors on financial analysis, offering responsive review, and translating the interpretation of regulations into clear organizational choices
• Oversee annual budgeting process for the city, review financial budget performance for all funds on a monthly basis, and provide information and recommendations to city managers and directors.
• Provide leadership in development, implementation, and evaluation of internal controls.
• Provide leadership and direction on enterprise and other funds to ensure accurate and timely billing.
• Oversee investment and debt management, providing regular and timely reports to city manager and council and make changes, updates and adjustments to best fit the city.
• Work with finance staff to review, analyze and interpret accounting data, financial statements, budget schedules, and related reports to provide periodically required data.
• Collaborate with others to lead capital financing programs.
• Support the HR division to ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll.

5. General

• Adjust systems, reporting and service delivery methods, resolve complex complaints.
• Maintain a resident, business and customer focused service quality.
• Prepare and present reports and information to city manager and council, department leadership and the public that translates complex financial data into clear, understandable options.
• Develop and maintain financial performance metrics related to the goals and strategic directions of the city.
• Responsible for risk management/city insurance in areas of property, liability, errors and omissions and other casualty insurance coverage.
• Chair/attend committees and task forces as needed. Attend evening meetings as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field.
• Eight years of related financial experience, including at least 3 years supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated local government experience with a broad, generalist understanding of municipal operations.
• Knowledge of generally accepted principles and practices of accounting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of investment practices, and ability to apply municipal and MN statutes as they relate to municipal finance.
• Knowledge of/experience with TIF and debt financing and compliance.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to support and advance the city’s strategic priorities.
• Strong public presentation skills.
• Ability to deal effectively with customers to resolve problems, conflicts and concerns.
• Computer proficiency in spreadsheet and word processing applications.

• Certified Public Accountant and/or Certified Public Finance Officer.
• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, or economics.
• Active involvement or established relationships with state and national finance organizations.
• Experience with economic development and housing authority financial matters.