Finance Director at Bismarck, City of (ND) – Bismarck, North Dakota

The Finance Director serves as the Chief Financial Officer and financial advisor to the Finance Commissioner, the City Commission, and City administrators.

The Finance Director has administrative oversight of Fiscal Services, Special Assessments, and Assessing divisions.

Desired Capabilities

• Detailed-Oriented: Meticulous and consistent in matters of confidentiality, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Strategic Thinker: Analyze complex information, solve problems, and identify effective solutions.
• Professional: High degree of integrity, professionalism, and awareness of others' needs.
• Communicator: Command of written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present financial information to diverse audiences.
• Organized: Prioritize and meet deadlines, while remaining flexible and nimble.
• Collaborative: Skilled at working independently and as part of a diverse team, adapting communication styles as needed.
• Project Manager: Capable of planning and coordinating “short and long-range projects” to improve financial systems.
• Tech-Savy: Proficient with computers, business software, and financial systems.

Finance Director Brochure

• Lead the citywide annual budgeting and planning process in collaboration with senior staff.
• Establish the department budget and authorizes expenditures; prepare recommendations for budget amendments.
• Develop and implement long-term financial strategies for organizational sustanability.
• Monitor financial progress and recommend proactive strategies to optimize performance.
• Develop and analyze financial reports, including budget forecasts, trend assessments, and liquidity analysis.
• Ensure compliance with the City’s budget ordinance, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), local ordinances, city policy directives, and applicable state and federal laws.
• Review and approve city contracts.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Oversee the procurement process, policies, ordinances, and procedure.
• Perform other related duties.

• Requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, or closely related field.
• Requires five years of professional financial management with responsibility for human, fiscal, and material resources.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is preferred.
• Public Sector accounting or finance experience is preferred.
• Valid North Dakota driver’s license required (or ability to obtain).

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of business administration.
• Knowledge of budget development and management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Knowledge of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidelines.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of common procurement rules and processes.
• Knowledge of research and statistical analysis principles.
• Skill in management and supervision.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in prioritizing and planning.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.