Finance Director at Safety Harbor, City of (FL) – Safety Harbor, Florida

Under the direction of the City Manager, the Finance Director is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the City’s financial activities, including budgeting and accounting. As the City’s chief financial officer, the Finance Director supervises a diverse team of professional, managerial, clerical, and field staff within fiscal operations. This role requires a high degree of independent judgment and initiative, with work being reviewed for alignment with organizational goals and objectives. The Finance Director operates within the guidelines of state statutes, Department of Revenue regulations, City policies, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
The Finance Director advises the City Manager, Mayor, and City Commission on fiscal matters and oversees the preparation and administration of the city budget. This role involves developing and implementing fiscal policies, as well as managing Treasury, Accounting, and Procurement operations. The Finance Director ensures the City's fiscal stability, safeguarding its assets through internal controls. The Director also consults with financial advisors, bond counsel, legal advisors, rate consultants, and auditors on matters related to bond issuance, annual audits, and investments. Additionally, the Finance Director ensures that all expenditures align with the budget and comply with state laws, maintaining a public purpose. This role is also responsible for identifying the most effective financing options for capital acquisitions and overseeing the preparation of the annual budget and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), as well as supervising the annual audit process.

• Provides financial analysis of proposed development and related incentives and prepares long-term financial plans. Prepares monthly investment and financial reports for the City Manager, Commissioners, and the Board of Finance.
• Plans, organizes, and directs all fiscal operations consistent with accepted municipal accounting principles, the City Charter, and statutory requirements.
• Supervises and advises staff in the resolution of fiscal operational problems and in the development, installation, and refinement of financial systems and procedures, the preparation of financial statements for all municipal funds, reconciliation of bank accounts, and maintenance of fund ledgers. Supervises the Information Technology staff.
• Directs and coordinates the year-end independent audit for the City, preparing and delegating various schedules, spreadsheets, and financial statements and notes to the financial statements for the external auditors and for use in the City’s Annual Financial Report.
• Advises the City Manager of any changes in the financial condition of the municipal corporation, investment of City funds, maintenance of cash flow and related financial activities.
• Directs and coordinates the preparation and formulation of the annual operating and capital budgets. Supervises expenditures consistent with approved budgetary appropriations and disbursements.
• Responsible for purchasing controls and oversight of purchasing activities and development of bid specifications for various consultant contracts.
• Directs and coordinates all long-range financial planning.
• Prepares, formulates, and executes broad financial policies consistent with uniform accounting practices and legal limitations; conducts research in organizational methods and procedures.
• Prepares activity reports, prospectuses, and various special reports that may have financial impact on the City.
• Responsible for forecasting local government revenues and expenditures, interpreting financial data, and formulating recommendations for review by the City Manager and City Commission.
• Serves as the City liaison and adviser to the City’s Finance Advisory Committee.
• Hires, supervises and evaluates key department staff.
• Prepares required reports for the State and local entities.
• Provides information to other Departments, elected and appointed officials, and the public. Performs other duties as assigned.
• These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement or all-inclusive of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with major course work in accounting, finance, business administration, or closely related field. Five years of experience in governmental accounting, revenue administration, or other phase of fiscal management, with at least four years at the supervisory level; or equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, abilities and skills.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Certified as a CGFO (Certified Government Finance Officer) and/or CGFM (Certified Government Financial Manager), preferred.
• Member of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and Florida Government Finance Officers (FGFOA).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and ability to secure Florida driver’s license at time of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Flexible, proactive, and progressive while developing resolutions to community issues and general concerns.
Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with elected officials, department directors, the general public, and Staff in an effort to achieve common goals, objectives, and outcomes.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of uniform governmental accounting, budgeting, and municipal fiscal management.
Knowledge of accounting and electronic data processing equipment.
Knowledge of the organization, functions, and financial problems of municipal corporations.
Ability to assess municipal programs and proposed policies in terms of their financial and administrative impact upon local government.
Ability to appraise market trends and terms in relation to municipal debt and investments.
Ability to analyze and interpret fiscal and accounting records and to present findings and reports accurately, completely, and effectively in oral and written form.
Ability to analyze prevailing economic conditions and develop economic forecasts. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of subordinates.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).
• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Reaching.
• Use of fingers, use of hands.
• Sitting.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in an office environment.

The City of Safety Harbor is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the employer will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.