Finance Director

Department/Division: Finance 

Job Type: Full Time

Pay: $100,000 - $115,000 Annually and Benefits

Position Summary

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, the Finance Director plans, directs, and oversees the operations of the Finance Administration and Finance Billing Services departments. The position is responsible for managing the City’s financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, purchasing activities, investments, and insurance programs.

The Finance Director assists in the preparation of the City’s annual budget, oversees the City’s accounting system, and ensures the preparation and maintenance of financial reports and budgetary controls. The position also prepares financial records for auditing and presents financial reports and recommendations to the City Manager and City Council.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises and directs the financial affairs of the City using an extensive knowledge of general laws and administrative policies governing municipal finance, accounting, and budgeting practices and procedures in accordance with the laws, ordinances, and regulations governing the financial operation of the City.
• Plans, directs, and supervises fiscal management programs for the City of Mt. Vernon; supervises the City's comprehensive accounting system; supervises and directs the preparation of records for the City's annual audit.
• Prepares and maintains monthly and annual financial records and reports detailing the fiscal status of the City, including but not limited to the forecast of future revenues and expenditures and the analysis of past and present financial operations.
• Supervises and participates in the preparation of reports which outline the City's financial position, including the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
• Supervises and coordinates the preparation and administration of the Annual City Budget; assists the City Manager in evaluating and prioritizing departmental budget requests according to the policy directives of the City Council.
• Prepares the Annual Tax Levy Ordinance as directed by the City Manager.
• Evaluates the need for procurement of funds and investments of surpluses. Gives advice on investment and loans for short and long-range financial instruments. 
• Supervises and directs the administration of the City's purchasing program. Directs the preparation of warrants, reviews, and approves accounts payable before payment by the City.
• Supervises, trains, and directs personnel in the Finance Department - Administration and Billing Services Divisions, and others engaged in accounting activities. Disciplines Finance Department personnel in accordance with City policies, procedures, rules, and directives, with measures including oral and written reprimands, and suspensions. 
• Supervises the work of the Billing Services Division; answers questions and responds to complaints regarding water, sewer, and refuse bills that are not resolved by the Billing Services Supervisor.
• Develops policies and procedures for account collections and extension of credit to customers.
• Performs various research assignments as assigned by the City Manager, prepares related reports and recommendations on financial matters for the City Manager and City Council.
• Attends and participates in City staff meetings and City Council meetings.
• Follows duties outlined in Chapter 32.020 "Department of Finance" in the City of Mt. Vernon Revised Code of Ordinances.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Supervisory and Administrative Responsibilities

• Requires thorough knowledge of government accounting, auditing, and budgeting principles and practices.
• Ability to effectively supervise the work of subordinate personnel engaged in customer service, purchasing, and accounting.
• Ability to plan, organize, and direct all fiscal and administrative activities of the Finance Department.
• Ability to prepare, review, and interpret complex financial statements and records.
• Ability to develop and implement modern accounting and fiscal management methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Ability to estimate projected revenue collections and projected expenditures.
• Ability to make emergency judgments and decisions in accordance with applicable laws and policies.
• Evaluate and document employee performance. Issues oral and written warnings, leading to suspension and/or termination.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the general public, subordinate staff, department heads, City Officials, other municipal, county, state, and federal agencies.

Qualifications

Education

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four years of college with coursework in government accounting and business administration.
• Certified Public Accounting background preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of seven years progressively responsible professional experience in governmental accounting, budgeting, and financial control.
• Requires experience in public investment activities.

Work Schedule

The Finance Office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Overtime is often required during budget preparation and some during audit preparation. Attendance at the City Council Meetings is required. 

Physical Requirements

• Occasional walking, reaching, bending, and lifting or carrying objects under 25 pounds requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Perform detailed work requiring visual acuity.
• Use written sources of information, e.g., read reports, procedural documentation, and reference materials.
• Digital dexterity, e.g., using a computer keyboard and a calculator.
• Use oral communication to perform work, e.g., answer the telephone, receive visitors 

Residency Requirement

All applicants shall reside in either Jefferson County or a County adjacent to Jefferson County, including any of the following: Marion, Wayne, Hamilton, Franklin, Perry, or Washington, as their principal place of residence, within six (6) months of hire, and thereafter at all times during the time of their employment by the City. Any employee who shall fail to establish and/or maintain his or her domicile and residency as required herein shall be subject to discharge from employment with the City.

Additional Information

FSLA Classification

Exempt

Pay Schedule

Biweekly (every other Friday)