Finance Director | City of Cedar Rapids

The Position

The City of Cedar Rapids (City) is seeking an experienced and highly regarded strategist to serve as the City’s next Finance Director. The next Director will have the opportunity to join one of Iowa’s premier communities, with exceptional financial management, working alongside talented professionals in a dynamic environment. This position is a trusted financial advisor to the City Manager, Mayor and City Council, and departments, guiding the City in solid budget, financial systems, and long-term financial planning.

The Finance Director is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and managing all of the City’s financial activities. In this capacity, the Director interprets and applies the principles and practices of public finance administration and establishes Departmental policies and procedures. This includes executive-level management support for Finance, Risk Services, Purchasing/Contract Services, and City owned entertainment venues and parking system. The Finance Director provides ongoing financial forecasting and planning, tracks the adopted budget, and prepares periodic budget and fiscal reviews for submission to City departments. As the head of finance, this leader participates in the creation and management of the Finance Department’s (Department) annual work plan and budget through continually evaluating accounting, purchasing, and financial controls.

The Finance Director represents the Department internally and externally, responding to public inquiries. The Director fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies. The Director routinely presents to City Council and explains and interprets financial data. Similarly, the Director should be able to prepare, review, and organize well-conveyed summary financial information for City Council, the City Manager, department heads, City employees, and the public. In collaboration with staff, the Director also stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of finance, identifies opportunities for improvement, and implements necessary change.

Qualifications

Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field and at least seven years of experience in government accounting, budget administration, and financial planning. Extensive organizational leadership and staff management experience, excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population are also required.

Strongly Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree and Certified Public Accountant or Certified Public Finance Officer designation. Experience with a GFOA-award-winning budget and financial reporting, long-term financial forecasting, and significant experience with utilities and financing large capital projects is also preferred. Work within a complex local government with strong financial performance is also strongly preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

The expected hiring range is $154,745.36 - $216,643.51 depending on qualifications, with an excellent benefits package. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits here.