Director of Finance | City of Rock Island

Introductory

This is highly responsible professional, administrative and management work in planning, organizing, and directing all financial operations and services of the City.

Work involves responsibility for planning, organizing, and directing all finance operations and services including but not limited to: budgets, long-term financial planning, purchasing, account payable, payroll, accounting, financial reporting, debt management and treasury functions including cash management and investments. Supervision is exercised over professional, technical and office support staff. Work is performed under the administrative direction of the City Manager and in compliance with federal, state, and City rules and regulations. Work is reviewed through conferences and reports for overall program effectiveness.

Duties

Prepares the annual city budget. Works with department heads to define and forecast expense and capital expenditures items and coordinates information into a final budget proposal.

Develops long-term plans for the City's financial operations including revenue growth, taxation, borrowing and capital improvement programs.

Responsible for the preparation of the annual audited financial statement, footnotes, and schedules and serves as a liaison to the independent auditors. Prepares and published the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Evaluates and updates internal accounting controls and implements control strengths where necessary to assure reliable financial reporting, efficient operations and compliance with laws and regulations.

Manages all payroll functions, including payroll preparation, payroll reporting and compliance with all payroll tax laws.

Oversees the centralized, city-wide accounts payable and purchase order processes.

Oversees the financial administration of federal grants.

Works with outside financial advisor to obtain bond financing of major capital projects; makes presentation to rating agencies and bond insurance companies. Assists with debt financing administration and recommends restructuring of debt when conditions allow for the city to save money.

Administers the City's utility billing, motor vehicle parking system, debt collection and business licensing; recommends policies and implements procedures to conduct activities.

Directs all accounting functions including the development of accounting procedures and supervision of the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and individual program fund accounting work in a manner consistent with generally accepted governmental accounting practices.

Administers the selection, implementation and enhancement of all financial information systems in the City.

Plans, organizes, and directs the management and administration of fiscal records in compliance with federal and state statutes and City codes.

Supervises, trains, directs, and evaluates department personnel, and monitors all activities and operations of the department. Recommends personnel actions; disciplines employees.

Serves as the City Treasurer. May also serve as a member of the Police Pension Board, Fire Pension Board, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center Advisory Board.

Plans City's investment strategy; determines availability of funds for investment and approves and manages investments.

Advises City Manager, City Council, and other officials on budgetary and fiscal issues.

Coordinates the various functions of the department with all other departments of the City and other public agencies.

Attends City Council and other meetings as required, and prepares items for Council action.

Provides effective and efficient customer services and promotes and maintains responsive community relations.

Qualifications

Graduation from a four year college or university with major course work in accounting, finance, business, or related field; thorough experience in finance administration including a minimum of six years of senior level supervisory experience; supplemented by a Masters degree in public or business administration or the attainment of CPA; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

Thorough knowledge of the applicable laws and administrative policies governing municipal finance practice and procedure.

Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of municipal accounting.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and methods of organization, management, and supervision.

Thorough knowledge of budgeting and fiscal management.

Knowledge of cash management, pension, investments and modern banking relationships.

Knowledge of computerized information systems including payroll, tax systems and financial management systems.

Ability to understand union contracts and complex economic development projects in order to implement system changes and provide appropriate financial advice.

Ability to plan, organize, and direct the comprehensive financial programs of a municipal finance department and supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff.

Ability to formulate and install accounting methods and procedures and ensure that these comply with federal, state, and local law.

Ability to prepare complex financial reports for presentation to experts and to the public.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the City, other officials, and the public.

Ability to assess needs, perform fiscal planning, target available resources, and implement effective programs.

Ability to provide informed financial advice to the City Manager, City Council, and the public.