Assistant Director of Finance

The Assistant Director of Finance provides executive leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the City's accounting and financial operations under the direction of the Director of Finance, including financial reporting, audit coordination, internal controls, grants administration, and financial systems management. This position provides executive leadership and oversight of assigned divisions, ensures compliance with governmental accounting standards, safeguards the integrity of the City's financial records, oversees preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and develops policies, procedures, and operational improvements that promote financial accountability, operational efficiency, and organizational excellence. The Assistant Director serves as the Director of Finance's designee for assigned operational functions and exercises delegated authority within established policies and procedures.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Directs and oversees the City's accounting operations and ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and applicable regulations. 
• Oversees preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports. 
• Coordinates the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). 
• Manages the City's annual external audit and serves as liaison with independent auditors. 
• Develops, monitors, and evaluates internal control systems to safeguard City assets and ensure regulatory compliance. 
• Oversees grant accounting, financial reporting, compliance monitoring, and reimbursement processes. 
• Provides financial guidance to departments regarding grant administration and allowable expenditures. 
• Oversees administration, maintenance, and optimization of the City's Tyler ERP financial system and related financial applications. 
• Coordinates ERP system enhancements, testing, implementation, and user training. 
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives related to accounting operations, financial reporting, audit readiness, internal controls, and financial systems to improve efficiency, accuracy, and operational effectiveness.
• Reviews and approves complex accounting transactions, reconciliations, journal entries, and financial analyses. 
• Develops and recommends accounting policies and procedures to improve efficiency and strengthen internal controls. 
• Monitors compliance with federal, state, and local financial reporting requirements. 
• Directs, supervises, coaches, and develops assigned accounting and finance personnel, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, corrective action, succession planning, and employee development.
• Collaborates with the Director of Finance and City departments on long-range financial planning, departmental strategic initiatives, implementation of organizational priorities, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Prepares and presents financial reports, analyses, and recommendations to executive management, City Council, auditors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Represents the Finance Department on City-wide committees, cross-functional initiatives, ERP implementation teams, and special projects as assigned by the Director of Finance.
• Coordinates assigned departmental operations during the absence of the Director of Finance.
• Exercises independent judgment and decision-making authority within assigned areas of responsibility and performs duties delegated by the Director of Finance.
• Regular attendance at work and arrives on time. 
• Performs all other job-related duties as assigned or as become apparent. 
• Ability to get along with other employees and the public.

Work is performed in a standard office environment. 

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. 
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible governmental accounting, auditing, financial reporting, or related experience, including supervisory responsibilities. 
• Or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills. 
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred. 
• Experience in municipal finance, governmental accounting, and external audit coordination preferred. 
• Experience with Tyler ERP financial software or comparable municipal ERP systems preferred.
• A valid State driver’s license is required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and governmental financial requirements. 
• Governmental accounting principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, financial reporting, and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) preparation. 
• Auditing principles, internal control frameworks, and regulatory compliance. 
• Grant accounting, grant management, and federal grant compliance requirements. 
• Budget development, implementation, and governmental financial management practices. 
• Financial systems administration, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, modern accounting software, and financial reporting tools. 
• Records management, retention practices, and general office policies and procedures. 
• Supervisory principles, employee development, and performance management. 
• Basic computer programming concepts. 

Skill in:

• Financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and interpreting financial reports, documents, and journals. 
• Preparing, analyzing, and presenting complex financial reports, presentations, and other written correspondence. 
• Managing audits, regulatory compliance, accounting operations, and internal control systems. 
• Administering and implementing ERP financial systems and utilizing Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Power BI, and Tyler ERP. 
• Organizing work, managing multiple priorities, meeting deadlines, and maintaining accurate records and filing systems. 
• Supervising, coaching, and developing professional staff. 
• Performing accurate mathematical calculations and data entry with speed and accuracy. 
• Identifying process improvements, solving complex problems, and improving operational efficiency. 
• Presenting financial information to audiences of varying sizes. 
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, providing excellent customer service, and communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.

Essential Functions:

• Develops and recommends policies, procedures, and internal processes to improve departmental effectiveness. 
• Collaborates with City departments to identify operational improvements and fiscal efficiencies.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives related to budget administration, procurement, utility billing, customer service, organizational performance, and departmental operations to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.
• Prepares and presents financial reports, analyses, presentations, and recommendations for executive management, City Council, and other stakeholders.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Directs, supervises, coaches, and develops assigned personnel, including hiring, onboarding, performance management, corrective action, succession planning, and employee development.
• Represents the Finance Department on City-wide committees, cross-functional initiatives, budget development teams, strategic planning efforts, and special projects as assigned by the Director of Finance.
• Coordinates assigned departmental operations during the absence of the Director of Finance and performs duties delegated by the Director consistent with assigned areas of responsibility.
• Exercises independent judgment and decision-making authority within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and City policies.