Finance Director

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

Job Type: Full Time

Department/Division: Finance 

HOURS OF WORK:

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

PAY SCHEDULE:

Paydays are every other Friday (biweekly) and shall compensate employees for work performed during the 14-day period ending on the Sunday immediately before the payday.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK:

Subject to the administrative direction of the City Manager, plans, directs, and organizes the activities of the Finance Administration Department and Finance Billing Services Department. The Finance Director directs the preparation and payment of accounts payable, the collection of accounts receivable; the City's investment program; the City's purchasing program, City's insurance premiums and policies, and City payroll. The Finance Director assists in the preparation of the annual City Budget, directs the City's accounting system; prepares and maintains financial reports and budgetary controls; prepares financial records for auditing; prepares and presents related reports to the City Manager and City Council.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK:

• 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 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 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 which 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.

EDUCATION:

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

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

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

SIGNIFICANT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Requires thorough knowledge of government accounting, auditing, and budgeting principals 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 judgements 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.

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, reference materials.
• Digital dexterity, e.g. using computer keyboard and calculator.
• Use oral communication to perform work, e.g. answer telephone, receive visitors

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

• All City Employees are required to reside within Jefferson County or one of the following adjacent counties: Franklin, Hamilton, Marion, Perry, Washington, or Wayne.