Finance Director

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is a senior-level professional and administrative position responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the City's financial operations and fiscal policies. The Finance Director serves as the City's chief financial officer and provides strategic and operational leadership for budgeting, accounting, payroll, treasury/cash management, debt administration, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Manager and, as assigned, provides financial management support to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and CRA Board. The Finance Director exercises considerable independent judgment and initiative to safeguard public resources and promote financial integrity, transparency, and long-term financial sustainability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

(Essential functions are fundamental job duties. They do not include marginal tasks, which are also performed but are incidental to the primary functions.) Provides executive leadership and direction for all Finance Department functions, including accounting, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, budgeting, treasury/cash management, debt administration, financial reporting, and related services. Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, evaluates and oversees all operations and activities of the Finance Department. Serves as a principal financial advisor to the City Manager and City Council on fiscal policy, budget status, fund condition, revenue trends, and financial risks; prepares and presents clear, accurate, and timely information for decision-making. Directs development and administration of the City's annual operating and capital budgets, including revenue estimation, expenditure forecasting, departmental budget guidance, budget document preparation, public hearing support, and ongoing budget monitoring and amendments. Directs general ledger operations and periodic close processes (monthly/quarterly/annual); reviews and approves journal entries, reconciliations, and supporting schedules; and ensures financial records are complete, accurate, and maintained in accordance with applicable standards. Excercises supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the City's policies and application of local, state, and federal laws regulations. Oversees preparation of recurring financial reports and management reports; ensures appropriate financial statement preparation and reporting in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) as applicable to governments and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements. Coordinates the annual external audit and serves as the primary liaison with auditors; ensures timely completion of audit requests; reviews audit reports and management letters; and develops, implements, and monitors corrective action plans as needed. Establishes, maintains, and continuously improves internal controls and financial policies/procedures to safeguard assets, support compliance, and promote efficient operations (including cash-handling standards and separation of duties appropriate to City size and staffing). Directs treasury functions, including daily cash position monitoring, banking relationships, account management, and cash flow forecasting; recommends improvements to banking services and controls. Administers City debt obligations and related compliance requirements; ensures timely debt service payments; maintains schedules and documentation; and coordinates with bond counsel/financial advisors as assigned. Oversees investment activities as assigned and as permitted by Florida law and City policy, including monitoring investment performance, liquidity, and compliance with authorized investment parameters. Oversees payroll administration and related reporting, including quarterly and annual payroll tax filings and year-end forms (e.g., W-2 and 1099), and ensures compliance with applicable federal and state requirements. Prepares, submits, and/or oversees required federal and state reports and filings (including, as applicable, unclaimed/abandoned property reporting) and ensures retention of required documentation. Reviews and approves financial transactions and documents, which may include checks, electronic payments, purchase/payment requests, payroll time records, and other finance-related materials, consistent with delegated authority and internal controls. Provides financial analysis on matters such as revenues/expenditures, fund balance, grants, contracts, capital projects, and long-term financial impacts; identifies issues and recommends alternatives. Attends and participates in City Council meetings and other assigned meetings; prepares agenda materials and presentations related to finance items; and responds to questions from elected officials, staff, auditors, and the public. Manages, supervises and evaluates the Finance Department staff; ensuring proper training and professional development. Responsible for the City's debt obligations ensuring on-time and accurate payments and disbursements and monitors City cash balances daily. Responsible for monthly closing and prepares all required monthly reports. Reviews and analyzes financial data such as bond documents, monthly financial reports, grant records, and revenue and expenditure reports. Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA): In coordination with the City Manager and CRA Board, develops the CRA annual budget; maintains financial records for CRA funds and projects; prepares and presents financial information to the CRA Board as required; monitors and reports the financial status of the CRA; and supports compliance with applicable Florida CRA financial laws and reporting requirements. Performs related work as assigned or required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting principles and practices, including GASB standards and the preparation of financial statements and audit schedules. Working knowledge of applicable federal and Florida laws, rules, and reporting requirements affecting municipal finance (e.g., public funds, public purpose requirements, records retention, and CRA financial compliance/reporting). Knowledge of internal control concepts and the ability to design, implement, and monitor effective controls appropriate for a small-city environment. Knowledge of treasury functions, including cash management, banking services, reconciliation practices, and (as assigned) investment and debt administration. Ability to plan, organize, and direct finance operations; set priorities; manage deadlines (monthly close, audit, budget cycle); and produce accurate work under time constraints. Ability to analyze complex financial data; identify trends and risks; develop forecasts; and translate technical information into clear recommendations. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with elected officials, executive leadership, employees, auditors, banking partners, and the public, including presenting information in public meetings. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and provide responsive customer service while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality. Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, statutes, and contracts; prepare clear written materials; and maintain accurate records. Proficiency with financial management systems and standard office software (including strong spreadsheet skills); ability to evaluate and improve workflows and reporting through technology. Strong leadership, ethical judgment, and discretion; ability to handle sensitive and protected information and to model accountability and integrity. Knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and procedures with the ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of work-related issues and financial situations. Ability to understand, interpret and carry out oral and written instructions effectively. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, other governmental agencies and the general public. Ability to clearly and concisely prepare and present ideas, analyses, and findings clearly in written, oral and graphical formats. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively supervise and guide subordinate staff as required. Ability to prepare, present and defend reports, analyses, and recommendations related to City Council and other governing bodies in public meetings. Ability to read, analyze, evaluate and interpret a wide range of data and documentation, including utilization reports, impact studies, legal statutes, collective bargaining agreements, and formal proposals. Thorough knowledge of the organization, functions, and activities of the various departments and operations of the City, as well as those of other governmental agencies

PHYSICAL SKILLS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The employee must possess the following physical abilities: Ability to communicate effectively using speaking, hearing, writing, and vision skills. Ability to sit at a desk and view a computer or display screen for extended periods. Ability to stand for extended periods of time (i.e. presentations, trainings or meetings). Ability to occasionally lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field. Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in governmental or public-sector finance/accounting, including supervisory/lead leadership experience.

Substitutions:

A comparable amount of directly related education and/or experience may be substituted at the City's discretion for the minimum qualifications.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS

(Preferred): Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (State of Florida) and/or Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO/CGFM/CPFO) or similar professional certification is preferred.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Experience with municipal budget development, year-end financial reporting/audit coordination, and Florida CRA financial administration is desirable. Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Florida driver's license.

JOB LOCATION

In-Person - 6333 Ridge Road, Port Richey, FL 34668

STARTING WAGE:

Determined by Experience. (

Salary Range:

$72,550.00 - $116,080.00)

CLOSING DATE

Open Until Filled

BENEFITS

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package including 100% employer-paid medical, with an optional "buy up" plan for enhanced medical benefits. Dental, vision and life insurance plans are also available to eligible employees.

Paid time off:

(first year - two weeks); sick (first year - two weeks); personal time (three days annually); ten (10) paid holidays (annually), Participation in the Florida Retirement System (F.R.S.) program. The City also offers a deferred compensation program and access to additional insurance plans (i.e.: Aflac). To obtain an employment application, please visit www.cityofportrichey.gov For more information and/or submit your application please contact Sal Licari, Operations Manager at s.licari@cityofportrichey.gov or call 727-816-1907.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$72,550.00 - $116,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

Office Application Question(s): Do you have experience with municipal government finance operations?

Experience:

Accounting:

5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

CPA (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Port Richey, FL 34668 (Required)

Work Location:

In person