Finance Director

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, this position performs duties and makes decisions with a high level of independence. The role involves highly responsible administrative and supervisory work overseeing the City’s Finance Department and serving as the City Manager’s chief advisor on financial policy.

Guidance is derived from state and federal regulations, City ordinances, professional standards, and Council priorities. The position collaborates with the City Manager on fiscal administration, budget development, debt management, purchasing, risk management, and the financial impact of major initiatives.

Work is evaluated through periodic audits, meetings, reports, and overall program outcomes. Supervision is exercised directly or through subordinate staff over all professional and clerical personnel assigned to the department.ESSENTIALDUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIES

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Leadership & Department Management

• Oversees staff and daily operations of the Finance Department, including A/P, A/R, revenue, journal entries, reconciliations, purchasing, internal controls, and financial reporting.
• Serves as a key member of the City’s Executive/Leadership Team and participates in high-level strategic planning, organizational development, long-range capital planning, and interdepartmental decision-making.
• Supervises staff by planning, prioritizing, assigning, and reviewing work, providing guidance, training, and performance oversight.
• Develops work plans, monitors deadlines, resolves workload and technical issues, and ensures accuracy of financial records.
• Demonstrates professional, cooperative behavior when interacting with staff, citizens, and external partners; maintains confidentiality.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance during assigned work hours.
  
  

Financial Oversight & Administration

• Manages and evaluates technical accounting functions for the City; analyzes financial issues and policies and recommends solutions.
• Advises and assists the City Manager on all fiscal matters, trends, and future financial strategies.
• Studies, reports, and makes recommendations on the City’s fiscal condition, including tax base and utility rates.
• Prepares the annual budget and Financial Plan, including revenue and expenditure projections.
• Oversees the financial planning and multi-year forecasting for the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and coordinates with Engineering/Public Works on project funding strategies.
• Provides guidance to departments on accountability of receipts and expenditures. Coordinates with departments and the City Manager on budget amendments and prepares related legislative documentation.
  
  

Cash, Investment, & Debt Management

• Administers investments, bank relations, cash flow, and capital planning; ensures all City funds are deposited in legal depositories.
• Establishes and oversees collection policies in compliance with Texas statutes.
• Negotiates financing arrangements with lending institutions.
• Assists bond counsel with financial data and monitors compliance with debt requirements.
  
  

Financial Reporting & Audit Support

• Assists in preparing internal and external financial reports, analyses, regulatory filings, consolidated statements, and the ACFR.
• Supports annual audit processes and prepares financial analyses and documentation for auditors.
• Reviews journal entries for accuracy and completeness; prepares status updates and communicates financial issues.
• Coordinates financial information system development and problem solving.
  
  

Policy Development & Advisory Responsibilities

• Researches and recommends municipal policy, procedural, and regulatory changes to the City Manager and City Council.
• Provides the City Manager with expert financial policy guidance.
• Reviews budget requests with department managers and assists with long-term financial planning.
  
  

Interdepartmental & Public Communication

• Responds to financial information requests from vendors, contractors, media, professional organizations, financial institutions, other governments, and the public.
• Ensures clear communication of financial issues and maintains positive relationships with internal and external customers.
  
  

Human Resources & Personnel Program Support

• Assists Human Resources and the City Manager with personnel programs—including classification, compensation, payroll, and benefits administration.
  
  

Emergency & Essential Services

• Serves as an essential employee during natural disasters, manmade emergencies, or catastrophic events.
• Performs duties outside normal scope to support public safety and continuity of operations during emergencies.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and environmental conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Responsibilities

Work is performed primarily in an office environment or at a workstation. The position requires occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting or carrying work-related items weighing up to 25 pounds, such as papers, ledgers, books, and office supplies. Duties require extended periods of data entry and computer use, with an emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail. The work involves routine risks or discomforts that require standard safety precautions when operating office equipment and performing job responsibilities.Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

Work requires a bachelor’s degree in Accounting (Master’s degree preferred) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, along with extensive public sector experience - ideally a minimum of 10 years in a municipal environment serving as a senior financial officer. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of governmental financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, purchasing, cash flow management, debt administration, and risk management.
• Comprehensive understanding of municipal, state, and federal laws, regulations, and professional standards governing public finance.
• Expert knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS).
• Strong knowledge of public sector fiscal administration, including budget development, purchasing procedures, personnel/payroll systems, financial reporting, investment practices, and automated financial systems.
• Knowledge of internal controls, audit preparation, and regulatory reporting requirements.
  
  

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to gather, assemble, interpret, and evaluate complex financial data.
• Skilled in preparing clear, concise, and comprehensive financial reports, statements, and presentations.
• Advanced proficiency with computerized financial systems, automated reporting tools, and spreadsheet applications.
• Experience with Incode ERP Pro 10, including budget development, financial reporting, purchasing workflows, and automated accounting processes.
• Effective communication skills - both oral and written - capable of presenting complex financial information to leadership, elected officials, auditors, and the public.
• Strong supervisory skills, including planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of professional and clerical staff.
• Skill in coordinating work across departments and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

Abilities

• Ability to apply advanced financial theories, practices, and principles to solve complex municipal finance issues.
• Ability to interpret and apply financial regulations, policies, and professional standards in varied situations.
• Ability to develop sound financial recommendations based on data analysis, trend evaluation, and policy review.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials, vendors, auditors, lending institutions, and the public.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in financial and personnel matters.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to effectively supervise, mentor, and develop staff to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and compliance within the Finance Department.
  
  

License, Certifications, And Other Requirements

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required; additional advanced accounting credentials or certifications are desirable.
• Experience with Incode ERP Pro 10 or a comparable municipal ERP system is strongly preferred.
• Membership in national and local government finance professional associations is desirable.
• Valid State of Texas Driver’s License required.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check, financial background check, and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check.