Finance Director

Description

The principal function of this position is to oversee the financial operations of the City of Caldwell. This position assists in driving the city's financial strategy and planning; and plans, organizes, and assesses the financial performance of the city as well as possible risks and investments. This position has direct responsibility for all financial accounting systems, municipal financing and bonding, budgeting, and capital asset acquisition;

manages the city’s finance and accounting department; works closely with department directors, managers, and the Mayor to coordinate financial activities and insure the effectiveness and efficiency of city services; updates and keeps the Mayor informed of all matters requiring mayoral attention; and recommends financial policies and work practices. This position works under the general direction of the City Council and the direct supervision of the mayor.

The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment. This is an exempt position.

• Plans, develops, and evaluates the operational processes, procedures, functions, and policies of the finance department.
• Retains constant awareness of the city’s financial position and act to prevent problems.
• Manages, trains, assigns, prioritizes, motivates, and evaluates the work, projects, activities, and sets targets for assigned employees.
• Conducts analysis to make forecasts and reports to the City Council and Mayor.
• Implements the vision, policies, procedures, and capital projects of the city as directed by the Mayor and City Council.
• Works closely with department directors and managers to provide financial policy guidance and to follow-up on mayoral assignments.
• Initiates and follows through on administrative, budget, and fiscal planning activities.
• Develops and directs the implementation of finance related goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work practices.
• Prepares and recommends long-range financial plans for city services and programs; and develops specific proposals for action on current and future city needs.
• Oversees the city’s budget by managing the development and implementation of goals and priorities; and meets with departments to review work plans and budgeting needs.
• Oversees city procurement processes and policy.
• Establishes appropriate service and staffing levels; and assesses and monitors staff workload and support systems.
• Reviews and analyzes financial methods, activities, and performance to find ways to increase effectiveness and improve results and/or the effect on economies.
• Makes clear and concise presentations to the City Council.
• Presents the Mayor’s recommended budgets to the City Council and general public.
• Responsible for city municipal financing and bonding; and works with bonding agencies to initiate and apply for needed financing.
• Provides recommendations to the City Council, department directors, accountants, and city employees on proper internal controls, budgeting practices, financing methods, and other accounting functions.
• Directs the centralized accounting and reporting function for the city.
• Maintains current knowledge of organizational policies and procedures, federal and state policies and directives, and current accounting standards.
• Directs pre-audit and internal audit functions.
• Serves as a liaison to external independent audits.
• Responds to information requests from departments on accounting systems and reporting requirements.
• Prepares and directs the preparation of the annual budget, business activity reports, financial position forecasts, and other required reports.
• Monitors, interprets, and evaluates changes in laws and regulations related to financial activities and functions.
• Develops and prepares ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures, and revisions related to financial activities.
• Consistently keeps supervisor and relevant team members informed about work progress, current and potential issues, and proactively suggests new or improved solutions to address challenges.
• Attends approved meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and remains current on the principles, practices, and developments in assigned…