Finance Director

Finance Manager

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.

Responsibilities include:

• Planning, developing, and evaluating the operational processes, procedures, functions, and policies of the finance department.
• Retaining constant awareness of the city's financial position and acting to prevent problems.
• Managing, training, assigning, prioritizing, motivating, and evaluating the work, projects, activities, and setting targets for assigned employees.
• Conducting analysis to make forecasts and reports to the City Council and Mayor.
• Implementing the vision, policies, procedures, and capital projects of the city as directed by the Mayor and City Council.
• Working closely with department directors and managers to provide financial policy guidance and to follow-up on mayoral assignments.
• Initiating and following through on administrative, budget, and fiscal planning activities.
• Developing and directing the implementation of finance related goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work practices.
• Preparing and recommending long-range financial plans for city services and programs; and developing specific proposals for action on current and future city needs.
• Overseeing the city's budget by managing the development and implementation of goals and priorities; and meeting with departments to review work plans and budgeting needs.
• Overseeing city procurement processes and policy.
• Establishing appropriate service and staffing levels; and assessing and monitoring staff workload and support systems.
• Reviewing and analyzing financial methods, activities, and performance to find ways to increase effectiveness and improve results and/or the effect on economies.
• Making clear and concise presentations to the City Council.
• Presenting the Mayor's recommended budgets to the City Council and general public.
• Being responsible for city municipal financing and bonding; and working with bonding agencies to initiate and apply for needed financing.
• Providing recommendations to the City Council, department directors, accountants, and city employees on proper internal controls, budgeting practices, financing methods, and other accounting functions.
• Directing the centralized accounting and reporting function for the city.
• Maintaining current knowledge of organizational policies and procedures, federal and state policies and directives, and current accounting standards.
• Directing pre-audit and internal audit functions.
• Serving as a liaison to external independent audits.
• Responding to information requests from departments on accounting systems and reporting requirements.
• Preparing and directing the preparation of the annual budget, business activity reports, financial position forecasts, and other required reports.
• Monitoring, interpreting, and evaluating changes in laws and regulations related to financial activities and functions.
• Developing and preparing ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures, and revisions related to financial activities.
• Consistently keeping supervisor and relevant team members informed about work progress, current and potential issues, and proactively suggesting new or improved solutions to address challenges.
• Attending approved meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and remaining current on the principles, practices, and developments in assigned work areas.
• Responding to questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Communicating and coordinating regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Advising the Mayor and department directors on financial issues and projects.
• Establishing financial priorities and objectives which often affect multiple departments.
• Creating, organizing, appointing, and directing members of inter-departmental committees for the purpose of addressing citywide financial or project related needs.
• Maintaining an effective relationship with the City Council by recommending financial policies, providing reports, and developing methods for carrying out the council's…