Finance Director

The Finance Director serves as the executive leader of the City’s Finance Department, responsible for safeguarding the City’s financial resources and ensuring fiscal accountability across all departments. This includes oversight of accounting, treasury and cash management, investments, debt management, purchasing, utility billing, and financial planning. The Director provides strategic financial leadership, advises the City Manager and Council, and ensures compliance with the City Charter, City Code, and state and federal requirements.

Primary Purpose

To ensure the City’s financial stability, transparency, and sustainability by directing comprehensive financial management, planning, and reporting in alignment with the City’s strategic priorities and the Sterling City Charter.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Under the general policy direction of the City Manager, the Finance Director is required by Charter and Code to perform the following:

Charter‑Mandated Duties

• Compile current expense estimates and capital estimates for the City’s annual budget.
• Supervise and control disbursement of all City monies, ensuring expenditures remain within budget appropriations and comply with law.
• Maintain a general accounting system for the City government and all departments, keeping separate accounts for each appropriation and ensuring accurate reporting of obligations and balances.
• Submit monthly statements of receipts and disbursements to Council, providing a clear picture of the City’s financial condition.
• Prepare complete annual financial statements and reports at the end of each fiscal year.
• Collect all taxes, special assessments, licenses, fees, and other revenues; receive all monies due to the City from state, federal, judicial, or agency sources.
• Issue all licenses in conformity with ordinance, following proper approvals.
• Maintain custody of all City funds, depositing them in authorized depositories, and ensuring proper bonding, surety, and interest compliance.
• Oversee general storerooms and warehouses; transfer or sell surplus property as authorized.
• Ensure competitive bidding on purchases and contracts exceeding thresholds defined by ordinance; oversee compliance with purchasing and procurement regulations.
• Ensure proper accounting control of purchases and execution of contracts.

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develops the Finance Department’s mission, goals, and objectives in alignment with the City’s strategic priorities.
• Provides professional financial advice to the City Manager, City Council, and department heads.
• Formulates financial policies, procedures, and performance standards that ensure accountability and compliance.
• Leads continuous improvement and modernization of financial systems and processes, exploring technology-driven solutions that align with organizational goals and enhance financial transparency.
• Directs all financial operations including accounting, treasury, investments, debt, and financial reporting.
• Develops and manages the City’s annual operating and capital budgets; ensures fiscal responsibility across departments.
• Oversees revenue collection, cash management, utility billing, grants administration, and tax administration (sales tax, marijuana tax, hotel tax, etc.).
• Prepares and submits monthly and annual financial reports; ensures compliance with GASB standards, state statutes, and federal reporting requirements.
• Coordinates and prepares documentation for the annual audit.

Operational Oversight

• Directs city-wide purchasing, contracting, and inventory control systems in compliance with Charter requirements.
• Ensures strong internal controls, risk management, and protection of City assets.
• Oversees accounts payable, accounts receivable, and collection processes.
• Administers compliance for municipal debt, special assessments, and reserve funds.
• Hires, supervises, and develops Finance Department staff; sets clear expectations and evaluates performance.
• Promotes teamwork, accountability, and professional development within the department.
• Ensures staff are properly trained and equipped to deliver accurate and timely financial services.

Community & Council Engagement

• Prepares financial presentations…