Director of Finance​/Comptroller

Director Of Finance / Comptroller

The City of Stoughton, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as Director of Finance / Comptroller. Stoughton, Wisconsin, is a welcoming, vibrant community just 20 minutes south of Madison, known for its rich Norwegian heritage, historic downtown, and strong sense of local pride. As a financially sound and steadily growing city, Stoughton offers stability and confidence for those looking to build their careers in public service.

This position also places a strong emphasis on work–life balance, offering flexible hours and scheduling options to help support both your professional success and personal well-being. With beautiful parks, year-round community events, and a thriving arts and culture scene, Stoughton blends small-town charm with big-city access—making it a great place to work, live, and make a meaningful impact.

The purpose of this position is to supervise, direct, and be responsible for the overall accounting and coordination of the financial activities of all City departments, serving as comptroller with duties as outlined in 62.09(10) Wis. Statutes and City ordinances. This position provides high-level financial oversight of the City's accounting activities; supports the Mayor, City Council, and City departments in budgeting, financial management, and reporting;

and presents fiscal issues and recommendations to guide strategic policy decisions that maintain and enhance the City's financial health. The position also performs administrative functions delegated by the Mayor and City Council that do not conflict with core responsibilities or compromise required segregation of duties. In addition, this role oversees the financial management, reporting, compliance, and long-term planning associated with the City's Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Tax Increment Districts (TIDs), ensuring accurate tracking, forecasting, and statutory compliance.

This position does not include any Utilities Finance management duties. Our full-time employees enjoy an outstanding benefits package designed to support their health, financial security, and overall well-being. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance with low employee premiums, dental insurance with zero employee premiums, next-day coverage upon hire, and access to flexible spending options. Employees also participate in the highly regarded Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS), one of the strongest public pension programs in the country.

Additional benefits include group life insurance, income continuation coverage, paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave, longevity pay, and free membership to Anytime Fitness. A variety of optional supplemental insurance plans are also available at group rates. Together, these benefits provide a strong foundation for long-term stability, work–life balance, and support for you and your family.

• Directs, coordinates, and supervises the Finance Department staff regarding the financial and accounting activities of the City of Stoughton.
• Directs the preparation of the annual City budget, including advising the Mayor, City Council, and City department directors in the review of estimates and the preparation of individual departmental budget requests.
• Reviews and oversees the annual City audits and submits all required regulatory/statutory reports.
• Reviews, directs, coordinates, and supervises Special Assessments.
• Review tax roll, special charges, delinquencies, and assessments.
• Review tax roll prior to submission to the County Treasurer.
• Oversees the preparation of Statement of Taxes, Levy Limit worksheets, and Expenditure Restraint reporting.
• Performs Comptroller functions as required by State Statutes 62.09(10) and City ordinances.
• The comptroller shall submit a monthly report in writing to the council at its first meeting the condition of outstanding contracts and of each of the city funds and claims payable therefrom, and shall each year on or before October first file with the clerk a detailed statement of the receipts and disbursements on account of each fund of the city and of each aldermanic district or…