Finance Officer

Location: City Hall, 1040 Harley Davidson Way, Sturgis, SD

Department: Finance

Hours: Exempt, full-time, with benefits

Job Description:

The City of Sturgis is looking for an experienced and collaborative Finance Officer to lead the Finance Department and help guide the city's financial future.

As the city's chief financial officer, the Finance Officer oversees the city's finances and works closely with the City Administrator, Mayor, City Council and department directors. This position helps ensure the city remains financially strong, public funds are managed responsibly, and decision-makers have clear and accurate financial information when they need it.

The city is looking for someone who knows accounting and finance but can also see the bigger picture. The ideal candidate is analytical, organized and detail-oriented, but also approachable and able to explain financial information in a way people can understand. This person should be comfortable helping with planning for the city's future while also staying connected to the day-to-day work of the Finance Department.

The Finance Officer provides leadership and oversight in the following areas:

• Financial Management & Reporting - Directs accounting operations and ensures accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting both internally and externally in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and accounting standards.
• Budgeting & Financial Planning - Leads the annual budget process, including development, analysis, monitoring, forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
• Capital Planning - Assists with the financial aspect of capital improvement planning.
• Debt Management - Provides financial analysis in overseeing municipal debt.
• Treasury & Investments - Oversees cash management, banking relationships, and investments as the custodian of city funds.
• Internal Controls & Risk Management - Develops, evaluates, and maintains appropriate internal controls and financial procedures to safeguard city assets and mitigate financial risk.
• Department Leadership - Directs and coordinates Finance Department personnel, establishes priorities, supports professional development, and promotes a culture of accountability, accuracy, and service.
• Procurement- Oversees or assists with municipal purchasing and procurement processes to promote compliance, accountability, and responsible use of public funds.
• Utility Billing - Oversees the city's utility billing operations, including water, wastewater, and sanitation services.
• Open Records - Coordinates and administers the city's open records requests, working closely with city Legal staff as appropriate.
• Compliance - Ensures financial operations and procedures comply with applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including requirements established under South Dakota Codified Law.
• City Leadership & Council Support - Provides financial analysis, recommendations, reports, and presentations to the City Administrator, Mayor, City Council, department directors, and other stakeholders.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

o Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible finance or accounting experience.
• At least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and professional experience may be considered.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, budgeting, and financial management.
• Excellent computer skills and demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, maintain confidentiality, and work effectively with elected officials, employees, vendors, and members of the public.

• Experience working in local government or another public-sector organization.
• Professional experience in governmental accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, or utility billing.
• Familiarity with municipal laws, regulations, policies, and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience working with or the ability to quickly learn municipal software applications.
• Experience with municipal budgeting, capital planning, debt administration, treasury management, or internal control systems.

The City of…