Director of Financial Services

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Provides executive leadership for the Financial Services Department and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with City policies and applicable laws. Establishes clear expectations and accountability; develops succession and workforce plans; recruits, develops, evaluates, and retains high-performing staff; promotes collaboration and customer service; and ensures appropriate segregation of duties and continuity of critical financial operations. Duties/Responsibilities Annual Operating and Capital Budget Preparation, Administration, and Performance Management: Lead development, implementation, and monitoring of the City’s annual operating and capital budgets and multi-year financial plan. Develop budget assumptions, revenue estimates, fixed-cost projections, allocations, and guidelines consistent with City Manager and City Council policy direction. Present budget recommendations and periodic financial and performance reports; monitor results and forecasts throughout the year; identify variances and corrective strategies; and guide departments in responsible administration of programs and fiscal resources. Centralized Accounting, Annual Audit, and Financial Reporting: Direct accounting and financial reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and applicable governmental accounting standards. Ensure timely reconciliations, accurate financial statements, completion of the annual external audit and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, and effective citywide internal controls. Establish procedures to safeguard assets, reduce fraud and financial reporting risk, and ensure departments accurately and timely record financial transactions. Treasury, Cash Management, and Investments: Direct cash-flow planning and investment of public funds in accordance with the City’s investment policy and Florida law. Maintain adequate liquidity, safety of principal, appropriate diversification, segregation of restricted funds, and timely funding of payroll, debt service, and disbursements. Monitor banking relationships, investment performance, and treasury controls and recommend improvements to maximize effectiveness while prudently managing risk. Debt and Capital Financing Management: Develop and maintain the City’s debt management strategy and policies; evaluate financing alternatives; and lead the planning, structuring, coordination, and execution of debt issuances approved by City Council. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Advanced proficiency with financial management and enterprise resource planning systems, spreadsheet and data-analysis tools, and standard office and presentation software; ability to use technology and data to improve financial reporting, forecasting, controls, and decision-making. Comprehensive knowledge of governmental accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, treasury and investment management, debt and capital financing, internal controls, revenue administration, and long-range financial planning. Knowledge of Florida local government finance and experience working effectively with elected officials in a public, transparent environment, including applicable public records and Sunshine Law requirements. Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, organizational, and executive decision-making skills, including the ability to assess financial and operational risk and recommend practical solutions. Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field. Ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, finance, budgeting, or governmental financial management, including at least five years of significant management or executive leadership responsibility. Substantial experience with governmental budgeting, financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and long-range financial planning is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required competencies may be considered. Must possess or obtain a valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record in accordance with City policy. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), or comparable public finance credentials. Florida local-government finance experience; experience with municipal debt issuance and rating agencies; and experience leading an enterprise financial system implementation or major financial process modernization are highly desirable.