THE OPPORTUNITY

The Town of Carbondale is pleased to announce the opportunity for the position of Finance Director. Candidates must have a demonstrated track record of providing leadership and vision and a commitment to a proactive, hands-on, participative management style. This individual must have demonstrated success in both financial responsibilities and problem-solving policing strategies. The successful candidate must possess excellent interpersonal, communication and financial management skills.

THE HISTORY

Carbondale's economy was initially agriculturally based. Farmers and ranchers capitalized on open lands around Carbondale to supply food for the region. Early in the 20th century, Carbondale's primary agricultural product was potatoes. The legacy lives on in Potato Day, an annual fall parade and cookout in Sopris Park. Until the late 1980s Carbondale's economy was primarily based on coal operations up the Crystal River Valley, by 1991 the mines closed down permanently. Carbondale has recently experienced an increase in commercial and home construction, arts and recreational amenities, and tourism as the area's renown has grown. Our signature arts event is the annual summer arts and music festival, Mountain Fair held in Sopris Park. The event has annual attendance between 18,000 and 20,000 people over the three days.

In many ways Carbondale is the ideal small mountain town. It is a compact town, surrounded by predominantly open lands, bordered by two river corridors, has easy access to mountains and rivers, and enjoys expansive views in all directions. The town is small enough to get around in easily by foot or bicycle and many people integrate outdoor activities into their daily lives. What makes Carbondale unique is its diversity, the welcoming atmosphere, the compassion and generosity, the artistic and intellectual creativity, the quirkiness, the celebrations and gatherings, and the environmentally sustainable ethos. Because Carbondale is extremely well-loved by its residents and by the region as a whole, it has become a place of civic engagement, small-town democracy and strong debate on local issues.

THE ORGANIZATION

Carbondale is a full-service home-rule town with a council-manager government whose general philosophy incorporates substantial input from citizens through advisory boards and commissions. In addition to maintaining parks and streets, the Town operates its own water treatment and sanitation plants.

The Town of Carbondale’s Carbondale Mission Statement is to maintain and enhance an environmentally sensitive, culturally diverse, family oriented small town, with town government providing quality service to the Carbondale community

THE FINANCE DIRECTOR POSITION

The Finance Director oversees the financial management, financial record keeping and investments for the Town. Performs HR duties for the Town. Performs and/or supervises a variety of complex professional, supervisorial, administrative, and technical accounting and finance functions necessary to maintain the accounting, budgeting, and financial records and systems of the Town. Organizationally, the Finance Director is staff to the Town Manager, and must work collaboratively with Town personnel, officials, and the public. With respect to accounting and necessarily related matters, the Finance Director functions independently and must act within the ethical and professional rules of the profession. All such accounting matters are the responsibility of the Finance Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Budgeting, debt and bonding, investments, financial presentations, cost control, daily accounting supervision, human resource, employee benefits, financial statements and reconciliations, audit assistance, grants, internal controls, cash receipts and expenditures, tax collections and licensing. For a full job description go to www.carbondalegov.org.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in accounting. Governmental accounting and knowledge of the Caselle accounting system desirable.
• Knowledge of GASB 34 and other governmental accounting standards.
• Minimum of five years' experience in governmental finance and accounting at a high management or supervisory level.
• Typical duties to satisfy this qualification would have included, but not be limited to hiring & evaluation of accounting and financial professional and para-professional staff; direct supervision of other professional and/or management staff; extensive interaction with elected and high-ranking appointed public officials; overall responsibility for preparation of governmental financial reports in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; superior verbal and writing or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have a high degree of integrity, judgement, and a high sense of personal and professional ethics.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• CPA or Certified Public Finance Officer designation preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position $108,000 to $162,106, depending on qualifications. The Town of Carbondale offers an excellent benefits package.

HOW TO APPLY

Send an email attaching a cover letter, resume and a completed application to: Renae Gustine at Rgustine@Carbondaleco.net

QUESTIONS
Questions should be directed to Lauren Gister, Carbondale Town Manager at (970) 510-1207 or Renae Gustine, Carbondale Finance Director at (970) 510-1204.