Chief Financial Officer

SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for directing the city's financial operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

• Provides the Mayor both formally and informally financial reports, recommendations, and analysis.
• Oversees the city's accounting and financial functions; plans, coordinates, and directs the department's operations; establishes priorities; coordinates operations within the city, and assures program objectives and standards are defined, attained, and consistent with the overall goals of the city.
• Directs the city's financial reporting and budgeting functions; monitors analysis of budget and financial variables, revenue cycle and financial planning activities.
• Reviews and monitors various debt requirements for the city and performs cost/benefit analyses; coordinates bond ratings and ensures the city meets arbitrage and continuing disclosure requirements under the SEC; provides regular updates to the Mayor, City Council and senior leadership.
• Provides leadership, direction and guidance in financial and technical strategies and priorities; evaluates needs and determines financial resource requirements and goals.
• Oversees the city's investment and financial agreements.
• Structures, plans and coordinates capital-financing alternatives and develops funding options for various projects and programs.
• Performs special projects for the Mayor; serves on various committees; attends Council meetings and other official functions.
• Analyzes financial and resource information in City operations; reviews and monitors status reports, and recommends appropriate actions and plan modifications.
• Meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve workload and technical issues; develops goals and priorities; monitors operations to identify and resolve issues.
• Assures effective communications with Mayor, City Council, and senior leadership; interprets and explains federal and state fiscal rules and regulations; evaluates and analyzes policies and procedures, and recommends solutions.
• Serves as Treasurer for the Tuscaloosa Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement Plan.
• Knowledge of budget development and management principles and practices, generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), accounting and financial reporting requirements, debt management, bond ratings, continuing disclosure, and arbitrate rebate principles, cash management principles, relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures, computers and job-related software programs, and research and statistical analysis principles.
• Skills in management and supervision, problem solving, prioritizing and planning, interpersonal relations, and oral and written communications.
• Work consists of varied management, accounting, and supervisory duties; strict regulations and the need for accuracy contribute to the complexity of the position; successful performance in managing the city's financial functions ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, motivate, negotiate, resolve problems and provide services with coworkers, elected and appointed officials, and representatives of other government agencies, attorneys, bankers, external accountants, bond underwriters, rating agencies, actuaries, auditors, consultants, vendors, and the general public.
• Work requires development, judgment, selection, and interpretation in application of guidelines that include GAAP, Governmental Standards Board pronouncements, internal control procedures, budgeting best practices, relevant state and federal laws, auditing principles, and city polices and procedures.
• Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Department.
• Must meet regular attendance requirements.
• Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers and managers.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field and five years of professional accounting experience; OR a Master's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field and four years of professional accounting experience. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant required. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Preference given to candidates with governmental accounting and/or utility or enterprise accounting experience.