Deputy Director, Finance

The Town of Queen Creek is seeking candidates for three Deputy Director positions to assist the Finance Director in leading the Finance Department amidst the community’s rapid growth. These new positions are a result of a reorganization aimed at better positioning the Town to address the financial challenges of a growing community.

These roles will focus on Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), Utilities, and Accounting/Procurement, and are pivotal in managing fiscal responsibilities and internal operations. This offers candidates a unique opportunity to influence the Town’s strategic financial planning. With a focus on policy-making, resource management, and special projects, the Deputy Directors will play a crucial part in addressing the financial challenges of a burgeoning community. These positions report directly to the Finance Director and participate in the Town’s executive team, ensuring effective communication of goals and policies throughout the department.

IMPORTANT APPLICANT INFORMATION:

The advertised salary range provided covers the entire compensation spectrum for the position classification. The anticipated hiring range for this role is between $131,505 and $164,382 annually. It’s essential to note that the actual salary offered will be determined based on several factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training and internal equity considerations.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Recruitment Closing Date: Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 11:59 PM

JOB CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY:

Positions assigned to this class serve as key leaders in the Finance department. Incumbents supervise, manage, and lead the activities and operations of their assigned division(s) and are responsible for financial and personnel responsibilities within their area(s) of responsibility. Each incumbent is heavily involved in goal setting and policy making alongside the Department Director.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This senior management position is recognized as a supervisory and organizational authority within a specific discipline, such as Utilities, Accounting and Purchasing, Budget & Performance Management, or Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The role requires broad practical knowledge across these major functions. Responsibilities include directing, planning, and coordinating staff and projects/programs within their respective areas. Additionally, the position assists with policy development within the assigned functional area or the broader organization. Typically, this position reports to a department head and serves as a third- or higher-level supervisor.

Typical Qualifications:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town’s needs.

• Plans, directs and oversees assigned divisions in Finance.
• Supervises, directs and evaluates assigned staff, processes employee concerns and problems; directs work; counsels, disciplines, and completes employee performance appraisals; interviews and selects new employees.
• Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and reviews completed work; confers with assigned staff, assists with complex/problem situations; provides technical expertise; coordinates staff development and training activities.
• Communicates with the applicable stakeholders as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, resolve problems, or give/receive advice/direction.
• Responds to requests for information; responds to politically sensitive inquiries and concerns; resolves the most complex issues, often in collaboration with the Finance Director; provides advice and counsel as needed.
• Facilitates meetings with internal departments and a variety of committees; prepares presentations for Council, management, staff, and citizens as needed.
• Manages customer service activities relating to area of assignment.
• Collaborates with the Finance Director in the development and implementation department financial plans, goals, and objectives; evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of operations, services, procedures, and use of resources; recommends and/or implement modifications or improvements as needed.
• Prepares, reviews, approves, completes, processes, or retains various forms, reports, correspondence, personnel information, performance evaluations, invoices, budget reports, financial records, contracts, codes, ordinances, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation.
• Attends meetings, serves on committees, and makes presentations as needed.
• Prepares Council Action reports as needed.
• Assists in the preparation and monitoring of the annual departmental budget.
• Assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Director in his/her absence.
• Conducts special projects and reviews.
• Performs related work as assigned.

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Assignment to a competency rank is at the sole discretion of the Town and is based on the achievement of all of the following in combination: education, experience, assigned duties, certification and license requirements.

If Assigned to Deputy Finance Director – Utilities:

This position will oversee the financial operations within the utilities sector of the organization. Your responsibilities will include managing financial planning, budgeting, rate setting, and forecasting. You will also oversee financial reporting and analysis, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards. Additionally, you will be responsible for managing revenues and expenses, optimizing financial performance, and identifying opportunities for revenue increases and cost-saving measures within the utilities division. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, coordination with regulatory bodies, and strategic decision-making to support the long-term financial sustainability of the utilities sector will be key aspects of your role.

If Assigned to Deputy Finance Director - Accounting and Purchasing:

This position will manage the organization’s accounting and purchasing functions. Your responsibilities include managing accounting operations, maintaining financial records, ensuring compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and preparing financial statements and serving as the liaison with the financial statement auditors. You will oversee procurement processes, negotiate vendor contracts, and ensure cost-effective acquisition of goods and services. Additionally, you will develop purchasing policies, monitor budget adherence, and seek cost-saving opportunities. Leading a team of professionals, you will provide guidance and training, collaborate with other departments to align financial strategies, and prepare reports for senior management. Ensuring regulatory compliance and mitigating risks are also key aspects of your role.

If Assigned to Deputy Finance Director – Budget & Performance Management:

This position will oversee the development and management of the Town’s budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and adherence to strategic financial goals. Your responsibilities include preparing and monitoring budgets, conducting financial analysis, and generating reports for senior management. You will establish and track performance metrics related to financial operations, identify areas for improvement, and implement cost-control measures. Additionally, you will ensure compliance with financial policies and regulations, provide strategic insights to support decision-making, and collaborate with other departments to align budgetary goals with the organization's objectives.

If Assigned to Deputy Finance Director – Capital Improvement Plan (CIP):

This position will oversee the financial management and strategic planning of the organization's capital improvement plan. Your responsibilities include developing and monitoring the CIP budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources, and overseeing financial reporting and analysis for all capital projects. You will collaborate with various departments to prioritize, plan and fund / finance capital projects, ensure compliance with financial policies and regulations, and implement cost-control measures. Additionally, you will provide strategic insights to support decision-making, manage funding sources, and ensure that projects are completed within budget and on schedule.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (at job entry):

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business or Public Administration, or a related field, 10 years of related experience, and 5 years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience. Master’s Degree preferred. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification preferred.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Driver’s License
• Maintain all certifications/licenses required at job entry.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Managerial principles, practices, techniques and options to successfully motivate and supervise staff;
• Finance principles, methods and practices;
• Municipal budgeting and finance principles and practices;
• Project management principles and practices;
• Applicable state, local and federal laws relating to operation of local government;
• Budgeting and municipal finance;
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP);
• Personnel related laws and policies;
• Standard office equipment including the computer and programs relevant to the performance of applicable duties and responsibilities;
• Applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations
• Customer service principles and practices.

SKILLS:

• Supervising and leading staff;
• Managing, identifying, communicating and carrying out the objectives of the department and assigned divisions;
• Interpreting and applying Finance principles, methods and practices;
• Using computers and related software applications;
• Interpreting and applying applicable Federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, rules and regulations;
• Solving problems and proposing sound decisions;
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and other interested parties sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction