Finance Director

City of Palmetto
Position Title: Finance Director
Department: Finance
Reports To: City Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: 90,000 – 115,000
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (occasional evenings required)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Finance Director is a key executive-level leader responsible for directing and managing all financial activities of the City of Palmetto. Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Finance Director oversees the city’s financial strategy and long-term fiscal health in alignment with local, state, and federal policies. This position ensures the implementation of strong internal financial controls, promotes fiscal transparency, and supports the city’s mission of sustainable and responsible governance. The Finance Director provides strategic leadership in budgeting, accounting, investments, debt management, purchasing, revenue collection, and utility billing functions, ensuring financial compliance and accurate reporting to the Mayor, City Council and the City Administrator.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Strategy & Oversight

• Develop and implement the city’s overall financial strategy in coordination with state fiscal policies and economic goals.
• Evaluate the financial condition of the city through forecasting, long-term planning, and financial modeling.
• Monitor and manage city debt, credit ratings, and investment portfolios to ensure fiscal stability and adherence to regulatory compliance.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Lead the preparation, development, adoption, and oversight of the Annual Operating and Capital Budget in collaboration with department heads.
• Ensure compliance with state budgeting requirements and fiscal responsibility laws.
• Provide regular budget reports and financial updates to the City Manager and City Council, with appropriate recommendations for fiscal adjustments.

Financial Reporting & Audit

• Oversee the completion and submission of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in accordance with GAAP and GASB standards.
• Manage the year-end fiscal close process and coordinate the annual audit, serving as the primary liaison to external auditors.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting to external agencies, regulatory bodies, and elected officials.

Accounting & Treasury Functions

• Supervise all financial accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and purchasing.
• Oversee the city’s treasury functions including cash flow analysis, banking relationships, and revenue collection.
• Monitor and manage all incoming and outgoing financial transactions and ensure compliance with city policies and internal controls.

Insurance & Risk Management

• Ensure the city’s assets are properly insured and manage claims and insurance renewals.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk management strategy to mitigate exposure and ensure fiscal protection.

Revenue & Utility Billing

• Oversee utility billing functions, including stormwater utility billing, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and customer service responsiveness.
• Implement systems to maximize revenue collection while maintaining fairness and regulatory compliance.

Purchasing Oversight

• Oversee the procurement and purchasing functions to ensure cost-effective purchasing and compliance with city procurement ordinances.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain and enforce a robust system of internal controls to protect city assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing public finance.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor finance department personnel, promoting professional development and operational efficiency.
• Serve as a key advisor to the City Manager and department heads on financial matters.
• Represent the Finance Department in public meetings, including budget hearings, council meetings, and community events when required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in a local government or public agency setting.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of governmental accounting standards (GAAP, GASB).
• Proficient in preparing and overseeing municipal budgets and audits.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls, public finance law, and treasury functions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or Public Administration.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) designation.
• Experience with ERP or financial software systems commonly used in local government (e.g., Tyler Technologies, Munis, or similar).
• Familiarity with state-specific budgeting or financial management regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This is a sedentary position, typically performed in an office environment.
• Requires extended periods of computer use and sitting.
• Occasional attendance at evening council meetings and public forums.