Finance Director

GENERAL SUMMARY

Operating under broad guidelines from the Town Manager and in accordance with established policies and procedures, this Senior Management position serves as the Town’s Chief Financial Officer ensuring that the Town’s financial resources are properly employed, accounted for, and safeguarded; assisting, advising, and making recommendations to the Town Manager and Town Council as appropriate; and representing Town Administration to the public. Serves as Treasurer and Tax Collector.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Finance and Personnel Management

• Oversees the day-to-day operations and personnel of the Finance and Tax departments.
• Directs and oversees all department personnel functions including performance evaluation of department members, hiring/firing, scheduling, ensuring training needs, supervision, coaching, mentoring, and counseling for future development, in accordance with union contract(s) and personnel policies.

Financial Planning and Management

• Plans, directs, and evaluates fund accounting and financial reporting processes; expenditure controls; revenue collections; treasury, risk, cash, and debt management; payroll function; internal auditing and controls; and other related activities for the Town’s offices, departments, and agencies.
• Ensures timely, effective, and accurate control of financial resources through the design and implementation of policies, procedures and systems required to provide appropriate internal controls and improve the efficiency of operations.
• Safeguards all municipal funds and enhances income through the analysis and selection of prudent investment vehicles.
• Advises the Town Council on financial matters and recommends financial policy changes.
• Assists with financial analysis and cost projections to support union negotiations and collective bargaining discussions.

Budget and Financial Reporting

• Assists the Town Manager, Town Council, and departments in all phases of preparation, management, and administration of the municipal budget and Capital Improvement Program.
• Oversees the receipt and disbursement of municipal funds and monitors departmental expenditure and revenue budgets.
• Oversees the financial management of State and Federal grants and provides appropriate reports to agencies as required.
• Identifies, analyzes, and ensures compliance with current laws, regulations, reporting requirements and GAAP.
• Prepares cash flow forecasts, official statements, disclosure documents, and related materials pertaining to temporary and long-term debt financing.
• Prepares annual financial reports (ACFR and PAFR) and coordinates annual audit.

Systems Management and Compliance

• Works in conjunction with the Town’s IT Department to assist with managing the Town’s financial software systems, recommending system enhancements, liaising with software vendors, and providing training and support to department staff and other municipal departments.
• Ensures compliance with current laws, regulations, reporting requirements and GAAP.

Risk Management and Insurance

• Serves as the Town’s risk manager by maintaining inventories of the Town’s properties and recommending and obtaining appropriate insurance coverage for the properties and various exposures.
• Serves as the main contact for the Town’s general insurance provider.

Payroll and Tax Collection

• Supervises the preparation of payroll and earnings reports required by federal and state law or regulation.
• Oversees tax collection procedures, securing tax liens as necessary and in accordance with generally accepted collection procedures and legal prescriptions.
• Advises Town Manager of property acquired through non-payment and makes recommendations for property dispositions.

Public Relations and Representation

• Serves as chief spokesperson for the department, staffs the Finance Committee, and assumes responsibility for public awareness, media relations, and speaking at community programs.
• Represents the Department and the Town before various boards and commissions, including Town Council and Town Manager, and participates in various organizations as a representative of the Town and/or Department as appropriate.

Strategic Planning and Development

• Assists the Town Manager and Town Council and departments in financial strategic planning and capital improvement programming.
• Participates in organizational development activities, training, strategic and comprehensive planning, problem-solving, and other management programs as needed.
• Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates programs regularly, and makes suggestions for program enhancements/updates. Proactively develops and institutes new programs.
• Develops, reviews and revises financial policies and procedures.
• Maintains personal professional development in own field of expertise by attending related training seminars and actively participating in professional associations.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responds to inquiries and concerns from the Town Council, other departments, government agencies, citizens, and the media.
• Performs financial analysis on proposals that come from a variety of sources.
• Performs other related duties as required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING REQUIRED

• Considerable knowledge of accounting, finance, computer information systems, and management equivalent to completion of a 4-year college degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience in a municipal or governmental setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification as a Public Finance Officer desired.
• Ability to lead, manage, motivate, and direct the activities of department personnel.
• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to proactively establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to establish priorities, organize work and develop short term and long-range plans.
• Facilitation skills with the ability to successfully communicate ideas and concepts effectively.
• Extensive knowledge of budget preparation and finance.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective public relations and labor relations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong records management and maintenance skills.
• Strong computer skills and software knowledge.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The working conditions/physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions - While performing the duties of this class, the incumbent is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; observe and interpret situations; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve complex problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; perform highly detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines, on multiple concurrent tasks; work with constant interruptions; and interact with officials and the public. Work requires frequent extended hours, involves travel and off-site meetings.
Physical Demands - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; talk and hear, both in person and by telephone; operate computer and standard office equipment, requiring hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus. Minimal physical effort required; though, may require lifting up to and over 25 pounds.

The Town of Brunswick considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, ancestry or national origin, age, physical or mental handicaps, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

* External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.