Finance Director

General Definition and Conditions of Work:

The Finance Director position plays a pivotal role in providing leadership and oversight to the financial operations of the organization. Reporting to the Town Manager, the finance director is an integral part of the executive team responsible for shaping the strategic vision of the town. Their expertise in financial management, budgeting, and regulatory compliance is crucial in maintaining the town's fiscal health and ensuring alignment with financial regulations. Additionally, the finance director leads the Finance Department, supervising staff and contributing to cross-departmental initiatives.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office environment. This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects, and some light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires reaching, standing, walking, grasping, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions.

Essential Functions:

• Plans, organizes and directs the administrative functions of the town including budget, finance, and procurement;
• Acts as chief budget officer and finance officer for town; analyzes revenue and expenditure trends and intergovernmental transfers;
• Forecasts revenues and expenditures; projects growth patterns;
• Develops annual Five Year Financial Plan; coordinates the development of the capital improvement plan;
• Oversees the development of the annual operating budget;
• Supervises the management of the town's cash and investments;
• Develops and implements financial policies to ensure compliance with legal requirements and professional standards;
• Coordinates the annual audit;
• Collaborate with the executive management team to develop and implement the strategic vision for the organization.
• Contributes specialized insights and knowledge to cross-departmental projects, planning, and budgeting efforts.
• Develops and manages the department's financial plan, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and oversees the fiscal operations of the department
• Monitors and reports on progress toward departmental objectives outlined in the financial plan.
• Supervise key departmental staff, providing clear job expectations and guidance.
• Evaluate staff job performance, offer coaching and counseling, and ensure consistent policy and procedure adherence.
• Foster a culture of equity and inclusion as it aligns with Town's values.Serve on or lead various Town-wide committees as appointed by the Town Manager.
• Attend Council and community meetings as necessary, representing the department and the Town.
• Stay updated with professional and technical knowledge and maintain required certifications related to departmental functions.
• Undertakes a variety of special projects as directed by the Town Manager;
• Performs related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Comprehensive understanding of accounting, finance, and administration trends, practices, and laws in North Carolina local government.
• Familiarity with relevant town ordinances, state statutes, governmental accounting principles, and regulatory requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal finance and administration;
• Thorough knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of public personnel administration;
• Strong grasp of management and supervisory principles and practices.
• Knowledge of pay and benefit systems and financial record-keeping systems.
• Proficiency in operating and capital budget development, administration, and oversight.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local regulations related to accounting, finance, and budget.

Skills:

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to recommend and apply effective solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish and maintain productive working relationships.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills for clear reporting and presentations.
• Competence in personnel selection, training, evaluation, and direction.
• Ability to research historical financial and budgetary data.
• Proficiency in providing business and financial consulting to the senior management team.
• Capability in establishing and maintaining robust systems and internal controls.

Abilities:

• Ability to analyze and develop budget estimates;
• Ability to analyze a variety of complex administrative problems, to make sound recommendations for their solutions and to prepare working procedures;
• Ability to communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local, State and other officials, civic and business leaders, Town Board members and the general public.

Special Requirements:

• A valid driver’s license.

Education and Experience:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree accounting, finance, public or business administration, or a related field and 6 years related experience in municipal government. (Master’s or JD preferred)