City of Taylor, TX – Chief Financial Officer

Please follow this link to view the full brochure: https://www.affionpublic.com/position/chief-financial-officer-city-of-t…

The Community

Spanning approximately 19 square miles and boasting a population of 17,636, the City of Taylor is an innovative city in eastern Williamson County, Texas, one of the fastest growing areas in the nation. Being a short 30-minute drive to downtown Austin, Taylor is conveniently located to the capital city and all it has to offer, but the overall cost of living and home prices in Taylor are some of the lowest in the Greater Austin Area. In the coming years, Samsung will finish construction of a $25 Billion Chip Manufacturing Plant and the University of Texas will be building a technology campus in Taylor.

We’re a community well-known worldwide for our barbecue, historic downtown, rich culture, and visionary leadership. Taylor’s historic downtown is the cultural hub of the city, with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and service offerings in a walkable, old town atmosphere. Taylor is proud to boast its expansive park system, totaling 250 acres connected by 11 miles of trail, with amenities including swimming pools, walking trails, lakes, basketball courts, playgrounds, splash pads, skate park, disc golf course, and the Taylor Regional Park and Sports Complex, a state-of-the-art sports facility that hosts many national tournaments.

Government

The City of Taylor operates as a council-manager form of government with an elected city council comprised of five council members, four of whom elected from single member districts and one member elected at-large. Each year council members elect from among their number a mayor and a mayor pro tem.

Taylor is a Home Rule city, which means that the council can enact legislation, adopt budgets, and determine policies, subject only to limitations imposed by the state constitution and the city charter. The city council is also guided by an ethics policy and a council relations policy to ensure an ongoing commitment to preserving the integrity of local government.

The Position

The CFO manages the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department including budget preparation, policy development and interpretation, and preparation of financial reports. The CFO provides assistance on strategic and tactical matters related to budget management, cost benefit analysis, financial forecasting, long range financial planning and securing new funding, and monitors financial status of City and seeks methods of improvement.

The CFO reports to the Deputy City Manager and supervises the Deputy CFO, Senior Accountant and Accounting Specialist, and works closely with department directors, employees, the City Attorney, City Council and area Finance Directors.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Manages results and resources (personnel, equipment, facilities and budget) of Finance Department and Utility Billing Office in an efficient and effective manner that meets the needs of internal and external customers.
• Manages the utility billing program to achieve high levels of customer service; monitors utility revenues; periodically work with staff and consultants in conducting utility rate studies; oversees cash receipts for utility payments.
• Manages and directs the Annual Operating Budget preparation and process that results in a coordinated effort among operating Departments, meets Council guidelines for accomplishments and sound current and future financial status for the City. Responsible for the preparation of a budget document for submittal for the GFOA award.
• Provides financial policy guidance and analytical support to special projects, including development related agreements and economic development projects to include grant projects.
• Supervises and participates in the development of monthly financial reports to the City Council and other governmental and regulatory bodies.
• Works with independent auditors in conducting the annual audit of the City; monitors and participates in resolving audit issues; reviews drafts for accuracy; follow up, and reports on implementation of auditor findings. Performs all duties necessary to achieve the goal of completing the ACFR, publishing for submittal for the GFOA award.
• Ensures that the expenditure of city funds and underlying purchasing and expenditure processes are done within state and local legal requirements, provides for appropriate internal control and recommends improvements as needed.
• Manages city treasury management program that invests City funds in accordance with written investment policy, monitors investment and market trends to ensure appropriate safety and yield of City funds and provides adequate cash flow for routine and capital expenditures.
• Oversees and directs debt administration to ensure compliance with all bond covenants, plans funding requirements that minimizes long term debt requirements, and coordinates positive relationships with financial advisors, bond counsel, rating agencies, bond insurers and underwriters that enables favorable debt terms, costs, ensures arbitrage requirements are met.
• Serves in extension of current duties as required for emergency management, particularly in the areas of financial resource management in the recovery phase.
• Provides quality customer service to City staff, the general public, and all other work contacts

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and financial management principles
• Knowledge of computerized accounting systems and information systems
• Knowledge of fiscal management and budget preparation and controls.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, complex financial concepts and strategies in a manner that can be readily understood by individuals with little background in municipal finance.
• Ability to review proposed economic development agreements and provide guidance on the best financial approach to the city long term.

Education and Experience

Qualified applicants will have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or Public Administration, plus at least five (5) years of prior municipal governmental finance or related experience which included management / supervisory experience. A Master's degree and/or CPA is preferred; any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate should have expertise in accounting and financial management, and extensive experience in municipal finance, including budget preparation, financial reporting, utility billing, audits, debt administration, emergency management, and treasury functions. This individual must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and accountability.

We are looking for a forward-thinking leader who is passionate about public service and dedicated to supporting the needs of a growing community. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, bringing valuable experience in addressing the financial complexities of an expanding city. A proven ability to cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with the City Manager, City Council, department heads, and community stakeholders is essential to ensure a shared vision is successfully implemented.

The ideal candidate will be an inspirational leader with a strong mentoring capability, fostering a positive, professional culture within the finance department. They will lead by example, embodying high standards of competence, professionalism, integrity, and work ethic, while nurturing a healthy organizational environment and high staff morale. Advanced written and verbal communication skills are critical for effectively conveying complex financial information and building trust across the organization.

Salary

The City of Taylor is offering a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. Relocation assistance will be available for the successful out of area candidate.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should forward a cover letter and resume to:

resumes@affionpublic.com
Reference: TAYLORCFO

Affion Public
PO Box 794
Hershey, PA 17033
717. 214.4922
www.affionpublic.com
*The deadline to receive resumes is November 26, 2024*
The City of Taylor is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.