Finance Director
City of Riverside, OH
Job Summary
Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, the Finance Director is responsible for overseeing and managing the City's financial operations. This includes complex financial tasks and programs essential for maintaining the City’s financial health. The Director's work is evaluated through audits, financial outcomes, and direct observation. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Budget and Financial Planning:
Collaborates closely with the City Manager, department heads, and other key stakeholders to develop, implement, and monitor the City’s budget. This includes preparing the annual budget document, ensuring alignment with the City’s long-term goals and priorities, and overseeing ongoing budget performance throughout the fiscal year. The Finance Director is responsible for reviewing budget requests, advising departments on budget matters, and making recommendations for adjustments as necessary. Ensures proper allocation of resources across various departments and that all spending adheres to fiscal policies.
• Financial Reporting and Oversight:
The Finance Director leads the preparation and presentation of the City’s annual financial statements, ensuring they meet all local, state, and federal regulations. The Finance Director ensures that all financial reports are accurate, comprehensive, and delivered in a timely manner, including monthly financial reports to the City Council and other stakeholders. The Director also reviews the operations of utility services, assesses revenue generation strategies, evaluates utility rates, and ensures the proper handling of City debt, including timely payments and compliance with debt service schedules.
• Financial Analysis and Decision Support:
Performs detailed financial analysis to assess the financial implications of special projects, initiatives, and City programs. This includes preparing cost/benefit analyses and return-on-investment (ROI) evaluations for potential projects, such as infrastructure improvements or new public services. The Finance Director plays a key role in the City’s decision-making process by providing clear, data-driven financial recommendations that align with the City’s fiscal health and long-term objectives.
• Staff Leadership and Department Management:
Directs and manages all finance-related staff, ensuring the efficient operation of the Finance Department. The Finance Director oversees the development of staff performance goals, conducts regular performance evaluations, provides training and professional development opportunities, and ensures all team members are well-versed in City financial policies and procedures. The Director ensures compliance with established accounting standards and effective management of financial data and systems.
• Labor Negotiations and Administrative Support:
Provide financial analysis and support for collective bargaining discussions. The Finance Director prepares cost estimates related to labor contracts, pension plans, and benefits, ensuring that the City’s financial constraints are balanced with fair and equitable labor agreements. Additionally, the Director provides ongoing administrative support to the City Manager or their designee, including financial analysis for policy initiatives, council reports, and other strategic decisions.
• Risk Management and Insurance Programs:
The Finance Director oversees the City’s risk management strategy, including the administration of insurance policies, self-insurance programs, and loss-control measures. The Director ensures that the City is adequately protected from financial loss through appropriate insurance coverage and self-insurance arrangements. The Director regularly reviews the City’s insurance policies, claims history, and loss exposure, recommending adjustments or improvements to reduce risks and manage costs.
• Asset Management and Inventory Control:
Maintains an up-to-date inventory of the City’s physical assets, including land, buildings, infrastructure, and equipment. The Finance Director ensures that fixed assets are accurately recorded and valued in compliance with applicable accounting standards. The Director coordinates periodic asset audits, oversees the depreciation schedules for assets, and ensures that the City’s asset management practices contribute to the overall fiscal health and accountability.
• Investment Management:
Directs the City’s investment strategy by overseeing the management of idle cash, ensuring that funds are invested in safe, liquid, and productive short-term and long-term financial instruments. The Finance Director works with investment advisors, ensures compliance with City policies, and regularly reviews investment performance to achieve optimal returns while minimizing financial risk. The Director is responsible for overseeing cash flow forecasts, liquidity management, and ensuring that the City has sufficient funds available to meet its obligations.
• Income Tax Liaison:
Serve as the primary liaison between the City and the Central Collection Agency (CCA) for municipal income tax matters. Ensure compliance with local tax ordinances and address any issues or discrepancies related to income tax collection and distribution.
• City Council and Public Engagement:
Regularly attends City Council meetings, budget hearings, and other public forums to present the City’s financial status, answer questions, and provide guidance on fiscal matters. The Finance Director communicates the City’s financial condition clearly to elected officials, staff, and the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in all financial matters. The Director also provides financial expertise during key policy discussions, offering insights that help inform Council decisions on matters such as tax rates, public services, and capital improvement projects.
• Insurance Administration and Claims Management:
Supervises the administration of the City’s property and casualty insurance programs, ensuring that adequate coverage is in place to protect the City’s assets from potential risks. The Finance Director also manages the claims process, ensuring that claims are processed efficiently and that any necessary corrective actions are taken to mitigate future risks.
• Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) Preparation:
Leads the preparation of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), ensuring it meets all legal, regulatory, and accounting requirements. This includes coordinating the work of external auditors, addressing audit findings, and ensuring the ACFR is finalized and presented to the City Council and the public. The Director is responsible for maintaining a high standard of transparency and financial integrity in the City’s reporting practices.
• Capital Improvement and Long-Term Planning:
Collaborates with the Capital Improvement Committee to develop and maintain a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The Finance Director assists in prioritizing capital projects based on financial feasibility, funding availability, and long-term infrastructure needs. This includes providing detailed financial projections, cost estimates, and funding strategies for capital projects, ensuring that the City’s infrastructure needs are met in a financially sustainable manner.
Education and Experience
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Public Finance, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree in Public Administration, Accounting, or Business Administration preferred). Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) designation by GFOA is highly desired.
• Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in local government finance, including experience with computer-based data management systems. Alternatively, an equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered.