Assistant Director of Finance

City of Baytown•2401 Market St. Baytown, TX

13d

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Finance assists the Director of Finance in overseeing and coordinating the City’s Finance Department, including budget, accounting functions such as CIP, fixed assets, and grants, and the design and implementation of internal controls. The role provides leadership and supervision to Finance staff, supports staff development, and contributes to strategic planning, policy development, performance improvement, and continuous process improvement. The position prepares and interprets financial reports, maintains the City’s computerized financial systems, and helps ensure timely financial reporting in compliance with GAAP. It oversees fiscal year-end closing for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, coordinates the annual audit and related financial statement preparation, and supports City Management and City Council with financial information. The Assistant Director works with City departments and the public on financial issues and process improvements, attends meetings, presents findings, and assumes the Finance Director’s duties when needed. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a related field, seven years of professional-level Finance or Accounting experience, progressive management and supervisory experience, and a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. An equivalent combination of education, experience, certification, and/or licenses may also qualify. A master’s degree, CPA, and experience with government finance topics are preferred. The position may require work exceeding 40 hours per week and may involve emergency duties, including remaining during an evacuation to perform needed services. The physical demand classification is Light Work, involving exertion of up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to 10 pounds frequently, and negligible force constantly to move objects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or institution in Accounting or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, certification, and/or licenses sufficient to perform the essential functions.
Seven years of professional-level experience in Finance or Accounting, or an equivalent combination of qualifications as stated in the posting.
Demonstrated progressive management and supervisory experience.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record; must obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days.
Comprehensive understanding of finance, administration, and utility billing, including budgeting, purchasing, and financial reporting.
Knowledge of finance principles and methods, governmental accounting, auditing procedures, and GAAP standards, with the ability to apply them.
Skills in strategic planning, process improvement, internal controls, and performance enhancement.
Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, and fiscal systems while ensuring compliance with payroll laws and financial reporting standards.
Ability to prepare complex financial statements, reports, and analyses and select effective courses of action.
Leadership and management abilities, including coaching, training, mentoring, and supervising professional, technical, and clerical staff.
Clear oral and written communication skills.
Proficiency with word processing, database and spreadsheet programs, and financial software systems.
Ability to collaborate with City departments, executive staff, and the public and maintain positive working relationships.
Ability to meet the position’s attendance expectations and perform duties during emergency situations; the position may require work exceeding 40 hours per week.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited college or institution in Business Administration, Public Administration, or Accounting.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Experience with Public Funds Investment Act, arbitrage regulations, GASB rules and regulations, government financial reporting and budgeting, and Government Purchasing Code.

Responsibilities

Assist the Finance Director in managing the City’s financial activities, including operating and capital budget preparation, CIP, fixed assets, grants, financial planning, and reporting.
Direct, coordinate, and supervise accounting division personnel and functions, including disbursements, payroll processing, inventory and purchases, fixed assets, and capital improvement project reporting.
Provide administrative support to the Finance Director, City Management, and City Council by supervising and reviewing financial reports related to the operational budget and component units.
Ensure timely and appropriate management of grants and capital projects.
Coordinate the annual audit and provide financial representation regarding audit issues, including coordinating financial statement preparation.
Prepare division budgets as assigned and develop and monitor financial policies and procedures.
Oversee preparation of reports for City Council or City Boards, including monthly Council financial reports and nine-month BAWA financial reports.
Provide departments with financial expertise and advice, including assistance with finance computer systems or subsystems.
Evaluate, review, and develop departmental policies, procedures, and finance-related matters as assigned.
Assume the Finance Director’s duties in their absence, including attending meetings, making presentations, and representing the City before citizens and elected officials on financial and administrative matters.
Lead and manage Finance Department staff, including reviewing and evaluating performance and overseeing process improvements and internal controls.
Perform personnel duties including hiring, training, coaching, performance evaluations, and discipline.
Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.
Plan, organize, and oversee fiscal year-end closing for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
Prepare financial reports, interpret data, maintain the City’s computerized financial systems, and support timely, GAAP-compliant reporting.
Interact with departments and the public to address issues, concerns, and process improvements.