Assistant Finance Director

City of Columbia Heights•Columbia Heights, MN

About The Position

Assists the Finance Director with ongoing Finance Department operations and administers financial and accounting activities to ensure the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of City financial data, records, and reports. Provides direction and assistance to staff processing day-to-day transactions. The position applies technical accounting skills and general management knowledge to individual and team tasks within established laws, policies, and time limits. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general supervision of the Finance Director and reviewed through meetings, reports, and results obtained. The Assistant Finance Director supports financial reporting, including preparing the City’s annual comprehensive financial report with limited assistance, coordinating the annual audit, analyzing financial data, directing preparation of internal monthly reports, and preparing or assisting with other financial reports and analyses. The position manages Finance Department operations and staff, develops and implements policies and procedures, supports internal controls, and oversees functions including cash receipts, payroll, utility billing, accounts payable, purchasing, capital assets, and special assessments. Additional duties include administering financial software, maintaining user access, helping users with reports and settings, troubleshooting issues, maintaining records, keeping the Finance Director informed of significant matters, and performing the duties of Finance Director/City Treasurer in that person’s absence. The position maintains working knowledge of current technical accounting standards and performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a similar environment may be considered.
At least three years of work experience in accounting or government finance, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a similar environment.
Three years of training and/or experience with Microsoft Office and fund accounting software.
Strong customer service orientation and ability to create effective working relationships with a variety of people while maintaining a positive professional manner when resolving customer issues.
Considerable knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting (GAAFR), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards and statements.
Knowledge of the function, organization, staffing, and operating procedures of City departments.
Knowledge of internal control.
Knowledge of computerized accounting systems and document management systems, and ability to train subordinates in their use.
Ability to apply accounting theory and principles to a particular accounting system.
Ability to supervise and evaluate employees.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with division heads, department heads, other employees, public officials, other governmental agencies, the City’s auditing firm, and the general public.

Nice To Haves

Four or more years of governmental accounting work experience.
Experience preparing or auditing a comprehensive annual financial report.
Two years of supervisory experience.
Master’s degree in accounting or a related field.
Certified Public Financial Officer (CPFO) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate.

Responsibilities

Prepare the City’s annual comprehensive financial report, including most year-end journal entries and supporting schedules, with limited assistance.
Coordinate the annual audit.
Test and analyze financial data to verify accuracy.
Direct preparation of internal monthly financial reports by reviewing staff completion of periodic entries and processing.
Prepare or assist with other financial reports and analyses, including State, Federal, and grant reports, and verify reports prepared by other departments or outside organizations.
Develop and implement policies, procedures, and methods for directing and controlling staff work and ensuring effective internal controls and compliance with City policies.
Provide detailed direction to staff responsible for cash receipts, payroll, utility billing, accounts payable, purchasing, capital assets, special assessments, and other accounting functions.
Perform final review of Accounts Payable invoices, summarize weekly activity, and organize weekly staff meetings with the Director and AP staff.
Evaluate employee performance, recommend promotion or termination, and participate in selecting and training new employees.
Meet regularly with employees one-on-one to address staff needs and concerns.
Perform or review purchasing functions to ensure favorable price and quantity for the City.
Maintain working relationships with other departments and explain and interpret City financial policies to support compliance.
Administer financial software, including managing user databases and access permissions and assisting users with report generation, analysis, and settings.
Troubleshoot financial software issues and create provider tickets when needed.
Maintain records and assist in determining which official records must be stored or destroyed.
Keep the Finance Director promptly informed of significant matters affecting the department and attend meetings related to duties as required.
Perform the duties of the Finance Director/City Treasurer in that person’s absence.
Maintain knowledge of current technical accounting standards and implement necessary changes.
Perform other duties and responsibilities related to the position as apparent or assigned.