Finance Director

Sitka, City and Borough of•Sitka, AK

12d

About The Position

The Finance Director supervises and manages all staff and operations of the City and Borough of Sitka Finance Department. The role develops broad fiscal policies, participates in strategic planning, and provides financial guidance to the Municipal Administrator and other municipal officials to support the municipality’s fiscal health and effective financial management. Under the supervision of the Municipal Administrator, the Finance Director exercises independent judgment and discretion in leading the department and ensuring compliance. The position directly supervises two or more employees and may be responsible for oversight of all department staff, including staff managed by other supervisors. It is a management role that assists and acts in a confidential capacity to the Municipal Administrator, Assembly, Municipal Attorney, and department heads on management policies. The Finance Director oversees budgeting, accounting, treasury, and tax collection; maintains financial and accounting systems; guides long-range financial planning and fiscal policy; and oversees financial reporting, including quarterly statements and the Annual Consolidated Financial Report. The Director coordinates preparation of the Consolidated Operating Budget, presents it to the Assembly, and monitors departmental budget performance. The position also advises municipal officials on financial obligations, activities, and matters, and supports legal, technical, and operational compliance. The role requires a master’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a closely related field, and ten years of financial management experience focused on budgeting and fiscal planning, preferably in the public sector. Two years of experience as a Finance Director or in a similar management position, preferably in Alaska, is also listed. Equivalent combinations of experience, education, and training may qualify. Attendance at committee, commission, and Assembly meetings outside regular work hours may be required.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
Ten years of experience in financial management focused on budgeting and fiscal planning; public-sector experience is preferred.
Two years of experience as a Finance Director or in a similar management position; Alaska experience is preferred.
An equivalent combination of experience, education, and training may be accepted if it provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for the work.
Knowledge of GAAP, government accounting, GAAFR standards, and fund accounting.
Knowledge of laws and administrative policies governing municipal financial practices, including municipal bond financing.
Knowledge of information technology used in municipal financial accounting and reporting.
Skill with a personal computer and standard software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, as well as customized software identified in the posting for fire and emergency medical services operations.
Skills in long-range fiscal planning and budgeting; researching accounting and municipal-finance practices; communication, conflict de-escalation, public outreach, public speaking, analysis, problem-solving, multitasking, decision-making, and supervision of diverse staff.
Ability to maintain confidential information; develop accounting methods and controls; analyze financial data; manage external audits of internal controls and financial systems; and work effectively with officials, employees, agencies, and the public.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing in technical and non-technical language; follow policies and instructions; prepare and present accurate reports; develop logical and creative solutions; meet time-sensitive deadlines; and quickly learn and apply new skills and knowledge.
Ability to perform the stated physical requirements, including prolonged sitting, daily computer and keyboard use, occasional lifting up to 50 pounds, and some standing, bending, reaching, and climbing.

Nice To Haves

Public-sector financial management experience.
Experience as a Finance Director or in a similar management position in Alaska.

Responsibilities

Assign, prioritize, supervise, motivate, and evaluate the work of directly supervised staff.
Oversee the work and performance of other department staff supervised by managers or supervisors who report to the Director.
Maintain final authority, subject to review by the Municipal Administrator, over department personnel actions and disciplinary decisions.
Prepare and recommend the department’s annual budget and provide operational justification to the Municipal Administrator and Assembly.
Approve and monitor expenditures within budget parameters.
Advise on and provide strategic guidance for long-range financial plans and key fiscal policies.
Establish and maintain financial and accounting systems, and assist other departments with financial systems and procedures.
Plan, organize, direct, supervise, and coordinate Finance Department activities, including budget, accounting, treasury, and tax collection.
Oversee preparation of quarterly financial statements and the Annual Consolidated Financial Report (ACFR).
Coordinate preparation of the Consolidated Operating Budget, present it to the Assembly, and oversee departmental budget performance.
Develop and provide policy direction to department employees to ensure financial, technical, operational, and legal compliance.
Advise the Municipal Administrator, department heads, and Assembly about municipal and departmental obligations, activities, financial matters, and accomplishments.
Attend relevant committee, commission, and Assembly meetings, which may occur outside regular work hours.
Perform other duties as assigned.