Assistant Finance Director/ Finance Director

City of Sun Prairie•Sun Prairie, WI

About The Position

The City of Sun Prairie is hiring a Finance Director or Assistant Finance Director to support the financial health of its growing community. Candidates will be considered for the position that best aligns with their qualifications and experience. The role offers the opportunity to collaborate with City administration and department leaders on budgets, financial planning, and initiatives that support public services, infrastructure investments, and the City's long-term financial well-being. Experience with MUNIS financial software is preferred. As Finance Director, the incumbent provides leadership and strategic direction for the City's financial operations and supports organizational goals and long-term priorities. The role leads financial planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, and fiscal management; advises City administration and department leaders; directs the annual budget process; oversees debt management and financial reporting; guides the Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan; oversees preparation of annual financial reports; promotes internal controls and compliance; and leads and develops Finance staff. As Assistant Finance Director, the incumbent manages accounting and financial operations in close coordination with the Finance Director and City departments. The role oversees day-to-day accounting and financial processing, supports and supervises Finance staff, maintains financial records and controls, coordinates audits and reporting, assists with budget and capital plan development, supports payroll, tax, and grant activities, serves as City Treasurer under Wisconsin statutory requirements, and identifies opportunities to improve systems and practices. The position is full-time, 40 hours per week. Compensation depends on the position and qualifications. Hiring ranges are $121,875.90–$148,989.63 per year for Finance Director and $86,380.82–$105,597.96 per year for Assistant Finance Director. The City offers retirement, insurance, leave, wellness, and other employee benefits.

Requirements

Finance Director: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
Finance Director: Certification or designation as a CPA, MBA, MPA, CPFO, or CGFM.
Finance Director: Ten years of progressive finance experience, including governmental accounting and supervisory experience.
Assistant Finance Director: Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
Assistant Finance Director: Four to six years of accounting experience, including governmental accounting and supervisory experience; an equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
The ideal candidate demonstrates responsible financial management and public accountability, communicates complex financial information clearly, builds productive cross-department relationships, exercises sound judgment and initiative, solves problems, values accuracy, transparency, and ethical practices, balances daily operations with organizational priorities, and supports staff development and improvement.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in municipal finance.
Familiarity with MUNIS financial software.

Responsibilities

Lead the City's financial planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, and fiscal management activities (Finance Director).
Provide financial guidance and recommendations to City administration and department leadership (Finance Director).
Direct preparation and administration of the annual City budget, including revenue projections, tax levy calculations, and Tax Increment Financing considerations (Finance Director).
Oversee the City's debt management, borrowing, and financial reporting programs (Finance Director).
Guide development of the City's Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan (Finance Director).
Oversee preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Popular Annual Financial Report, including submissions to the Government Finance Officers Association (Finance Director).
Promote strong internal controls, sound financial practices, and compliance with applicable financial requirements (Finance Director).
Provide leadership, direction, and professional development opportunities for Finance staff (Finance Director).
Oversee day-to-day accounting and financial processing activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, purchasing, and financial reporting (Assistant Finance Director).
Supervise and support Finance staff while promoting accuracy, accountability, and professional development (Assistant Finance Director).
Maintain the integrity of the City's general and project ledgers, financial records, and internal controls (Assistant Finance Director).
Coordinate annual audit preparation, financial statements, reconciliations, and reporting requirements (Assistant Finance Director).
Assist with development and administration of the annual City budget and Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan (Assistant Finance Director).
Support payroll reporting, tax compliance, grant monitoring, and financial management activities (Assistant Finance Director).
Serve as City Treasurer in accordance with Wisconsin statutory requirements (Assistant Finance Director).
Collaborate with City departments to address financial questions, evaluate processes, and support sound financial decisions (Assistant Finance Director).
Identify opportunities to improve financial systems, reporting, and operational practices (Assistant Finance Director).