Finance Director

State of Michigan•Lansing, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Michigan Senate is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Finance Director to provide financial leadership within a collaborative legislative environment dedicated to public service, accountability, and institutional integrity. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by overseeing core financial operations, strengthening fiscal processes, supporting transparent reporting, and helping ensure the responsible stewardship of public resources. In addition to purposeful work, the Senate provides excellent benefits, generous leave programs, and a competitive 401(k) match. Under the direction of the Director of the Senate Business Office, the Finance Director organizes, directs, and oversees Senate finance activities, including accounting, procurement, budgeting, financial reporting, audit coordination, contract review, and accounting system administration. The Finance Director establishes departmental priorities, defines staff roles and responsibilities, supervises accounting, purchasing, and administrative staff, and works closely with Human Resources and other Senate departments on financial matters.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required
CPA preferred
Minimum of five years’ management experience required
Minimum of five years’ accounting experience required; governmental and fund accounting experience preferred
Experience with accounting software administration and/or implementation preferred
Knowledge of state government operations and the legislative process, including Michigan appropriation laws preferred
Experience with the State of Michigan accounting system and Financial Management Guide preferred
Other combinations of education and experience evaluated on an individual basis
Considerable knowledge of the principles and techniques of management, including organization, planning, staffing, training, budgeting, and reporting; ability to instruct, direct, and evaluate employees
Comprehensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and financial concepts
Experience with implementing accounting and financial management best practices
Ability to select, train, and coach employees and act decisively when performance deviates from standards
Advanced computer skills in MS Office, accounting software, and databases
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
Superior attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, and work within time frames that may be rigid, or subject to change on short notice
Ability to work outside prescribed work hours when necessary
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professionalism, discretion, and nonpartisanship in interactions with legislators, elected officials, staff, vendors, other agencies, and the public
Ability to use diplomacy, discretion, and judgment in disseminating information

Nice To Haves

CPA preferred
governmental and fund accounting experience preferred
Experience with accounting software administration and/or implementation preferred
Knowledge of state government operations and the legislative process, including Michigan appropriation laws preferred
Experience with the State of Michigan accounting system and Financial Management Guide preferred

Responsibilities

Proactively leads the Finance department to meet goals and objectives of the Senate; oversees the development of department personnel
Ensures compliance with state government accounting standards as outlined in the State of Michigan Financial Management Guide
Manages and oversees the day-to-day accounting, procurement, and financial functions of the Senate; ensures accuracy and timeliness of accounting and financial reporting of the Senate accounting system, State of Michigan accounting system, and member Staff and Office Operations Budgets; oversees and directs procurement processes and purchasing activity; monitors spending against appropriated funds and tracks self-funded insurance programs
Manages end-of-year processes, including meeting State of Michigan reporting and closing requirements, oversight of the annual audit conducted by the Auditor General and external auditors, and opening of new fiscal years
Develops, analyzes, and presents the annual Senate budget and related budget recommendations
Provides ongoing budget monitoring, financial analysis, and reporting to support informed decision-making
Coordinates financial data and documentation for public information requests, prepares accurate responses, and maintains supporting records
Oversees security administration for accounting systems
Develops business processes that improve the overall effectiveness of financial management, including the implementation of improved methods, systems, and procedures
Performs management functions for department employees; interviews candidates for openings and recommends hires to the Director of the Senate Business Office; plans, assigns, and directs work; reviews performance, and rewards and disciplines employees; addresses complaints, resolves problems, and reviews leave time requests
Fosters a positive, accountable work environment that supports staff development and high-quality service
Assists with development of Senate policies and procedures
Assists with review and negotiation of financial terms for contracts
Works closely with Human Resources on financial matters including payroll processing, system interfaces, unemployment insurance claims, and self-funded insurance programs
Serves as a liaison to the other Senate departments and offices, vendors, state agencies, and the public, as requested by the Director of the Senate Business Office
Develops and maintains job descriptions for staff; conducts annual performance reviews of staff as directed
Performs all other duties, as requested by the Director of the Senate Business Office