Finance Director

City of Williston•Williston, ND

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Finance Director provides strategic leadership for all municipal financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, treasury management, investments, debt administration, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. This position serves as a key advisor to the City Administrator, and Board of City Commissioners on financial planning, fiscal policy, capital financing, organizational strategy, transparent stewardship of public funds, and long-term financial sustainability. The position also serves as the statutory City Auditor in accordance with North Dakota Century Code.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.
Seven years of progressively responsible experience in governmental finance, accounting, budgeting, auditing, or public administration, including at least three years in a supervisory management role.
Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid North Dakota driver’s license.
Must be bondable

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Responsibilities

Serves as the City’s Chief Financial Officer and principal financial advisor to the City Administrator, Board of City Commissioner’s, department heads, and other stakeholders.
Provides strategic leadership for all municipal financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity, long-term sustainability, and alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
Advises City leadership on financial trends, economic conditions, revenue projections, expenditure forecasts, operational impacts, and policy decisions affecting City services and programs.
Develops and implements financial policies, internal controls, and best practices to ensure fiscal integrity, operational efficiency, and compliance.
Prepares and presents financial reports, forecasts, and analyses for executive leadership, elected officials, auditors, rating agencies, and the public.
Coordinates the preparation, development, administration, and monitoring of the City’s annual operating and capital budgets.
Evaluates capital financing strategies and provides recommendations regarding funding options, debt capacity and financial risk management.
Oversees investment activities and cash management practices in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and financial management standards.
Directs and coordinates all municipal debt issuance activities such as general obligation bonds, special assessments and refinancing activities
Ensures compliance with GAAP, GASB standards, federal and state regulations, City policies, and applicable laws.
Conducts training with City departments on financial data, best fiscal management practices and the usage of financial data programs and technology.
Provides financial guidance and support to department heads and City staff.
Represents the City at meetings, conferences, and public presentations related to municipal finance and administration.
Leads efforts to modernize financial operations through process improvement, technology implementation, data analytics, and enhanced financial reporting tools.
Promotes organizational transparency and public trust by supporting accessible financial communication and public-facing financial information.
Performs the duties of the City Auditor as prescribed by North Dakota Century Code chapter 40-16 and City ordinances.
Oversees official financial records, required financial publications, and related statutory reporting requirements.
Supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned personnel while promoting professionalism, accountability, professional development, and customer service.
Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.