Finance Director

Sagency•Des Moines, IA

13h

About The Position

The Finance Director role provides strategic oversight of all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, treasury management, and payroll, ensuring fiscal integrity, strong internal controls, and responsible stewardship of public funds. As a trusted advisor to leadership, this position delivers clear financial guidance to support sound decision-making and long-term stability. In addition to financial leadership, the role includes limited statutory City Clerk responsibilities, ensuring accurate recordkeeping, proper documentation of governing body actions, and compliance with required certifications and public records standards.

Requirements

Strong leadership and staff supervision skills
Advanced knowledge of municipal finance, accounting, and budgeting
Understanding of public administration and municipal government operations
Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong analytical skills and sound independent judgment
High level of integrity and ability to manage confidential information
Proficiency in financial systems and standard office software
Ability to develop policies, procedures, and long-range plans
Effective interpersonal skills for working with elected officials, staff, and the public
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Public Administration, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
A minimum of 5 years of related experience in municipal government

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Public Administration.
Certified Municipal Clerk or sufficient training to be a Certified Municipal Clerk.

Responsibilities

Financial Oversight & Management
Provides city financial advice and recommendations to the city manager and council
Establishes and maintains internal control procedures and required accounting practices.
Oversees maintenance of financial records and preparation of required financial reports.
Along with City Manager, co-creates and contributes to city budget preparation and execution, financial planning, and forecasting.
Oversees payroll, investment of city funds, collection of revenues, and accounts payable.
Performs duties of city treasurer as specified in the Code of Iowa and local ordinances.
Team Leadership
Provides departmental leadership and operational oversight, including staff supervision, performance management, personnel administration, and enforcement of city policies and ethical standards, ensuring continued development and high levels of team engagement.
Manages and supervises clerk’s office operations and staff.
Provides or ensures training for new employees.
Performs annual performance evaluations.
Maintains personnel records and resolves any employee grievances.
Advises city manager of departmental needs or concerns.
Ensures enforcement of approved city policies, and is responsible for informing staff of legal and ethical issues involving confidential data.
Strategic Planning Support & Operational Efficiency
Supports organizational effectiveness by participating in long-range planning, forecasting, policy development, capital improvement planning, and interdepartmental coordination to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
Participates in the development of short- and long-range plans
Gathers, interprets and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations.
Coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies.
Plans and recommends maintenance and capital improvement programs.
Recommends and assists in establishing city policies and guidelines.
Stakeholder Engagement, Service Excellence, & Professional Growth
Serves as a key liaison between the City and the public, regional partners, and professional organizations while expanding expertise, providing trusted service excellence, maintaining required certifications, and exploring additional development opportunities.
Provides information to citizens, co-workers, and others.
Represents city on regional boards and commissions as directed.
Attends workshops and seminars to maintain or enhance certification and expertise.
City Clerk Duties (Statutory, Legislative, & Records Functions)
Serves as the official record keeper and legislative administrator for the City, ensuring legal compliance, accurate documentation of council actions, public transparency, and proper certification of municipal records and proceedings.
Attends City Council meetings, including preparation of agendas and packets and accurate recording of proceedings and council actions.
Prepares and maintains official legislative documents and records, including minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and related filings.
Serves as custodian of official City records, ensuring proper indexing, public access, and statutory compliance.
Certifies, publishes, records, seals, and attests to ordinances, contracts, bonds, deeds, and other legal documents as required by law.
Provides procedural support to boards and commissions, administers oaths of office, oversees permits and licenses, and interprets municipal codes.