Director of Finance

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Six (6) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or public sector financial management.
• Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory or managerial experience.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), and/or Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) preferred.
• Valid Oklahoma driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Department Management

• Plans, directs, monitors, and evaluates all divisions of the Finance Department, including accounting, payroll, purchasing, utility billing, collections, and related financial functions.
• Provides executive leadership to professional, technical, and administrative staff; oversees hiring, training, performance evaluation, succession planning, and professional development.
• Establishes departmental goals, performance standards, and operational priorities aligned with City objectives.
• Serves as a member of the City’s Senior and Executive Management Teams.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Directs the development, coordination, and monitoring of the City’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Presents the proposed budget to the City Council through formal study sessions and public meetings.
• Monitors revenues and expenditures to ensure compliance with adopted budgets and long‑term financial sustainability.
• Provides financial forecasting, trend analysis, and scenario modeling to support strategic decision‑making.

Accounting, Auditing & Compliance

• Oversees all accounting functions in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
• Directs and coordinates the annual external audit; evaluates internal control systems and implements improvements as needed.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Reviews and interprets complex accounting, auditing, and regulatory reports to ensure fiscal integrity and transparency.

Treasury, Investments & Debt Management

• Serves as the City’s Investment Officer, directing and overseeing the investment of City and trust funds in accordance with adopted policies and legal requirements.
• Oversees the planning, issuance, and administration of City and trust debt, including bonds and other financing instruments.
• Monitors cash flow, reserves, and fund balances to maintain the City’s strong financial position.

Systems, Policies & Internal Controls

• Develops, recommends, and enforces financial, accounting, purchasing, and investment policies and procedures.
• Oversees financial systems and technology, including evaluation, implementation, and optimization of financial software and information systems.
• Continuously evaluates processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, internal controls, and customer service.

Customer Service & Interdepartmental Support

• Responds to complex citizen inquiries and concerns, particularly related to utility billing and financial services.
• Provides financial guidance and support to City departments, boards, and trusts.
• Acts as a liaison between Finance and other departments to ensure consistent, accurate financial practices.

Governance & Advisory Role

• Provides clear, concise financial information and recommendations to the City Manager, City Council, Finance Committee, boards, and commissions.
• Attends City Council meetings, committee meetings, and other public forums as required.
• Serves as staff support to financial‑related boards and committees, including the Norman Employees Retirement System.