Director of Finance
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Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration, or a related field.
- Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience in finance, accounting, and administration, including at least three (3) years of senior-level management and supervisory experience in municipal finance.
- An equivalent combination of education, certification, and directly related experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
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Master’s degree in accounting, business administration, finance, or public administration.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO), and/or Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) certification.
- Direct experience with municipal debt financing, including official statement disclosures and debt service administration.
- Prior experience presenting financial information to elected officials, boards, or commissions, and to community or resident audiences.
- Experience serving as staff liaison to an audit committee, finance committee, or similar oversight body.
- Experience implementing process improvements or technology upgrades within a municipal finance department.
- Experience remediating material weaknesses or significant deficiencies identified through an independent audit.
- Experience administering federal or State grant funding and single audit requirements.
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A valid driver’s license, or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation to carry out job-related essential functions, is required.
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The incumbent must be bondable and, if required by the City Charter or City policy, must be covered by a surety bond in an amount set by the Mayor and City Council.
Example of Duties
The duties below are representative of the work performed. They are not exhaustive, and the incumbent may be assigned other duties consistent with the scope of the position.
Budget Development and Fiscal Planning
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Develop, administer, and monitor the City’s annual operating and capital budgets, including preparation of the recommended budget, budget calendar, and supporting analysis.
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Advise the Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator on the City’s fiscal condition, revenue outlook, expenditure trends, and long-range financial position.
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Prepare multi-year financial forecasts, fund balance projections, and fiscal impact analyses to support policy and capital decisions.
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Develop, monitor, manage, and track the budget and special projects assigned by the City Administrator.
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Maintain the City’s accounting systems and financial records in accordance with GAAP, GASB pronouncements, and applicable State and local requirements.
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Direct month-end and year-end close, account reconciliations, interfund accounting, and the preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
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Ensure all financial reports and filings — including those required by the State of Maryland — are complete, accurate, and submitted on or before applicable deadlines.
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Coordinate timely annual independent audits, serve as the City’s primary liaison to external auditors, and ensure Departmental practices satisfy all applicable auditing and regulatory standards.
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Respond to audit findings and management letter comments with documented corrective action plans and monitor those plans through to resolution.
- Serve as the principal staff liaison to the City Council’s Audit Committee — developing meeting agendas and supporting materials, presenting audit results, management letter comments, and corrective action status, and facilitating the Committee’s direct engagement with the independent auditor.
- Support the Audit Committee and the City Administrator in the selection and periodic re-procurement of the City’s independent audit firm.
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Prepare and present clear, accurate financial reports and recommendations to the Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator.
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Oversee the collection, deposit, disbursement, and safeguarding of all City funds.
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Manage the City’s cash position and investment portfolio consistent with the City’s investment policy and Maryland public-fund safekeeping and collateralization requirements.
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Direct debt issuance and management, including planning, structuring, official statement disclosures, continuing disclosure obligations, and debt service administration and reporting.
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Maintain banking, custodial, and financial advisory relationships, and periodically evaluate the cost and performance of those services.
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Manage revenue collection functions, including billing, receivables, delinquency follow-up, and enforcement of City revenue policies.
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Supervise purchasing and procurement operations to ensure cost-effective, policy-compliant acquisition of goods and services.
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Oversee accounts payable and payroll operations, ensuring timely and accurate processing, appropriate segregation of duties, and strong internal controls.
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Coordinate with the Department of Human Resources on payroll, position control, benefits funding, and compensation-related budget matters.
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Recommend and implement fiscal policies, procedures, and internal controls that support long-term financial sustainability and prevent, detect, and correct errors and irregularities.
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Document Departmental procedures and maintain a control environment that withstands independent review.
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Administer and continuously improve the City’s financial management and enterprise system to integrate financial processes, including budgeting, payroll, procurement, and accounts payable modules.
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Ensure compliance with applicable federal grant requirements, including allowable cost, subrecipient monitoring, and single audit obligations.
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Present quarterly and year-end financial reports, budget proposal, audit results, debt and capital financing proposals, and fiscal policy recommendations at regular and special meetings of the Mayor and City Council, budget work sessions, and public hearings.
- Serve as liaison to the the City Council’s Audit Committee and other committees, boards, or commissions with financial oversight responsibilities, and provide financial briefings to those bodies as requested.
- Represent and ensure the Department of Finance present at community meetings, neighborhood and civic association gatherings, community budget forums, and other public events — explaining the City’s budget, tax structure, and financial condition to residents in plain, accessible language.
- Ensure financial transparency, including publication of the budget, financial reports, and other public-facing financial information.
- Respond to inquiries from residents, elected officials, and — in coordination with the City Administrator and Communications staff — the news media, and assist in responding to public records requests involving financial records.
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Lead, supervise, and develop the Department of Finance staff, including hiring, assignment of work, performance management, coaching, and professional development.
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Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures and address performance concerns promptly and consistently with City policy.
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Foster a service-oriented culture that supports operating departments as internal customers while maintaining the independence required of the finance function.
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Participate as a member of the City’s senior leadership team and contribute to citywide strategic planning and problem-solving.
