Finance Director

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to walk.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required to this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

• Formulates all work plans, programs, schedules, and operating policies related to Finance Department activities.
• Directs and participates in the selection, placement, promotion, training, safety, discipline and appraisal of all Finance Department personnel.
• Responsible for overall financial management of the City; directs employees engaged in financial record keeping, accounting procedures; installs controls to assure that all money is credited to proper accounts; supervises the billing and collection of special assessments; the checking and payment of all invoices and assures that they are charged to proper budget accounts; assists in the preparation of the annual and capital budgets; directs the preparation of federal and state financial reports and preparation of the City payroll.
• Prepares periodic budget updates and reports for information and guidance of City Council, City Manager, and Department Directors.
• Prepares special reports for the City Manager as requested.
• Supervises the preparation of the annual financial statements for audit by independent auditors, State of Florida annual reports pertaining to the City’s financial statements, retirement plan, and annual budgets.
• Monitors and prepares amendments to the annual budget.
• Prepares bid specifications for requests for proposals or bids in areas relating to the Finance Department.
• Attends City Commission meetings and committee meetings when required. 
• Perform other non-essential duties as required.

• Ability to follow City Manager’s directions and complete assignments in an accurate and timely fashion.
• Ability to maintain professional standards of conduct and performance, acceptable attendance record.
• Ability to work safely, diligently and responsibly while completing assigned duties independently and confidentially without close supervision.
• Ability and willingness to support the City goals program and objectives, and comply with the City’s rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting theory, principals and practices and their application to a variety of accounting transactions and problems.
• Thorough knowledge of municipal and state accounting principles and practices and the provisions of state and federal laws and governmental accounting standards as they pertain to municipal revenues, expenditures, and recording requirements.
• Knowledge of modern office management and supervisory principles and practices.
• Knowledge of statistics and application in financial analysis.
• Ability to analyze and interpret fiscal and accounting records and reports, identify operating deficiencies, and recommend appropriate action.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and interact courteously with the public, City Officials, co-workers, and subordinates.
• Thorough knowledge of taxes (payroll, sales, property, special assessments, etc.).
• Knowledge of computerized governmental accounting and related software systems.
• Ability to read, comprehend, implement, and complete clear and comprehensive written and/or oral reports and directions in English.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, and perform at a high level of efficiency and productivity.

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, or closely related field from an accredited college acceptable to the City; Master’s Degree and CPA with City or Government experience preferred or CGFO with 5 years of City or Government Experience.
• Five (5) or more years of Florida local government Finance/Accounting experience, including three (3) or more years in governmental/budgeting/fund accounting, and two (2) or more years of supervisory experience.

Other Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid State of Florida drivers’ license.
• Must possess an honorable military discharge, if applicant has been service connected.
• Must be a United States citizen or naturalized citizen.
• Must pass a physical examination and drug urinalysis test.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony.
• Must be able to work weekends and nights as needed.

• Certified Public Accountant and/or Certified Government Finance Officer.