Finance Director

at City of Abilene in Abilene, Kansas, United States

Job Description

The City of Abilene is accepting applications for the position of Finance Director.  

The Finance Director reports directly to the City Manager and is responsible for providing complex administrative services to the organization and community. The position assists the City Manager in developing and overseeing the implementation of the City’s annual operating budget. 

The Finance Director will be expected to oversee a results-oriented, customer-focused approach to managing the organization's financial affairs. Key duties include financial reporting, fiscal analysis, financial forecasting, debt management, investments, purchasing, utility billing, and oversight of the City’s fund accounting. The Finance Director provides oversight of the annual external financial audit for compliance with City laws and policies. The Finance Director also occasionally coordinates grant activities, including grant writing and administration.

We offer a competitive salary and fringe benefits including health and dental insurance, paid vacations, sick leave, holiday pay and KPERS retirement.  This is a full-time, FLSA-exempt position.  Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience.  

POSITION SUMMARY                                                                                                                 

Under the direction of the City Manager, the Finance Director serves as the City’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, performing all statutory duties required under Kansas law and City ordinance. This position is responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, investment management, debt administration, audit coordination, and financial reporting.  As a member of the City’s senior management team, the Finance Director plays a strategic role in decision-making and long-range financial planning to support the City’s operational goals and fiscal sustainability. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Financial Management and Reporting        

• Oversees the accounting and financial management of all City funds, trusts, and accounts. 
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for the City Manager and City Commission.
• Develops long-term financial forecasts and quarterly projections based on trends and historical data.
• Coordinates the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and manages the external audit process.
• Monitors internal controls and ensures compliance with all applicable financial policies, laws and regulations.

 Budgeting and Planning 

• Leads the annual budget development process in coordination with the City Manager and department heads.
• Oversees the administration of the annual operating and capital budgets and prepares amendments as needed.
• Develops and maintains the City’s Capital Improvement and Asset Management Programs.

 Treasury and Investment Oversight

• Administers all City bank accounts, investments, and debt obligations, ensuring compliance with policies and arbitrage/rebate rules.
• Manages special assessments and debt service schedules.

Procurement and Accounts Management

• Oversees accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger functions.
• Manages the City’s purchasing process and ensures compliance with procurement policies. 

Grant and Project Accounting

• Coordinates and maintains accounting for grants and special projects. 
• Supports the preparation of financial documents and grant applications.

Leadership and Administration

• Serves as the City Treasurer and fulfills all duties prescribed by state statutes and local ordinances.
• Attends and presents financial reports at City Commission meetings and other meetings as required.
• Provides financial support to other departments and responds to inquiries from the public and media when appropriate.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Five to ten years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in municipal government or a public-sector organization.   Experience in budget preparation, financial reporting, treasury management, and grant administration. Prior supervisory experience in a finance-related role, experience working with the public and media, and knowledge of utility billing and customer service operations are also preferred.  

Education: A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field is required.  Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered in lieu of the stated degree requirement. Candidates must possess, or have the ability to obtain, ICS-100, IS-700, and ICS-300 certifications. A valid Kansas driver’s license is required. Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) certification or CPA designation is preferred. Residency in Dickinson County must occur within six (6) months of hire. 

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong knowledge of governmental accounting principles, including fund accounting, cash-basis and statutory reporting under the Kansas Municipal Audit Guide and GASB standards is essential. Proficiency with financial systems, spreadsheets, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Ability to analyze complex financial data and present clear, concise reports and recommendations. Strong leadership, organizational, and time management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities. 

Problem Solving: Problem-solving is a factor in this position.  This employee encounters problems in working with the public, non-compliance with standard accounting procedures, and cash management of department funds and investments.

Decision Making: Decision-making is a factor in this position. This employee makes decisions about resolving citizen complaints, prioritizing daily work schedules, and performing daily duties efficiently.

Supervision: This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities; however, it may provide functional guidance to staff in other departments on financial processes without formal line authority.

Financial Accountability: This employee is responsible for departmental equipment and resources, is required to be bonded, and does participate in the annual budget process.

Personal Relations: Daily contact with the co-workers, other City departments and the general public is expected.  The ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the general public is required. 

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a standard office environment with frequent use of computers and office equipment.  Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required. Regular contact with City officials, department staff, residents, and external agencies is necessary. 

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.