Finance Director

IDEAL CANDIDATES The ideal candidate hired for this position will work with the current Finance Director until his upcoming retirement, February 2026. After this date the new Finance Director will lead and manage the department. The City seeks a seasoned leader in the field of finance with a mastery of municipal accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, debt services, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Expertise in principles, practices, and strategies of financial administration, including both operating and capital budgets. We desire an innovative and energetic professional with a proven ability to engage staff, foster a positive culture, and align departmental practices with organizational policy, the strategic plan and industry best standards. Ability to translate complex financial information clearly for both technical and non-technical audiences and collaborate with varied stakeholders, including government officials and the public The ideal candidate will be a proactive and collaborative communicator who values transparency and inclusion at every level of the organization. This individual will excel at setting clear expectations, providing guidance and support to ensure individual and team success, and holding staff accountable in a constructive and equitable manner. A key attribute of this leader will be the ability to thoughtfully assess existing systems and policies before implementing change, ensuring decisions are deliberate, well-informed, and strategically sound. Candidates should embody the City’s organizational values of compassion, fairness, innovation, sustainability, responsiveness, integrity, respect, collaboration, and honesty. Strong customer service will remain central to this role, as the Director is expected to lead efforts that build trust and foster effective communication with residents, businesses, employees, and stakeholders. The successful candidate will demonstrate a track record of driving innovation, encouraging cross-departmental collaboration, and supporting the creation of policies and services that are both fair and impactful. The Director will also serve as a key member of the City Management Team, working closely with colleagues to strengthen organizational effectiveness. The chosen leader should be approachable, open to varied perspectives, and committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment within the department and with external partners. A commitment to mentorship, staff development, and inspiring excellence across the organization is highly valued. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE FINANCE DIRECTOR Works with the City Manager and all departments to creatively address challenges by offering financially sound solutions. Plans, organizes, and directs the operations of the Finance Department, including disbursement and accounting of municipal funds, preparation and maintenance of payroll, accounts payable, revenue collection, purchase order authorizations, capital assets and the development of accounting policies, investment policies, procedures, and practices. This position is responsible for adhering to the North Carolina General Statues (NCGD) 159 as well as other statues. Participates in the development and preparation of City operating and capital budgets; performs revenue forecasts; reviews and monitors ongoing administration of department budget; monitors revenues and expenditures; reviews budget system and financial conditions and develops methods of improvement. Establishes fiscal policies under the direction of the City Manager. Discusses and advises the City Manager in the financial matter of the city. Manages investment of all city revenues, research investment instruments. Manages the annual external audit process; schedules audit and related workflow; prepares required schedules, reports and work papers; composes sections of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR); reviews final report for accuracy before submission. Responsible for the audit of all bills, invoices, payrolls, and other evidence of claims, demands or charges against the city government, and with the advice of the City Attorney determine the regularity, legality, and correctness of such claims, demands or charges. Manages debt; analyzes and/or projects debt service; manages loan applications with Local Government Commission/lending institutions for installment purchases; analyzes proposals; makes recommendations for selection of lender; negotiates loan interest rates with lenders; ensures proper payment schedules; provides required ongoing information to lenders. Oversees the collection of all revenues (e.g., federal and state funds, local funds, grants, services, etc.) of the City or for whose collection the City is responsible. Supervises and participates in the maintenance of a general accounting systems for the City including financial records for each department, separate accounts for items of appropriation in the budget, including amount of the appropriation, amounts paid, unpaid obligations against the account, and the unencumbered balance; pre-audits purchase orders. Performs a variety of special projects requiring financial and accounting expertise; researches and participates in benchmarking analysis. Has custody of and is responsible to the Council for all investments and invested funds of the city government, or in possession of such government in a fiduciary capacity and have the safe keeping of all bonds and notes of the City, investing City funds as allowed by the law, interest earnings, etc. Performs fiscal analysis, trend analysis, revenue forecasting, cash management, debt service planning, financial reporting, and related financial management tasks. Hires, trains, provides performance coaching and evaluation, motivates, communicates and leads employees in creating a high-performance team. Submits to the City Manager and the City Council periodic statements of the financial condition of the City; prepares budget amendments. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Thorough knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes and of local ordinances governing municipal financial practices and procedures. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public finance administration, including principles and practices of governmental accounting. Thorough knowledge of local government budget, revenue forecasting, and trend analysis. Thorough knowledge of the application of information technology to financial planning and programming and accounting systems; skill in the use of spreadsheets for tracking and analysis. Considerable knowledge of modern and effective supervisory principles and practices including motivation, communication, leadership, performance coaching and evaluation. Considerable knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and financial reporting and supervisory techniques. Knowledge of the City’s personnel policies and employment laws and regulations. Knowledge of the use of benchmarking in organizational improvement. Skill in collaborative conflict resolution and internal customer service excellence. Ability to evaluate complex financial systems, formulate improvements and install accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records. Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of subordinate employees in the specialized field of accounting. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, departmental heads, governmental officials, and with other City employees. Ability to conduct long range fiscal planning. Analyzes and prepares financial records and reports accurately and in a thorough manner. Maintain effective communication skills to encourage collaboration on projects and financial matters. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in accounting or business and 5-7 years of experience in public finance administration including at least 3 years of a high-level supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license. Ability to obtain NC GFOA Finance Officer Certification from the School of Government. Prefer Certified Public Accountant

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