HomeMy WebLinkAbout#20 - Finance Director Job Description and PostingSTAFF REPORT
DATE: February 7, 2018
REGULAR
ITEM #: 20
TO: Mayor and City Council
AGENDA ITEM: Approve Job Description and Authorize Advertising for Finance Director
SUBMITTED BY: Jake Foster, Assistant City Administrator
BACKGROUND:
At the September work session Council reviewed existing contracted services, including those
for Finance Director. Staff mentioned that some other cities were having success recruiting
qualified candidates and expressed an interest in seeing what the market produced for Lake
Elmo. Council agreed to have staff work on a posting.
The proposal was brought to Council in November for consideration. With one member absent,
the vote was 2-2. The absent member has requested this item come back for consideration.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
Should the Council approve the job description and authorizing advertising for a full-time finance
director?
PROPOSAL:
Included in the packet is the proposed job description that was created by David Drown and Associates
(DDA) during the recent job classification and compensation study. Based on the City’s recently adopted
compensation policy, the salary range for a Finance Director would between $77,815 and $101,175
annually. Given how competitive the market is for this position, staff plans to advertise at the full range.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated annual fiscal impact is $105,000-$131,500 including salary, taxes, and benefits. The cost
would be split 80% general fund, 10% water, 5% sewer, and 5% storm water.
If a Finance Director is hired, staff anticipates scaling back the work of our contracted services with
Clifton Larson Allen to limited special projects such as the financial software conversion and the general
fund long range plan. The 2018 budgets included approximately $135,000 for contracted financial
services.
RECOMMENDATION:
“Move to approve the job description and authorize advertising for finance director.”
ATTACHMENTS:
• Job description
City of Lake Elmo
Job Title: Finance Director
Department: Finance
Status: Full-time regular position
Benefits: Qualifies for full-time benefits
Reporting Relationship: Reports to City Administrator
Supervisory Duties: This position is responsible for supervising Accountant and Finance
Intern
Position Details: This position is responsible to plan, develop, and oversee the City
financial functions to provide efficient, effective, and accurate reporting. This includes the
oversight and coordination in the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
and the annual audit. This position is responsible for the investment and reconciliation of all
the City funds and making required bond payments and the bond funding recommendations
as needed. This position is also responsible for the coordination of the annual budget and
CIP reports. This position provides clear communication and technical support to the City
Council, Finance Committee, and City Administrator through reports and presentations.
Accounting/Budgeting:
Supervises all accounting functions, including cash records, control, receivables,
payables, subsidiary reports and invoices
Performs cash flow analysis and supervises bank transactions
Prepares and distributes monthly financial statements
Reviews purchase orders and disbursement requests for compliance with City
budget
Maintains financial ledgers, journals, and subsidiary reports
Conducts analysis of project financing and refinances, and is responsible for
preparation and implementation of financing and refinancing
Supervises the operations and maintenance of computerized accounting system
Prepares and manages Finance Department budget
Responsible for financial projections and budget estimates as required
Maintains the safety of invested funds while maximizing returns on investment
in compliance with investment policies and guidelines
Ensure proper preparation of all withholding reports and deposits, and all
monthly and quarterly reports required by law
Anticipates City cash and liquidity needs and invests funds to provide necessary
cash flow
Utility Billing:
Ensures the proper preparation for utility billing and maintenance of
computerized utility billing systems
Prepares assessments for the County
Employee Relations:
Responsible for performance of risk management
Ensures proper preparation of payroll disbursements for all City employees and
maintenance of employee records
Oversees maintenance of computerized payroll system
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Establishes and maintains policies and procedures for the Department
Carries out supervisory duties in accordance with the City’s policies and
applicable laws
Responsible for training, planning, assigning and directing work
Responsible for evaluating performance, rewarding employees, disciplining
employees
Responsible for responding to grievances, addressing complaints and addressing
problems of employees
While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and
employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with
the City.
Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrates ability to prioritize tasks, solve problems and meet deadlines
Works well with internal staff and provides them with accurate and timely financial
reports and problem resolution when appropriate
Makes minimal errors completing recurring entries, bank reconciliations, monthly
billings, calculations, subsidiary spreadsheets, accounts payable and payroll
processing
Ability to perform with minimal supervision
Contributes to the team effort and positive image of the Department by consistently
providing a high level of support to internal and external customers
Promptly resolves accounting problems in a constructive and well-documented
manner
Maintain internal and external relationships via in-person, phone, or e-mail with
residents, vendors, auditors, staff, realty agents and bank professionals
Education: four-year degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related
field
Requirements: Minimum of five years’ experience related field and experience in municipal
finance management and municipal accounting
Process basic computers skills, including a good knowledge of and experience using:
• E-mail and Microsoft Outlook
• Web Browsing
• Basic Computer Mapping (Google Maps, Bing)
• Adobe PDF Viewer
• Microsoft Office Products
Desired Qualifications:
CPA
Supervisory experience
Physical and Mental Requirements: Positions in this job typically require: sitting,
feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. This position
encounters unexpected and prolonged workdays and stress and pressure from dealing with
emotional issues and conflicts. There is also sustained exposure to computer keyboards and
video screens. This positon is generally light-duty and may require the exertion up to 20
pounds of force on occasion and the ability to lift, carry, push, pull and move objects. The
individual may encounter unexpected and prolonged workdays and stress and pressure from
dealing with emotional issues and conflicts.
**The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable
accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.
Working Conditions: Most work is performed in an office setting
Competencies Common to All City Positions:
• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all
departmental and applicable City policies and procedures
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity
expected from all staff
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including
willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with
confidence as quickly as possible
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important
matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities
• Represent the City of Lake Elmo in a professional manner to the public, outside
contacts and constituencies
**The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an
employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.