Assistant Finance Director

Assistant Finance DirectorThe Assistant Finance Director performs advanced professional accounting and financial management work while assisting the Finance Director in overseeing the daily operations of the Finance Department. This position provides technical leadership to accounting and utility billing staff, ensures the integrity of financial data and internal controls, manages financial system configuration, and leads annual audit preparation. The Assistant Finance Director supports the Finance Director with budget development, long-range financial planning, and departmental leadership serving as Acting Finance Director in their absence.Essential Duties & Responsibilities Accounting & Financial OperationsAssists the Finance Director with overseeing daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, utility billing, and general ledger maintenance.Lead the month-end close process, ensuring timely reconciliations, journal entries, and accurate financial statements.Review complex journal entries, asset schedules, bank reconciliations, and financial reports.Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of financial transactions and data throughout the ERP system.Monitor, maintain, and strengthen internal controls across all accounting and billing functions; identify and implement improvements in compliance with Minnesota statutes, OSA standards, GAAP, and GASB.Financial Systems & ERP ManagementServe as the Finance Department's primary resource for ERP financial system maintenance and optimization.Lead redesign and ongoing maintenance of the chart of accounts to support accurate reporting, audit requirements, and OSA compliance.Leverage ERP categorization, reporting dimensions, and workflow features to improve internal and external financial reporting.Audit & Annual Financial ReportingPartner with the Finance Director to lead the annual audit process, including preparing audit schedules and supporting documentation, coordinating year-end close activities, serving as primary point of contact for external auditors, and managing audit timelines, requests, and communication.Prepare complex audit workpapers and review supporting documentation prepared by staff to ensure accuracy and completeness.Assist with preparation ACFR components produced internally, and support the Finance Director with narrative elements, including the MD&A.Ensure all financial reporting complies with GAAP, GASB standards, and state reporting requirements.Budget & Capital Planning SupportAssist Finance Director with preparation of the annual operating budget, CIP documents, revenue and expenditure projections, and budget schedules.Support Finance Director with analysis and internal budgeting process management.Fixed Asset ManagementCoordinate with the Finance Director to oversee the City's capital asset accounting, including additions, disposals, and depreciation.Collaborate with departments to ensure accurate asset identification and tracking.Maintain audit-ready fixed asset records and ensure alignment with insurance schedules when applicable.Property & Casualty Insurance CoordinationAssist in managing the City's property and casualty insurance program, including coordinating updates to insured assets and supporting renewal documentation.Utility Billing OversightSupervise Utility Billing Clerks and provide technical assistance on billing, adjustments, delinquencies, and internal controls.Review utility billing adjustments within authorized thresholds and ensure policy compliance.Cross Department Financial SupportProvide financial data, analysis, and system support to other City departments.Assist internal departments with interpreting financial reports, budget data, and ERP processes.Staff Supervision & LeadershipProvide leadership, coaching, training, and performance feedback to accounting staff.Maintain cross-training plans and foster a collaborative environment.Participate in hiring, onboarding, and professional development planning.Other ResponsibilitiesServe as Acting Finance Director in the Director's absence.Perform all other duties as necessary or as assigned.Minimum QualificationsBachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or other related field and three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience; OR Associate's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or other related field and five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible accounting experience; ORAn equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the positionAdvanced knowledge of GAAP, GASB, fund accounting principles, and financial reportingPreferred QualificationsExperience with BS&A CloudAdvanced certification such as CGFM, CPFO, or CPAExperience in municipal government or public-sector accountingProficiency with Microsoft Office products, including advanced proficiency with ExcelExperience supervising staff or leading accounting operationsOther Required Knowledge, Skills, & AbilitiesExperience assisting in preparation of audit and financial statementsAbility to work independently while also collaborating effectively with team members to move projects towards successful completionStrong ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with employees at all levels and across diverse departmentsMental & Physical Demands/Working Conditions Mental EffortAbility to concentrate on detailed tasks for extended periods, including reviewing data and performing calculations.Strong problem-solving and analytical skills to identify discrepancies and ensure accuracy.Capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Effective communication skills for interacting with employees, supervisors, and department heads.Physical RequirementsWork is primarily performed in a standard office environment.Frequent use of a computer, keyboard, and other office equipment.Ability to sit for prolonged periods while processing payroll and performing data entry.Occasional lifting of files, boxes, or office supplies (typically up to 20 pounds).Regular reaching, bending, and handling of documents.Working Conditions General office environment