Chief Financial Officer

$140,000 - $165,000/Yr

Brookings Municipal Utilities/swiftel Communications - Brookings, SD

Full-time - Senior

Brookings, SD

About the position

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Brookings Municipal Utilities / Swiftel Communications is responsible for overseeing the accounting, billing, collections, and human resource departments. This role involves planning, organizing, and directing financial activities, ensuring compliance with policies, and providing strategic financial guidance to the organization. The CFO will also manage budgets, internal audits, and financial reporting, while working closely with department managers to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, direct, coordinate, and evaluate the Accounting, Billing & Collections, and Human Resource departments.
• Develop and implement administrative policies and guidelines; advise staff on administrative procedures and policies.
• Administer personnel policies, plans, and procedures as outlined by the Board.
• Design and direct the implementation and operation of the accounting system, maintaining adequate records of assets, liabilities, and transactions.
• Ensure adequate internal audits are conducted and guide the accounting staff in administering accounting programs according to generally accepted practices.
• Maintain systems for initiating utility and communications services, issuing customer bills, and collecting receivables.
• Work closely with department managers to establish accounts and develop procedures for uniformity in accounting practices.
• Compare performance with operating plans and standards, reporting and interpreting results to management.
• Formulate accounting policy, oversee department cost control, and prepare operating data and special reports as required.
• Review existing financial processes and design new processes for efficiency and effective internal controls.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret significant data to enable management to make informed decisions.
• Supervise or coordinate the preparation of reports for government agencies.
• Direct the preparation of capital budgets, annual budgets, and annual reports covering all activities of the Utility.
• Function as the Utilities' cost accountant, auditor, and financial advisor.
• Direct the preparation of telecommunication Universal Service Fund programs and filings with regulators.
• Administer financing transactions including bond issues and State Revolving Fund programs.
• Administer insurance policies and programs including liability, property, vehicle, health insurance, and worker's compensation.
• Assist with BMU merger and acquisition activities including valuation assessments and financial analysis.
• Administer contracts for the purchase of video content and assist with negotiated contract extensions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• At least seven (7) years of senior-level government or telecommunications experience in finance or accounting.
• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of finance and accounting practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations governing the operation of utilities (telephone, electric, water, wastewater).
• Ability to supervise and direct personnel effectively.
• Ability to assemble, organize, and present statistical, financial, and factual information in oral or written form.
• Ability to analyze and interpret significant data to formulate conclusions and recommend actions.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $140,000-$165,000
• Exempt status
• Potential for professional development opportunities