Deputy Director Finance

City Of Appleton - Appleton, WI

Full-time - Manager

Appleton, WI

About the position

The Deputy Director of Finance is a pivotal management role within the City of Appleton, responsible for overseeing the annual audit and budget processes. This position entails supervising a diverse team of management, professional, and clerical staff, ensuring the effective management of the general ledger, tax roll processing, and various special projects. The Deputy Director acts as a crucial liaison between city departments and external agencies, facilitating communication and collaboration to enhance financial operations city-wide. Under the general supervision of the Finance Director, the incumbent will play a key role in coordinating accounting functions and maintaining robust internal controls throughout the organization. In this role, the Deputy Director will plan, organize, assign, and supervise the work of the Finance Department staff, prioritizing projects and managing schedules to accommodate absences and peak periods. The position includes overseeing the management of the general ledger and coordinating external independent audits, as well as preparing the comprehensive annual financial report. The Deputy Director will also engage in internal auditing and training, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to meet the department's objectives. Additionally, the Deputy Director will perform monthly bank reconciliations, monitor financial activity, and generate necessary reports. The role requires a proactive approach to troubleshooting financial systems, suggesting enhancements to ensure compliance with internal controls. The Deputy Director will assist in formulating the Finance Department's budget and direct the Budget Analyst in preparing the city's annual budget. Responsibilities also include approving journal entries, overseeing the preparation of state and federal reports, and managing community development block grants and other financial programs. The Deputy Director will be instrumental in developing and maintaining departmental policies and procedures, promoting career development and employee growth within the team. Regular attendance, punctuality, and the ability to work overtime as required are essential for this position. The role also involves monitoring software compliance with regulatory directives and developing management analysis tools, ensuring that customer complaints are addressed in alignment with departmental philosophies. In the absence of the Finance Director, the Deputy Director will represent the department at various meetings and functions.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, assign and supervise the work of professional and clerical staff in the Finance Department.
• Oversee management of the general ledger and coordination of external independent audits.
• Prepare the comprehensive annual financial report and perform internal auditing and training.
• Conduct monthly bank reconciliations and monitor financial activity.
• Troubleshoot financial systems and suggest enhancements to ensure compliance with internal controls.
• Assist in formulating the Finance Department budget and direct the Budget Analyst in preparing the city's annual budget.
• Approve journal entries and make necessary adjustments to accounting records.
• Oversee preparation of state and federal reports regarding revenue sharing and other financial functions.
• Manage community development block grants and other grant and loan programs.
• Establish effective liaison roles with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Train, develop, and promote career development and employee growth within the department.
• Develop and maintain departmental procedural and personnel policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
• Minimum of six to seven years of accounting experience, with five years in a supervisory capacity, preferably in municipal government.
• Valid CPA license or equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of accounting, budgeting, and finance in municipalities.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations of the Common Council relative to financial disbursements.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting standards and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Ability to effectively supervise and manage staff.
• Ability to maintain financial records and accounts and prepare financial reports.
• Ability to close books and make necessary adjustments.
• Ability to assist in various aspects of budget preparation.
• Knowledge and experience in software application, implementation, and analysis.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with people at various levels.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in municipal government accounting practices.
• Familiarity with community development block grants and financial programs.