POSITION: Director of Finance
LOCATION: City of Livonia (33000 Civic Center Dr. Livonia, MI 48154)
SALARY: $113,318.40 - $132,537.60 Annually
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
About You:
The ideal candidate for this position has a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field, and possesses a valid Certified Public Accountant certification. You are currently working in finance, with seven or more years' progressively responsible experience in a municipal or public accounting setting. You are a professional with the highest level of integrity, outstanding judgment, leadership, and accountability. You are fiscally prudent, politically astute, and comfortable with and have a strong desire to work with employees, department heads, elected officials, residents, and diverse stakeholders.
About the Community:
The City of Livonia is a safe, well-planned community of 36 square miles in southeast Michigan. Our population of more than 95,000 residents places us as the eighth-largest city in the state. Livonia enjoys a strategic location second-to-none in the region, with easy access to the I-96 and the I-275 expressways. Close-knit neighborhoods and strong community spirit have long been a hallmark of Livonia. The City’s motto proclaims, “Families First,” and Livonia has successfully maintained its friendly, hometown atmosphere while keeping a strong emphasis on public safety, parks, and public services. Livonia maintains a robust AA Bond Rating, the lowest city tax rate in Wayne County, a General Fund balance of 26%, status as one of the highest property value cities in Michigan, and historically strong millage support by the community.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants must apply through this site in order to be considered: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/livonia/jobs/4153871/director-of-finance/apply?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK:
The Director of Finance serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the City of Livonia. Under the executive direction of the Mayor, the position exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluates and analyzes issues; recommends and implements solutions; and provides leadership, direction and guidance in financial strategies, policy development and priorities. The City of Livonia is the eighth largest city in Michigan and has an annual General Fund budget of $67 million.
· Lead and manage the Finance Department team of 17 staff in the areas of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Retirement System Accounting, Purchasing, and Water Billing.
· Maintain responsibility for all financial reporting, including the annual budget and annual audit.
· Advise and assist all City departments regarding fiscal matters, including preparation of the annual budget.
· Clearly present financial information both in writing and in-person to a wide range of audiences, including City staff, City Council, and the public.
· Oversight of capital planning and debt issuance.
· Lead role in the areas of risk management, personnel review committee, Downtown Development Authority, and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.
· Compile data for pension and OPEB actuarial valuations. Review valuation results and provide recommendations to Retirement Board if changes to assumptions are advisable.
· Direct the investment of City operating funds.
· Apply business acumen in contract negotiations with vendors, employee bargaining groups, and tenants.
· Ensure compliance with all Federal, State, and City financial laws, regulations, and ordinances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION:
1. Possess a valid Certified Public Accountant certification; and
2. Have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field; and
3. Have seven or more years’ progressively responsible experience in a municipal or public accounting setting.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
· Ability to present and explain complex financial information in an understandable manner.
· Be an expert in principles and practices of governmental budgeting, accounting, internal controls, and financial reporting.
· High-level proficiency in spreadsheet applications to solve complex financial/accounting problems including the use of formulas.
· Aptitude to learn and master the operation of financial enterprise software.
· Exceptional analytical skills and ability to use data-driven methods and financial strategies to drive decision-making.
· A team player who can work collaboratively with other departments, stakeholders, and external partners to achieve organizational objectives, and inspire and lead talented Finance Department staff.