Assistant Finance Director

OPENING DATE:  June 6, 2025

CLOSING DATE:  Continuous until filled with the first cut-off date for review of applications on July 6, 2025

REPORTS TO:   FINANCE DIRECTOR

DIRECT REPORTS: None

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Finance Director, oversee the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department including accounts payable, utility billing, payroll, and cash collections. Assist the Finance Director with the City’s annual fiscal budget, bank reconciliation, cash management, debt issuance, investments, financial policies and reports.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Review and correct accounting transactions prepared by accounting staff to ensure accuracy.


• Enter journal entries and reconcile general ledger and subsidiary accounts for final review by Finance Director.


• Respond to department inquiries regarding accounting/invoice issues, provide financial information, and recommend courses of action.


• Post revenue accounting batches, checks, and journal entries in the financial system.


• Monitor cash receipts and reconcile monthly bank statement. Void checks, contact departments about NSF checks, and balance monthly investment ledger to investment report.


• Clear daily checks in bank account for payment.


• Set up new funds, and accounts in the financial software.


• Ensure the City computers are PCI compliant with the multiple credit card processors the City uses.


• Maintain listing with status of current federal, state, local, and private grants. Assist departments to submit funding and reporting documentation.


• Monitor/renew annual certifications for City funding/grant programs. (DUNS, SAMS, ASAP.gov, grants.gov, etc.)


• Maintain listing and documentation of current construction contracts and 28E agreements with the City.


• Assist in the preparation of state-mandated financial reports including the Annual Financial Report, Street Finance Report, Urban Renewal Report, and Debt Obligation Report.


• Assist in the preparation of materials required for the City’s annual financial audit.


• Assist in maintaining the department webpage on the City’s website.


• Assist with the preparation of the annual fiscal budget document.


• Assist in preparation of and updates to long-term financial forecast models.


• Assist in the preparation of the Capital Improvement Program.


• In conjunction with the Finance Director, assist with the development of departmental and city-wide policy and process changes.


• Attend meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions to remain current on new practices/development in the Finance Department.


• Ensure that all work performed meets the City’s standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, and efficiency.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education – Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or Public Administration


• Three to Five years of accounting or auditing experience.

• Governmental agency or municipality accounting experience is preferred.


• Demonstrated experience working with financial statements, budgeting, financial analysis, and tax, financial and regulatory reporting.

• Must be bondable and able to pass a pre-employment offer background check including credit history check.


• Valid Iowa Driver’s license

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to take initiative and work efficiently.


• Ability to work independently with intermittent direct supervision.

• Strong management skills: ability to lead, mentor, counsel and develop others.

• Ability to operate a personal computer.

• Strong software skills - Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Tyler Technology platforms.


• Ability to design Excel spreadsheets both simple and complex, pivot table manipulation, and complex financial formulas.


• Knowledge of payroll and employee benefit administration.

• Ability to concentrate in a diverse work setting.

• Ability to deal professionally, confidentially, and tactfully with employees, management, citizens, bankers, and other business associates of the City.

• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication and listening skills.


• Problem-solving, sound judgment and decision-making abilities.


• Accurate mathematical skills.


• Ability to interpret financial reports and other technical materials and draw logical conclusions.


• Ability to analyze financial data, create reports, and prepare work papers and financial statements.


• Ability to make sound decisions and recommendations regarding matters of a technical nature in financial records maintenance.


• Ability to classify accounting transactions accurately and to analyze accounts and transactions for discrepancies.


• Skill in developing internal controls and identifying where segregation of duties should exist in cash handling or other financial transactions.


• Skill in summarizing data, problem identification and solving identified problems.


• Skill in meeting established deadlines.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality when needed. Skill in using tact and discretion when handling or conveying confidential or sensitive information.


• Perform job functions adhering to safety guidelines and policies set forth by the administration and/or supervisor.


• Knowledge of federal and state tax laws and pension requirements.


• Knowledge of office equipment, including telephone, photocopier, laser printers, personal computers, etc.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal office environment.


• Ability to lift and carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds.


• Ability to push and pull up to fifty (50) pounds.


• Long periods of sitting.


• Ongoing contact with the public in this setting always has the potential for dealing with irate customers and the public when they have a complaint regarding city services.