Finance Director - Public Sector

The Finance Director is a key executive-level leader responsible for directing and managing all financial activities of the City of Palmetto. Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Finance Director oversees the city’s financial strategy and long-term fiscal health in alignment with local, state, and federal policies. This position ensures the implementation of strong internal financial controls, promotes fiscal transparency, and supports the city’s mission of sustainable and responsible governance. The Finance Director provides strategic leadership in budgeting, accounting, investments, debt management, purchasing, revenue collection, and utility billing functions, ensuring financial compliance and accurate reporting to the Mayor, City Council and the City Administrator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and implement the city’s overall financial strategy in coordination with state fiscal policies and economic goals.

Evaluate the financial condition of the city through forecasting, long-term planning, and financial modeling.

Monitor and manage city debt, credit ratings, and investment portfolios to ensure fiscal stability and adherence to regulatory compliance.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

Lead the preparation, development, adoption, and oversight of the Annual Operating and Capital Budget in collaboration with department heads.

Ensure compliance with state budgeting requirements and fiscal responsibility laws.

Provide regular budget reports and financial updates to the City Manager and City Council, with appropriate recommendations for fiscal adjustments.

Oversee the completion and submission of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) in accordance with GAAP and GASB standards.

Manage the year-end fiscal close process and coordinate the annual audit, serving as the primary liaison to external auditors.

Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial reporting to external agencies, regulatory bodies, and elected officials.

Supervise all financial accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and purchasing.

Oversee the city’s treasury functions including cash flow analysis, banking relationships, and revenue collection.

Monitor and manage all incoming and outgoing financial transactions and ensure compliance with city policies and internal controls.

Ensure the city’s assets are properly insured and manage claims and insurance renewals.

Develop and maintain a comprehensive risk management strategy to mitigate exposure and ensure fiscal protection.

Oversee utility billing functions, including stormwater utility billing, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and customer service responsiveness.

Implement systems to maximize revenue collection while maintaining fairness and regulatory compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in a local government or public agency setting.
• At least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of governmental accounting standards (GAAP, GASB).
• Proficient in preparing and overseeing municipal budgets and audits.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls, public finance law, and treasury functions.