Description

General Statement of Duties

Performs complex professional and difficult administrative work in planning, organizing, and directing the financial activities of the City.

Distinguishing Features of the Class 

An employee in this class plans and directs the disbursement and accounting of revenues and expenditures for the City. Work involves supervision of the budget, accounting, utility billing and collections, general revenue collections, and payroll operations. The employee must exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative in planning and directing the fiscal control system. Work is performed in accordance with established municipal finance procedures, local ordinances and North Carolina General Statutes governing the responsibilities of local government accountants. Work is performed under the direction of the City Manager and is evaluated through conferences, reports, and by an independent audit of financial records.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks 

        Plans, organizes, and directs the operations of the Finance Department, including disbursement and accounting of municipal funds, utility billing and revenue collections, cash collections, investments, and payroll; supervises staff assigned to these functions.

        Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for department heads, City Manager and Board, and as needed for state, federal and private bond rating agencies; attends Board meetings.

        Supervises and participates in risk management functions; evaluates coverage for Workers Compensation, medical and property and casualty coverages.

        Manages receipt and investment of all City revenues.

        Reviews and monitors ongoing administration of budget; monitors revenues and expenditures; monitors posting of billing and collections to the general ledger and makes corrections as needed;

        Advises the Manager and assists department heads in the preparation of the general operating and capital improvements budget; reviews budget system and financial conditions and develops methods of improvement.

        Assists the auditors during the annual audit of City financial records; follows up on findings to improve financial systems; prepares portions of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

        Serves as a member of the team, along with the City Manager in the preparation of the general

        operating and capital improvements budgets; reviews departmental budget requests for accuracy and justification of resource allocation and expenditures; works with the Manager in directing the formulation of City financial policies and in the preparation of the annual budget; advises Board on fiscal matters.

        Maintains a general accounting systems for the City; maintains financial records for each departments; prepares budget amendments as necessary.

        Maintains financial records for Oxford Economic Development Corporation and Parking Authority.

        Researches, recommends, and administers computer information systems for the City's general administration functions; oversees coordination with hardware and software vendors; insures proper confidentiality and security of records; ensures staff are properly trained to use systems.

        Hires staff; provides performance counseling and evaluation, training, direction, and provides relevant information and a motivational environment.

        Prepares grant applications and grant paperwork.

Additional Job Duties 

Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

1.       Thorough knowledge of North Carolina General Statutes and of local ordinances governing municipal financial practices and procedures.

2.       Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public finance administration, including principles and practices of municipal accounting.

3.       Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of automated systems and their use in a municipal environment.

4.       Considerable knowledge of supervision including motivation, communication, leadership, performance coaching and evaluation.

5.       Considerable knowledge of the City's personnel policies and procedures.

6.       Ability to evaluate complex financial systems and formulate and install accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records.

7.       Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of supervisors and employees in the specialized field of accounting and collections.

8.       Ability to design and prepare analytical or interpretative financial statements.

9.       Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, department heads, governmental officials, and with other City employees.

10.    Ability to conduct long range fiscal planning.

11.    Accuracy and thoroughness in the analysis and preparation of financial records and reports.

Physical Requirements 

        Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of fingering, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

        Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift objects.

        Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and statistics, operate a computer terminal, perform accounting duties, and do extensive reading.

Requirements

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with a degree in accounting or business, preferably supplemented with a master's degree in business or public administration and 5-7 years of  experience in public finance administration including some supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preference given to those with a CPA.