Finance Director

Position: Finance Director

Reports to: Town Manager

Emergency Classification: Essential

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Pay Grade: 119

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is seeking an experienced, strategic, and forward-thinking Finance Director to join our executive leadership team and help guide the Town's fiscal future. As a key advisor to the Town Manager and Town Council, you will lead all aspects of municipal finance-including budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, investments, procurement, and long-term financial planning-to ensure sound stewardship of public resources and alignment with the Town's strategic priorities.

We are looking for a results-driven leader with a proven background in governmental finance, strong analytical and leadership capabilities, and a commitment to operational excellence and transparency. The ideal candidate will bring both vision and precision to the role, fostering accountability, efficiency, and innovation within the Finance Department while building strong partnerships across departments, with external stakeholders, and the community.

Fort Myers Beach is a coastal community on a path of extraordinary recovery and renewal. Serving here means contributing to a bold and inspiring story of resilience. As Finance Director, you will play a critical role in supporting the Town's recovery and transformation-ensuring financial sustainability while advancing initiatives that promote infrastructure reinvestment, economic revitalization, and long-term community well-being.

If you are passionate about public service, fiscal leadership, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to review the full job description and apply through this job ad.

Position Summary

The Finance Director is a key member of the Town's executive leadership team, responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight of the Town's financial operations. This position leads all functions within the Finance Department, including audit preparation, budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, payroll, procurement, contract management, risk management, investment activities, utilities billing and long-range financial planning. The Finance Director ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and accounting standards while supporting the fiscal integrity and transparency of the Town's operations.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Direct and manage the Town's general accounting system, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee contracts, procurement, accounts payable/receivable, utilities billing, budget, and banking operations.
• Maintain accurate inventory records of municipal property and assets.
• Establish, implement, and monitor internal controls for revenues and expenditure across all departments.
• Ensure proper preparation and review of financial claims and demands, including oversight of financial data entry.
• Manage contracts and interlocal agreements for auditing, consulting, investment, and vendor services.
• Manage and oversee the financial administration of all incoming grants, loans, and other funding sources-including federal, state, and FEMA funds-ensuring accurate tracking, strict compliance with funding requirements, and timely financial reporting.
• Collaborate with staff to prepare for the annual audit, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards, timely submission of required documentation, and coordination with external auditors.
• Assist Town Attorney and Code Enforcement with the collection of fines, fees, and liens.
• Collaborate with the Town Manager on the development and administration of the annual budget.
• Recommend and implement financial policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives in alignment with Town goals.
• Prepare and present monthly financial statements and reports to the Audit Committee, and to the Town Council through the Town Manager.
• Present to the Town Council on matters related to the annual budget, financial operations, and overall fiscal health of the Town, providing clear analysis and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Oversee and monitor investment activities to ensure sound financial practices and maximize returns.
• Supervise the collection of revenues from water utilities, parking, harborage services, and parks, recreation, and cultural services.
• Coordinate with department heads and stakeholders on the development and implementation of multi-year capital improvement plans.
• Lead and support the implementation and maintenance of finance systems and technology improvements.
• Work with Human Resources to recruit, develop, and evaluate Finance Department staff to promote professional growth, high performance, and service excellence.
• Serve as the Finance/Administration Section Chief before, during, and after emergency events, as designated in the Town's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), overseeing financial operations, cost tracking, and reimbursement coordination.
• Foster a positive team culture emphasizing transparency, integrity, innovation, and collaboration.
• Provide fiscal analysis and recommendations on matters requiring Town Council direction.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local regulations, contracts, and grant agreements.
• Remain informed of trends, legislation, and best practices affecting municipal finance operations.
• Prepare agenda, financial reports, and presentations for audit committee meetings.
• Prepare financial related agenda items for Town Council meetings, including the drafting of resolutions.
• Attend assigned meetings and events.
• Participate in emergency response and recovery operations as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.)

REQUIREMENTS:

Education, Certification, and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Eight (8) years of governmental accounting or public financial management experience, including five (5) years in a senior management role.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Certification preferred.

• Active membership in the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), or willingness to obtain membership upon employment required.

Knowledge

• Extensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP); Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards; Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards; Florida's Uniform Accounting System Requirements and financial reporting requirements.
• In-depth understanding of municipal budgeting, forecasting, capital improvement planning, and fund accounting.
• Solid understanding of Emergency Financial Management.
• Detailed knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and compliance requirements related to public finance, including FEMA, ARPA, and other grant funding.
• Knowledge of Florida Department of Revenue's Truth in Millage requirements.
• Familiarity with debt financing, bond issuance, and investment strategies in a public-sector environment.
• Understanding of enterprise fund operations, such as utilities and stormwater, and the development of related billing rates.
• Knowledge of internal controls, audit processes, and financial risk management practices.
• Awareness of public procurement laws, contract management practices, and ethical purchasing standards.
• Knowledge of ERP and financial software systems used in government finance.
• Familiarity with National Incident Management System requirements

Skills

• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills for data-driven decision-making.
• Exceptional leadership and team development skills, with the ability to foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Skilled in strategic planning, goal setting, and policy development.
• Proficient in the use of financial management systems, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to elected officials, staff, and the public in an understandable manner, as well draft clear, concise policies and resolutions.
• Effective project management and organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Skilled in interpreting financial data and translating it into practical operational guidance.
• Skilled in managing and forecasting cash flow.
• Skilled in the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements and related accruals and necessary adjustments.
• Skilled in reviewing RFP's, RFQ's, Bid's, and contract's scope of work, terms and conditions for completeness and accuracy.

Abilities

• Ability to maintain the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and transparency in all financial practices.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with elected officials, staff, auditors, funding agencies, and the community.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex legislation, regulations, and funding conditions.
• Ability to identify financial risks and implement proactive strategies to mitigate them.
• Ability to lead through change and guide the organization through financial challenges or recovery processes.
• Ability to think strategically while maintaining attention to operational and technical details.
• Ability to work under pressure and make informed, timely decisions in high-stakes or emergency situations.

Physical Requirements:

• Task involves some physical effort in standing, bending, stooping, stretching, and walking, or frequent moderate lifting (30 pounds); and standard dexterity in the use of fingers, limbs, or body in the operation of shop or office equipment.
• Task may involve extended periods of time working at a desk utilizing a computer, mouse, and keyboard.

Environmental Requirements:

• Task is regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions

Sensory Requirements:

• Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
• Task requires visual perception and discrimination.
• Task requires oral communications ability.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach provides Veterans' Preference in employment for eligible veterans, spouses of veterans, and qualifying family members, in accordance with the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs guidelines.

How to Claim Veterans' Preference:

Notify Human Resources at hr@fmbgov.com to request Veterans' Preference at the time of application.

Obtain the Veterans' Preference Form, which will be provided by Human Resources, and indicate your eligibility.

Submit the required documentation (e.g., DD-214 form, VA disability letter, or applicable spouse documentation) along with your completed application.

If you require assistance or have questions about this process, please contact Human Resources at (239) 896-4284 or hr@fmbgov.com.

The Town of Fort Myers Beach is an EOE and a DFW.

Employment at the Town of Fort Myers Beach is contingent upon your successful completion of the following:

Pre-employment drug screening, pursuant to the Drug-Free /Alcohol-Free Employment Policy as outlined in the Town's Employee Handbook adopted by Council effective January 2022.

General background verification.