Finance Director

Salary : $139,711.39 - $151,228.11 Annually

Location : Sun Prairie, WI

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 2025-02

Department: Administrative Services

Division: Finance

Opening Date: 01/13/2025

Closing Date: Continuous

This position manages the operations of the Finance Department. Oversees the city's debt management, borrowing, budgeting and financial reporting programs. Periodically presents various financial reports to City Council and Finance Committee. Oversees the processing of A/P, A/R, payroll processing, journal entries, bank reconciliation, annual audit, federal and state reports, cash management, and investments. Participates in developer negotiations and ensures compliance with development agreements. Oversees risk management for City.

Starting salary of $139,711.39 - $151,228.11 depending on qualifications. Position is eligible for a 2% annual step increase July 1, 2025, based on performance.

**This position will remain open until filled. First review of applications will be February 17, 2025**
Essential Job Functions

• Maintains and processes financial records such as fixed assets, special assessments and charges related to development agreements.
• Prepares financial performs for development projects; work with the City Attorney and bond counsel to draft development agreements, monitor and enforce compliance with development guarantees.
• Develops and implements financial management policies (investment, debt, special assessment, accounts receivables, purchasing, etc.) consistent with state statutes and the financial management philosophy established by the Council.
• Analyzes cash positions and develops investment strategy consistent to maximize interest earnings consistent with investment policy. Monitors City cash account balances, moving funds as necessary to ensure adequate cash flow and to maximize return on liquid investments.
• Plans and develops strategies that enhance the City's financial standing and reputation for such purposes as maximizing the City's outstanding bond rating. Performs financial analysis for investments and budgeting.
• Conducts special studies as assigned. Research financial issues, prepares financial reports, and develops recommendations for improved financial management and financial policy and procedures.
• Maintains accounting records, performance reports, and similar records in accordance with federal and state law and makes such records available to and assists auditors in analysis of records.
• Supervises and coordinates the operation of the finance department. Directly supervises the Controller and Senior Accountant. Indirectly supervises professional and office staff in the Finance Division.
• Monitors City cash account balances moving funds as necessary to ensure adequate cash flow and to maximize return on liquid investments. Transfers funds between accounts of various City funds to maintain appropriate balance levels.
• Assists the City Administrator in preparation and administration of the annual City budget, including tax levy, TIF and related calculations. Works with Department and Division heads to define and forecast expense and capital expenditure items and coordinates information into a final budget proposal. Provides monthly budget status reports for City Administrator, City Council and Department and Division heads. Maintains a system of responsible control to ensure that expenditures do not exceed appropriations. Prepares tax levies. Prepares the recommended and approved budget documents for public distribution. Prepares budgetary and financial information for public presentations.
• Prepares and recommends annual division budget, implements budget programs and monitors expenses through the year.
• Assists Department and Division heads with administration of City budget and associated problem resolution.
• Oversees the tax collection process including researching and troubleshooting collection issues and non-standard questions. Prepares the tax roll. Works with Assessor to identify parcel splits.
• Coordinates development of the City's Ten-Year Capital Improvement Plan by critically evaluating the City's debt posture, capital requirements, resources, and financial capacity.
• Works with the City's Financial Advisor and Bond Counsel to issue debt
• Works with auditors and prepares the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
• Monitor post-compliance issues and prepares continuing disclosure reports, track arbitrage and spend down on City issues; work with the City's financial advisor and bond counsel to prepare arbitrage reports and to respond to IRS inquiries.
• Performs the duties of City Treasurer as defined by State Statute 62.09 (9).
• Develops and implements an investment policy for idle funds consistent with the investment philosophy established by the City Council.

• Oversee the City risk management function including making recommendations on appropriate levels of insurance coverage and insurance products, administering claims, completing insurance renewals and reports. Develop and implement policies and procedures to minimize risk exposure.

Requirements of Work

A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance with certification as a CPA, MBA, MPA, CPFO and/or CGFM designations, 10 years of progressive finance experience including governmental accounting and supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the following knowledge, ability, and skills.

Knowledge of

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for financial accounting including general ledger accounting and account reconciliation.
• Knowledge of quantitative research methods and/or statistical and financial tools in program evaluation.
• Knowledge of governmental fund accounting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of auditing procedures and practices.
• Knowledge of tax collection and settlement process preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite applications and comfort working with various software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases and integrated financial software systems, and calendar and email systems.

Ability to

• Ability to formulate and install standard accounting methods, procedures, forms, and records in an automated environment; ability to determine appropriate nature of all financial claims against the City.
• Ability to present financial data to elected officials through group presentations and individual meetings.
• Ability to manage projects and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to analyze and interpret policy and procedural questions.
• Ability to research and resolve financial questions.
• Ability to create financial reports and projections.
• Ability to effectively resolve conflict with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to supervise, train and direct staff.
• Ability to conduct interviews.
• Ability to work autonomously, in team/collaborative environments, and cross-functionally with other departments/divisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with diverse populations at all levels of the organization, outside vendors/client representatives/peers and the public, and ability to relate effectively with people of varied academic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy.

Skill in

• High level of discretion with decisions restricted only by Departmental policies and little direct guidance from supervisors. Critical goals and objectives of the City would be adversely and very seriously affected should an erroneous decision be made. Error could likely result in critical financial loss.
• Requires skill in listening, critical thinking, problem analysis and problem solving; written/verbal communication skills; ability to tailor the message, context, and mode of communication to the audience; ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment and self-identify organizational, departmental, and individual priorities.
• Must possess skill in monitoring one's own work to ensure quality, accuracy, and thoroughness; sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority; ability to think strategically, commit to innovation and continuous process improvement, and work collaboratively within the organization.

Other Job Functions

• Assists other departments with purchasing.
• Attends all Finance Committee meetings and records minutes of same.
• Attends regular City Council meetings and other meetings as required (regular evening attendance required).
• Monitor and assign roles and user attributes in financial software system.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed mostly in an office setting; hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do. Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [redacted] or

Learn more about our Benefits by visiting our website:

HEALTH INSURANCE

The City provides 100% premium payment for single or family coverage through Group Health Cooperative Select HMO plan or PPO Plan for those living outside the coverage area. Coverage begins the 1st of the month following date of hire. (i.e.; DOH=January 2nd, coverage begins February 1st)

ACCESS TO OUR EMPLOYEE WELLNESS CLINIC - myspwellnessclinic.org

DENTAL INSURANCE

Delta Dental The City provides 100% premium payment for single or family coverage. Coverage begins the 1st of the month following date of hire

LIFE INSURANCE

State Life Fund- Securian Life The City provides 100% premium payment for basic coverage (1 times annual salary)The employee has the ability to purchase at their expense supplemental coverage, additional coverage (up to 3 units),and spouse/dependent coverage. Eligibility begins 1st of month, following 30 days of employment. (ie; DOH Feb 1st, April 1st coverage begins).

Boston Mutual Whole Life Insurance - AFLAC Insurance

The employee has the ability to purchase at their expense

INCOME CONTINUATION INS - State Fund This benefit provides up to 75% of your average earnings if you become disabled. The City provides coverage up to $120,000 at the 180-day elimination period. Employees can buy down to a shorter elimination period at their expense. Eligibility begins the 1st of the following month.

VISION INSURANCE

Available for the employee to purchase at their own expense. Coverage begins the 1st of the month following date of hire.

RETIREMENT

Wisconsin Retirement System which requires a matching 6.95% employee contribution.

Deferred Comp, Traditional or Roth IRA The employee can participate in a 457 Deferred Comp Plan, IRA Traditional or Roth IRA, if they choose.

SICK LEAVE

Accumulation of one day per month. At retirement ability to convert sick balance up to 120 days into a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE

Employees who meet the eligibility criteria and have a qualifying event, shall receive 240 hours of paid parental leave and 80 hours of paid caregiver leave (prorated for part time). Both run concurrent with Family Medical Leave.

VACATION

Vacation is earned on your anniversary.

Upon Start Date - 15 days vacation

Completion of 5 years - 20 days vacation

Completion of 10 years - 25 days vacation

Completion of 15 years - 30 days vacation

HOLIDAYS

The following Holidays are observed:

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday

Memorial Day,

Fourth of July Labor Day,

Thanksgiving Day the day after Thanksgiving Day,

Christmas Eve Day Christmas Day,

New Years Eve Day New Years Day.

Two Personal Days are given at the beginning of each year (prorated if hired after July 1 and not available if hired after October 1).