The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking an experienced and highly regarded strategist to serve as the City’s next Finance Director. The next Director will have the opportunity to join one of Iowa’s premier communities, with exceptional financial management, working alongside talented professionals in a dynamic environment. This position is a trusted financial advisor to the City Manager, Mayor and City Council, and departments, guiding the City in solid budget, financial systems, and long-term financial planning.

The Finance Director is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and managing all of the City’s financial activities. In this capacity, the Director interprets and applies the principles and practices of public finance administration and establishes Departmental policies and procedures. This includes executive-level management support for Finance, Risk Services, Purchasing/Contract Services, and City owned entertainment venues and parking system.

The Finance Director provides ongoing financial forecasting and planning, tracks the adopted budget, and prepares periodic budget and fiscal reviews for submission to City departments. As the head of finance, this leader participates in the creation and management of the Finance Department’s (Department) annual work plan and budget through continually evaluating accounting, purchasing, and financial controls.

The Finance Director represents the Department internally and externally, responding to public inquiries. The Director fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies. The Director routinely presents to City Council and explains and interprets financial data. Similarly, the Director should be able to prepare, review, and organize well-conveyed summary financial information for City Council, the City Manager, department heads, City employees, and the public.

In collaboration with staff, the Director also stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of finance, identifies opportunities for improvement, and implements necessary change.

The Finance Director reports to the City Manager, providing status reports on Departmental operations, any major shift in policies or procedures, and recommendations for future development. The Finance Director has six direct reports.

• Plans and administers the City’s overall financial plans and annual budget.
• Provides executive level management support for Finance, Risk Services, Purchasing/Contract Services, and City owned entertainment venues and parking system.
• Develops policies and procedures designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of City operations.
• Oversees the development and implementation of financial operations within the City.
• Prepares, edits, reviews, organizes, and conveys summary financial information for City Council, City Manager, department directors, City employees, and the public.
• Communicates effectively with the public and media.
• Supervises the work of assigned personnel, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Provides status reports to the City Manager on Departmental operations, any major shift in policies or procedures, and recommendations for future development.
• Administers the City’s debt management policies and procedures.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field and at least nine years of experience in government accounting, budget administration, and financial planning. Extensive organizational leadership and staff management experience, excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population are also required.

Strongly Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree and Certified Public Accountant or Certified Public Finance Officer designation. Experience with a GFOA-award-winning budget and financial reporting, long-term financial forecasting, and significant experience with utilities and financing large capital projects is also preferred. Work within a complex local government with strong financial performance is also strongly preferred.

How to Apply
The City of Cedar Rapids has engaged with Raftelis to lead this important search. To view full details of this opportunity please visit the Raftelis website here. To view the Recruitment Brochure click here.
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position is open until filled. Apply immediately.
Questions

Please direct questions to Catherine Tuck Parrish at ctuckparrish@raftelis.com and Kelsey Batt at kbatt@raftelis.com.

https://www.cedar-rapids.org/NB Benefit Summary Choice Plan - 1.1.23.pdf (Download PDF reader)