Director of Finance

Department: Administration

Job Title: Finance Director

Reports to: City Administrator

Classification: Exempt

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Finance Director provides strategic leadership for the City’s financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity, transparency, and long-term sustainability. This role oversees all core financial functions—including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and internal controls—in compliance with Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.), the Salida Municipal Code (SMC), and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Serving as a key advisor to the City’s leadership, the Finance Director guides sound financial decision-making and helps align financial strategy with community priorities. The position directs the City’s fiscal systems and records; supervises finance staff; and oversees essential financial operations including billing, revenue collection, vendor payments, payroll and tax reporting, general ledger management, annual budgeting, debt administration, and investment management.

The Finance Director also plays an important role in shaping the City’s financial future by monitoring the utilities code and advising on rate setting to ensure sustainable and equitable service delivery. The position coordinates the City’s insurance coverage and reporting, manages financial aspects of risk mitigation, and works closely with the City Administrator on complex financial planning and policy matters.

In partnership with the Elected Treasurer and the City Council’s Finance Committee, the Finance Director helps ensure strong financial stewardship through oversight of the City’s audit process, adherence to budget policies, and continuous improvement of financial practices.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to the City Administrator and directly supervises finance staff within the Administration Department. Coordinates and oversees the work of consultants and independent contractors as needed. As a member of the City’s management team, provides financial guidance, information, and support to City departments and employees on accounting and financial matters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. The City of Salida retains the right to modify or change the duties or essential and additional functions of the job at any time.

• Coordinates the work of finance staff, including planning and organizing assignments and workloads to meet departmental goals, training and motivating employees, evaluating performance, monitoring progress, and directing adjustments as needed.
• Manages the City’s financial records to ensure accuracy, reliability, and timeliness. Maintains the Chart of Accounts, ensures records are current and available for public review, and performs monthly reconciliations in preparation for the annual audit.
• Maintains system of fund accounting as prescribed in the Salida Municipal Code.
• Reviews, designs and implements accounting procedures to maintain compliance with GASB pronouncements and a comprehensive framework of internal controls.
• Prepares the annual budget in compliance with the Colorado Budget Law and within City Administrator and City Council guidelines, including the development of annual operating and capital improvement plans.
• Provides and coordinates support work for development of the City’s annual audit in compliance with Colorado Revised Statutes and the Salida Municipal Code.
• Analyzes financial data; prepares and publicly presents monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports including routine updates and ad hoc reports, as needed. 
• Provides staff support and guidance pertaining to any utilities code; analyzes and advises City Council regarding rates of the City.
• Directs the investment and debt management programs to provide infrastructure financing and liquidity for daily operations while ensuring compliance with limitations under C.R.S. and other applicable laws.
• Oversees and coordinates financial transaction processing, including vendor invoices and disbursements, utility billing, miscellaneous invoicing (municipal services, rents, etc.), collections, certification of tax liens, occupational lodging tax filings, general ledger entries, and account reconciliations.
• Coordinates and fulfills data requests of the independent accountants, workers compensation auditors, financial auditors, etc. 
• Prepares resolutions and ordinances along with cover memos summarizing the background and impact of various agreements, code changes and other actions proposed for council decisions.
• Evaluates current processes and recommends changes to increase efficiency and productivity within all City departments while insuring adequate internal controls.
• Participates in collaborative management studies and reports on complex financial analyses and policies.
• Monitors the collection of taxes, fees, and other receipts in accordance with laws and regulations.
• Communicates with City Council, City staff and residents, both orally and in writing, on matters of importance to the City and City Council.
• Directly participates in or oversees special projects, as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and internal controls.
• High level of computer proficiency, including accounting software, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Tyler/InCode.
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, Colorado Revised Statutes, municipal codes, ordinances, and public sector accounting processes, including payroll taxes and internal controls.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, systems, and responsibilities.
• Ability to supervise, develop, and train staff.
• Strong customer service skills, including the ability to effectively address and resolve questions, concerns, and complaints.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and MBA and/or CPA preferred.
• (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting or financial management, including at least five (5) years in a senior or supervisory role.
• Government or municipal accounting experience required, including familiarity with public sector budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance requirements.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

The majority of this position’s duties are performed in an office environment and require sitting for extended periods and moving between office areas. In addition, the following abilities are required:

• Visual and physical ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to travel to other City facilities and to local vendors and banking institutions.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BENEFITS:

The City offers a full benefits package for this position including: medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(a) and 457 retirement plans with employer match, paid time off accrual, life insurance, long-term disability, swim benefit at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, and discounted golf at Salida Golf Club.