Financial Director

CITY OF MUSKEGON HEIGHTS

Position/Classification: Finance Director/Treasurer                    FULL TIME

Department: Finance                                                              Status: EXEMPT

Due Date for Application: October 31, 2025

About Us: Muskegon Heights is one of the oldest communities located in the southwest quadrant of Muskegon County, just a short 10-minute drive from the stunning shores of Lake Michigan. With a close-knit community of just over 9,000 residents, Muskegon Heights combines rich history with a vibrant present, making it a wonderful place to live and work.

Position Overview: The Finance Director provides strategic financial leadership and is responsible for the overall financial management of the organization. This includes planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the financial functions to ensure the fiscal integrity and compliance with all relevant regulations, particularly 2 CFR Part 200 and Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB). The director leads the finance team, oversees all accounting operations, and reports financial performance to the City Manager, City Council, or other key stakeholders. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Finance Director is a department head within the organizational structure. This position is appointed and accountable to the City Manager. The Finance Director is expected to meet with the City Manager and provide information on activities within the department and seek guidance on issues as appropriate.

Financial leadership and strategy

·        Develop and implement financial strategies, policies, and procedures in alignment with the organization's goals.

·        Provide financial guidance to the executive director and department managers, including analysis of financial results, forecasts, and strategic financial planning.

·        Manage organizational cash flow, investments, and debt.

·        Serve as the primary liaison with the finance and audit committees of the board of directors. 

Compliance and reporting

·        Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200): Implement and monitor all federal award requirements, cost principles, and audit standards.

o   Ensure compliance with standards for financial management systems, including proper accounting records, internal controls, and budgetary control.

o   Oversee subrecipient monitoring, including reviewing subrecipient invoices and performing risk assessments to ensure compliance with grant terms.

o   Prepare and submit all required financial and performance reports on a timely basis, including the final financial report.

o   Confirm allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of all federal award costs in accordance with 2 CFR 200 cost principles.

·        Governmental Accounting Standards (GASB): Ensure all financial accounting and reporting for state and local government entities comply with the standards set by the GASB.

o   Oversee the preparation of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), and interpret and implement any required changes due to new GASB pronouncements.

·        Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS, "Yellow Book"): Coordinate and oversee the annual financial audit and any required Single Audits for federal awards.

o   Liaise with external auditors to ensure the audit process is efficient and findings are addressed promptly.

o   Maintain robust internal controls to satisfy audit standards and safeguard public assets.

·        Other compliance: Stay informed of and ensure compliance with all other federal, state, and local financial laws and guidelines. 

Budgeting and operations

·        Lead the annual budgeting process, collaborating with department heads to develop program and departmental budgets.

·        Monitor budget performance, analyze variances, and make recommendations for corrective actions.

·        Supervise the day-to-day accounting functions, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.

·        Evaluate and implement upgrades to accounting systems and financial software to improve efficiency. 

Staff management and development

·        Manage, mentor, and develop finance department staff.

·        Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement within the finance team. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION

Education and Experience

·        A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, Business, Public Administration or a related field is required; a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is preferred.

·        A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is preferred.

·        Minimum of 5–10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management and accounting, preferably within a government or non-profit environment.

·        Experience in a grant-funded environment is a plus. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·        Comprehensive knowledge of governmental and non-profit accounting principles, specifically GASB and GAAP.

·        In-depth knowledge of 2 CFR 200, the "Yellow Book" (GAGAS), and other relevant federal regulations.

·        Strong strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

·        Exceptional written and oral communication skills to present complex financial information clearly to diverse audiences, including executive leadership and the board of directors.

·        Strong leadership, management, and relationship-building abilities.

·        Proficiency with financial management software and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.  

Annual Salary: $65,760 – 98,073

How to Apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to jfranklin@muskegonheights.us by October 31,2025.