Finance Officer

Description

For doers and makers seeking a well-rounded community, Hickory is a bridge between Asheville and Charlotte at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along Interstate 40, where a collective spirit of craftsmanship strengthens any endeavor with detail, artistry and quality.

Hickory, North Carolina, is a three-time All-America City on the Catawba River approximately one hour east of Asheville and one hour north of Charlotte. More than 43,000 residents call Hickory their home and Hickory is the hub of a 350,000 metropolitan area. Hickory has outstanding school systems, seven recreation facilities, two libraries, several golf courses, theaters, art museums, and eighteen gorgeous parks. Beautiful Lake Hickory is over 4,000 acres and has many public access areas. Please check out Hickory at www.hickorync.gov/employment or www.hickorywellcrafted.com for a web portal all about Hickory and the surrounding areas and what makes Hickory a "Well Crafted" City.

Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetics, or the presence of a non-job related medical condition or disability. U.S. Law requires all applicants to furnish proof of identity and right to work in the U.S.

All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a post-offer functional prework screen and a drug screen. This examination process is designed to determine if applicants are able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the job without physical harm to themselves, or others. All applicants are subject to a background check. Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid NC Class "C" driver's license.

This position is responsible for the overall administration of financial activities for the city.

Major Duties

o Plans, organizes and supervises the functions of the Finance Department.

o Manages the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.

o Assigns, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel.

o Develops and maintain the city’s accounting and financial reporting system.

o Manages the city’s purchasing activities.

o Manages the city’s utility billing and collections functions.

o Oversees the annual independent audit process.

o Evaluates existing financial processes and make recommendations to improve processes.

o Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Qualifications

o Knowledge of the principles and practices of public finance, accounting, governmental
accounting, auditing, and debt management.

o Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

o Knowledge of the principles and practices of computerized financial information
management.

o Knowledge of government auditing procedures.

o Knowledge of principles and practices of city purchasing and utility billing and
collections systems.

o Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances, and department policies
and procedures.

o Ability to improve and streamline existing processes to provide the highest level of
customer service to city departments and employees, as well as vendors and citizens.

o Skill in developing and implementing policies and procedures.

o Skill in utilizing financial computer software programs.

o Skill in problem-solving and decision-making.

o Skill in management, development, and supervision of employees.

o Skill in gathering and analyzing complex data.

o Skill in operating office equipment such as a computer and calculator.

o Skill in oral and written communication.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

o Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in accounting, finance, or directly related degree with a minimum of 30 hours in accounting supplemented by at least six (6) years experience that includes progressively responsible experience including four (4) years of senior management experience and significant government experience. CPA license, North Carolina Government Finance Officers Association and/or GFOA’s Certified Public Finance Officer certification and experience with Tyler Munis ERP software preferred.

o Ability to inspire trust throughout the organization and to work with department leaders on their individual department needs.

o Strong personal and professional integrity and the ability to be bonded.

o Possession of or a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina.

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Deputy City Manager assigns work in terms of department and city goals and objectives. The work is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), auditing standards, relevant federal and state laws and city ordinances, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied management, administrative, and technical duties. The number of guidelines to be followed contributes to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to manage the financial operations of the city. Successful performance helps ensure the effective and efficient processing of all government financial transactions, the accurate reporting of the government's financial condition, and the sound financial position of the city government.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city employees, elected officials, department heads, bankers and financial representatives, state officials, external auditors, and the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, motivate personnel, and justify, negotiate, or settle matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while walking. The employee frequently lifts light objects and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: This position has direct supervision over the Assistant Finance Officer (1) and Finance/Purchasing/Collections staff (18).

The City of Hickory provides a generous benefit package, in addition to salary:

• 11 paid holidays
• 12 paid sick leave days per year
• Paid vacation
• City-paid individual health insurance (H.S.A.)
• Low-cost dental and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program – 5 FREE visits
• 12.89% contribution per employee to the NC Local Government Retirement System
• Up to 5% matching contribution to 401k
• Free Life insurance of 1.5 times salary up to ($125,000)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• On-site Wellness Clinic
• A selection of voluntary benefits such as additional life insurance, dependent life, Short-term disability insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance; All at very competitive rates.
• Benefits package valued at over ($12,500) annually.