ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PN#23073 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (EXE LEV) - CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The City of Houston's Department of Housing and Community Development (HCDD) works to create safe, stable, and complete communities by funding projects related to affordable homes, public facilities, economic development, public services and infrastructure. Partnering with non-profit, governmental, and local entities, HCDD seeks to strengthen Houston's neighborhoods, provide true housing choice and execute the Mayor's vision for One Houston with complete communities throughout.
 
HCDD is seeking an Assistant Director (EXE) to join its team as our Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee the department's financial/accounting, and procurement sections. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with the Department Director to develop and implement strategies impacting the financial strength of the department and the City of Houston. This position will oversee HCDD's day-to-day financial operations and will play a critical role in partnering with the executive team in strategic decision making and managing financial operations.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Providing leadership, direction, coaching, and development for personnel performing Finance and Procurement functions.
• Developing and administering fiscal policies based on sound financial management practices and consistent with effective financial, accounting, fund management, and financial stewardship principles.
• Establishing fiscal controls necessary to manage the day-to-day operations for budgeting, accounts payable, draw/reimbursement, and procurement functions and ensures these functions are successfully carried out in full compliance with all state, federal, local, or other requirements.
• Initiating development and use of best-practice policies, standard operating procedures, and tools to ensure strong and well-controlled operations management, cross-team communication, and work flow.
• Strengthening the quality of financial reporting and producing accurate and timely financial information to support the department's annual report and to inform required grant reporting.
• Utilizing strategic thinking in establishing a comprehensive departmental budget and financial plan and to create accurate expenditure forecasts.
• Establishing a culture of collaboration, cooperation, customer service, accountability, and high-performance and managing the team toward achievement these goals.
• Translating complex subject matter into policy guidance.
• Analyzing complex operational and administrative problems, evaluating alternatives and recommending or adopting effective courses of action.
• Evaluate performance of personnel in the Finance division, recommending training, and keep staff at highest level of skill necessary to meet department's needs and objectives.

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strong interpersonal skills: Ability to effectively communicate and manage well at all levels of the department
• Problem solving: Ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions based on timely and accurate information
• Critical Thinking: Displays well developed analytical skills, with an ability to make reasoned judgments that are logical and well-thought out
• Motivated: High sense of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency

WORKING CONDITIONS
The position is physically comfortable, the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions. EDUCATION: 
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE: 
Seven years of administrative experience are required, with at least three of the years in a managerial capacity. A Master's degree may be substituted for two years of experience.Preference will be given to applicants that possess:

• Certified Public Accountant or Certified Government Financial Manager
• At least 10 years of progressive financial management experience overseeing financial operations with multiple funding sources and types and to include fund/grant management.
• Experience in financial management functions for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Housing Opportunities for Persons with Aids (HOPWA), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR), and other federal, state, or local grants.
• Familiarity with Housing and Urban Development rules and regulations, as well as other federal state, or local regulations related to financial operations and researching, interpreting, and applying these regulations to financial operations.
• Skilled in performing complex financial analysis, including budgets, forecasting,
• Experienced in employing process improvement methodologies in a highly-regulated environment.
• Exceptional written communication skills with ability to create clear, concise, well organized reports, plans, and other written documents.
• Advanced level proficiency in Microsoft Office, OnBase, Adobe Pro, SharePoint, and SAP
• Knowledge of HUD grant reporting systems such as IDIS and DRGR; with an ability to quickly grasp specialized software programs.

 
 
**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6**
 

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED:      Yes
All applicants will be expected to provide a professional writing sample.
 
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION:       No  
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
 
SALARY INFORMATION:                                                 
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in similar positions.

Pay Grade: 32
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov. 
 
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-6069.
 
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-6069. (TTY 7-1-1)
 
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
 
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
 
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided. 
 
EEO Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.