Westerly, RI – Director of Finance

The Town of Westerly is looking to fill the position of Director of Finance. Under the general direction of the Town Manager, the Finance Director is responsible for directing all municipal financial functions which includes program responsibility for accounting/auditing, accounts payable/receivables, budget, fiscal grants management, purchasing and tax collections. This position is also responsible for formulating broad policies and coordinates activities among Town Departments.

Position Overview:
• Guides and directs a staff of support personnel, including making selection and disciplinary decisions, completing performance evaluations, and ensuring staff have training and professional development.
• Oversees annual departmental budget development and compliance, including planning and administration, and actively participates in long-range budget analysis.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state and Town laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Serves as the principal advisor to the Town Manager, Town Council and other city officials regarding accounting and financial activities and confers as appropriate regarding policies, and programs.
• Advises and consults with the Town Manager’s office on fiscal matters and prepares data that is essential to policy and administrative determinations.
• Prepares and reports on tax collection, financial reporting issues, pension, and bond issues.
• Oversees Town’s bond issuance of general obligation debt including coordination with financial advisor and legal counsel and preparation of official statements issued to prospective bondholders.
• Coordinates preparation of the annual operating budget and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
• Works with internal stakeholders on fiscal management of grant funds, reporting and tracking.
• Conducts pre-audits of expenditures and maintains records of the receipts and expenditures of all Town departments and keeps detailed records of all taxes assessed by the Town and all moneys due to the Town from other sources.
• Invests Town funds according to the investment policy and applicable state laws
• Develops long-range plans, policies, and programs and works with appropriate staff on implementation
• Provides budget, finance information, and advice to Town Council
• Develops and delivers the proposed annual budget to Town Council via a series of budget workshops, and monitors and implements budgets after adoption.
• Estimates financial impact of selected policies, legislation, and contracts.
• Reviews and is responsible for all financial information for completeness and accuracy that is prepared and presented to officials, residents, Town Council, and the Town Manager.
• Communicates with internal and external stakeholders, regulators, auditors, and others on all financial information regarding Town operations.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in accounting, finance, budget, or related work experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential job functions of this position.

Licenses and Certifications:
• A valid driver’s license.
• Possession of Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) or a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or the ability to obtain one within two (2) years of appointment.
• Certification as a Certified Public Accountant is highly preferred.