This position is open until filled. The first resume review is January 15, 2025.
JOB SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the City Manager, from an administrative capacity, serves as the Chief Financial Officer, Budget Officer, and Risk Manager for the City. Coordinates and performs the financial, accounting, and treasury functions of the City. Ensures accurate accounting of all City funds, monitors expenditures, collects taxes and other receivables, administers accounts payable, payroll and employee benefits, oversees debt issuance and repayment, and coordinates risk management. The City Treasurer component of the job is considered as an administrative officer per the City Charter. Oversees all finance department employees.
ABOUT GRAND LEDGE: The City of Grand Ledge is situated in northeast Eaton County and Southern Clinton County, Michigan. We are a growing community of over 8,000 residents, conveniently located 10 miles west of Lansing, serving as a primarily residential community for the capital region. With over 110 acres of park land and historic sandstone ledges, we are known for our riverfront recreation opportunities and ample trails connected to the walking system. Our traditional downtown, industrial park, and commercial retail spaces, lend to the expanding business district. Grand Ledge provides the community focal point for an area that extends well beyond the City limits because of the commercial, civic and entertainment uses.
- Finance Entities: The City has two component units; the Downtown Development Authority and Local Development Finance Authority, and an Enterprise Fund dedicated to providing Water and Sewer services.
- Budget: Total expenditures approved for 2025 are $95 million with over $75 million dedicated to two major State Revolving Fund projects.
JOB FUNCTIONS: An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
Plans, organizes, directs and participates in all aspects of department operations. Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures, internal controls and reporting forms in accordance with department needs, City directives and statutory requirements.
Hires, trains and supervises personnel, evaluates performance, and oversees professional development. Takes disciplinary action according to established procedures.
Maintains all financial records and monitors all accounts of the City. Plans, organizes and performs the financial accounting activities of the City in accordance with accepted fiscal practices, and state and local regulations. Performs accounting of grants and administers grant funds and reporting.
Through an administrative capacity, serves as City’s Budget Officer. Works with other City departments in developing budget requests and revenue and expense projections. Provides guidance on accounting and reporting procedures, account discrepancies, tax regulations, and City fiscal policies. Prepares and administers the annual budget.
Oversees and participates in the collection of taxes, fees and other monies due the City. Oversees the preparation and collection of utility billings. Manages legal proceedings relating to delinquent accounts, property seizures, tax auctions, and other collections processes.
Evaluates financial trends and fiscal status, performs cost analysis and feasibility studies, and makes recommendations to the City Manager and City Council. Attends City Council meetings, completes special projects, and makes presentations as requested. Prepares various financial reports required by the City, state, and federal agencies.
Works closely with auditors to ensure accuracy of financial reporting. Closes the City’s account books at year-end. Provides documentation and information needed for annual audit.
Performs cash management functions including investment of municipal funds. Researches investment options and recommends action to achieve the best possible rate of return.
Manages all phases of debt issuance and repayment. Provides required documentation to support new debt capacity, ensures debt payments are made on time, and completes necessary reporting requirements.
Serves as benefit administrator of the City’s employee benefit programs. Supervises payroll and related year-end reporting.
Oversees risk management functions.
Serves as procurement of goods and services advisor.
Conducts annual utility rate study.
Keeps abreast of legislative or regulatory developments, new administrative techniques, and current issues through continued education and professional growth. Maintains cooperative relations with peer agencies and other governmental units. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.
Acts as department spokesperson, establishing and maintaining effective relationships with citizens, news media, City officials, employees, and other interests. Responds to public inquiries and investigates complaints.
Serves as the financial software suite enterprise administrator.
Performs related work and special projects as assigned by City Manager.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Educational requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, public administration or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience requirements include five years of professional accounting or financial management in a municipal setting with some supervisory experience.
Thorough knowledge of the generally accepted accounting principals (GAAP), practices and legal regulations of municipal finance, budgeting, accounting, debt management and investing.
Thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques of bookkeeping, accounting, internal controls and financial reporting.
Thorough knowledge of public management techniques involved in operations management, personnel administration, and labor negotiations.
Considerable knowledge of insurance program administration, payroll, benefits and risk management.
Skill in responding to public inquiries and internal requests with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.
Skill in assembling and analyzing financial data, developing operating and capital budgets, and in preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.
Skill in effectively communicating ideas and concepts orally and in writing, and in making presentations in public forums.
Skill in the use of office equipment and technology, including computers and related financial software, and the ability to master new technologies.
Ability to critically assess situations and solve problems, and to work effectively under stress, within deadlines and changes in work priorities.
Ability to evaluate a variety of municipal financial services, analyze operating issues and establish internal policy and procedural recommendations.
Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgement, initiative and resourcefulness when dealing with employees, elected officials, the media, vendors, professional contacts, and the public.
Ability to effectively train, lead and motivate employees and supervise and evaluate the work of others.
