This individual will provide highly responsible and complex financial, analytical, and executive support to the Fire/EMS Chief and coordinate assigned activities with other supervisory Fire/EMS staff members. This position is responsible for managing financial systems, policies/procedures of budget development, and other activities including revenue and expense monitoring. This position works closely with the Fire/EMS Business Services Specialist who handles all customer service interactions for the department.
Essential Job Functions
· Assists, develops, and implements goals, policies, priorities, and procedures relating to financial management, budget and accounting, and Fire/EMS operations.
· Oversees and participates in the development and administration of Fire/EMS departments’ annual operating and capital budgets.
· Conducts research and performs complex data analysis. Proposes process and operational changes that enhance department efficiency and financial outcomes.
· Coordinate responses to financial and/or technical inquiries from the general public, elected officials and other City Departments.
· Research data for cost-benefit analysis and production efficiencies, capital planning and budgeting and assists with procurement processes.
· Research and propose technology and other innovative solutions to strengthen controls and financial outcomes.
· Assist with identifying funding sources to support existing and planned program activities as well as participate in the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals to federal, state and private funding agencies.
· Reviews and monitors with the department purchasing activities to ensure adequate funds are available and processes meet City policies, procedures, and rules.
· Participates in long term planning processes to ensure funding for large and critical operating, staging, and equipment expenses.
· Reviews and audits the department’s payroll processes and procedures, ensure biweekly payroll activities are accurate and within the scope of all City pay policies.
· Develops and monitors financial and administrative policies to ensure desired outcomes are achieved.
· Provides backup coverage for the Business Services Specialist role, which includes providing administrative assistance to the Chief and Deputy Chief and responding to internal/external inquiries.
· Provides responses to inquiries from the general public, elected officials, and other City Departments regarding customer complaints, problem resolution operations, etc.
· On behalf of the Chief’s office, may prepare and distribute reports for the Public Safety Committee and/or Police & Fire Commission agenda packets.
· Prepares staff reports, resolutions, and/or presentations for Committee and Common Council Meetings.
· May attend meetings of the Public Safety Committee and/or Police & Fire Commission when financial issues are discussed.
· Conducts research and the preparation of detailed reports including recommendations and implementation strategies.
· Acts as liaison between department staff and other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies.
· May assist City Administrator Office with various projects involving financial or process analysis of public safety department activities.
Requirements of Work
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Between four to six years of progressively responsible municipal government experience, preferably in a Fire/EMS environment, managing complex budgets from a variety of funding sources.
Knowledge of
· Local government budget, finance, accounting principles, and practices.
· MS Office
Ability to
· Prioritize and manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines
· Work independently with a high degree of initiative
· Excel in a collaborative environment through building relationships, interacting with peers and managers on complex financial and analytical matters.
· Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
· Use some discretion or judgment exercised, but supervisor is normally available
· Develop critical goals and objectives for the department that if an error were to occur it could result in critical financial loss.
· Develop policies and procedures for an entire department, plus occasional participation in the development of policies which affect other departments in the organization.
Skill in
· Effectively communicating with internal and external contacts in which require skill in dealing with, and influencing others, and initiating changes in policy/procedures to address the issue to avoid having to deal with the issue again in the future.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
· Work is performed mostly in an office setting; hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
· While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
· The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, stoop, kneel, or balance.
· The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
The City of Sun Prairie is committed to advancing equity, honoring our diverse identity, and creating an inclusive culture. These serve as our guiding principles every day in all that we do. Keep us accountable to this mission and join us in this commitment to a thriving Sun Prairie, as you live, work, and play. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 608-825-0761 or HumanResources@cityofsunprairie.com.
