Chief Municipal Financial Officer & City Auditor

City of Williston; Williston (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Williston in North Dakota seeks a Finance Director to lead all municipal financial operations including budgeting, accounting, treasury, investments, debt management, and reporting. The role reports to the City Administrator and serves as City Auditor as prescribed by state law.

The Director advises elected officials and department heads on financial policy, develops internal controls, oversees budgets, and guides modernization of financial systems to ensure transparency and compliance.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting, municipal finance, budgeting, treasury management, and public‑sector financial administration.
• Knowledge of GAAP, GASB standards, municipal debt financing, investment management, and governmental auditing practices.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws governing municipal finance and public administration.
• Strong strategic planning, analytical, and organizational leadership skills.
• Ability to interpret and analyze complex financial data and develop actionable recommendations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with officials, leadership, employees, auditors, and the public.
• Ability to lead organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the City’s Chief Financial Officer and principal financial advisor to the City Administrator, Board of City Commissioners, department heads, and other stakeholders.
• Provides strategic leadership for all municipal financial operations, ensuring fiscal integrity and long‑term sustainability.
• Advises City leadership on financial trends, revenue projections, expenditure forecasts, and policy decisions affecting City services.
• Develops and implements financial policies, internal controls, and best practices to ensure fiscal integrity and compliance.
• Prepares and presents financial reports, forecasts, and analyses for executive leadership, auditors, rating agencies, and the public.
• Coordinates the preparation, development, administration, and monitoring of the City’s annual operating and capital budgets.

Skills

Governmental accounting

GAAP & GASB

Budgeting & treasury management

Public administration

Financial data analysis

Communication with officials

Leadership & change management

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/public administration/business administration

CPA/CPFO/CGFM preferred

Tools

ERP software

Microsoft Office

Job description

City of Williston in North Dakota seeks a Finance Director to lead all municipal financial operations including budgeting, accounting, treasury, investments, debt management, and reporting. The role reports to the City Administrator and serves as City Auditor as prescribed by state law.

The Director advises elected officials and department heads on financial policy, develops internal controls, oversees budgets, and guides modernization of financial systems to ensure transparency and compliance.