City Treasurer & Finance Director

City of Utica; Utica (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Utica seeks an experienced financial leader to serve as understudy to the Treasurer/Finance Director, with promotion to Treasurer/Finance Director on 1/1/2027 following the current director's retirement at the end of 2026.

The role oversees the City’s fiscal strategy, budgeting, reporting, and compliance with GASB/GAAP, while ensuring sound cash management and debt oversight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field is required.
• Five (5) or more years of municipal finance or governmental financial management experience.
• Knowledge of public-sector budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial strategy and fiscal health of the City.
• Direct accounting, treasury, budgeting, purchasing, payroll, and reporting.
• Manage cash, investments, debt issuance and debt service.
• Maintain GASB/GAAP compliance and state requirements.
• Prepare annual budgets and multi-year financial plans.
• Provide financial analyses to Mayor, Council and management.
• Oversee tax collection, utility billing and other revenues.
• Ensure internal controls and risk management practices.

Skills

Public budgeting

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

The City of Utica is seeking a highly qualified and experienced understudy to serve under the guidance of the Treasurer/Finance Director until the current Treasurer/Finance Director retires at the end of December 2026, with the expectation that the applicant will be promoted to Treasurer/Finance Director effective January 1, 2027.

Financial Management & Oversight

• Serve as the City’s chief financial officer, responsible for overall financial strategy and fiscal health.
• Direct and manage all accounting, treasury, budgeting, purchasing, payroll, and financial reporting functions.
• Oversee cash management, investments, debt issuance, and debt service.
• Maintain accurate financial records in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and state of Michigan accounting requirements.

Budgeting & Planning

• Prepare and administer the City’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Monitor revenues and expenditures to ensure compliance with adopted budgets.
• Develop multi-year financial forecasts and long-term financial plans.
• Provide regular financial reports and analyses to the Mayor, Common Council, and senior management.

Treasurer Functions

• Receive, safeguard, invest, and disburse City funds in accordance with state law and local policy.
• Oversee tax collection, utility billing, and other municipal revenue functions.
• Ensure timely payment of obligations and proper reconciliation of accounts.

Compliance & Audits

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial laws and regulations.
• Coordinate and serve as primary liaison with external auditors.
• Prepare required financial statements, annual reports, and regulatory filings.
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls and risk management practices.

Leadership & Administration

• Supervise and evaluate finance department staff; promote professional development and training.
• Establish and enforce financial policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Collaborate with department heads to improve financial efficiency and service delivery.
• Present financial information clearly to elected officials, staff, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance, accounting, or governmental financial management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public-sector budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or related field.
• CPA, CPFO, or similar professional certification.
• Experience serving as a municipal finance director, treasurer, or equivalent role.
• Familiarity with Michigan municipal finance laws and reporting requirements.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, defined contribution retirement plan, retiree health savings plan, paid leave, and holidays.