Debt Manager

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 73,268 - 97,812; Full time

Job summary

The City of Atlanta is seeking a Debt Manager to oversee municipal debt operations and ensure compliance with financial regulations. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting and advanced Excel skills for data analysis.

Key responsibilities include managing payments, interacting with bondholders, and developing financing strategies. Ideal candidates will have 3+ years of experience in finance and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, including data analysis tools.
• Three or more years of experience in Finance, Accounting, or Consulting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee debt management operations and compliance.
• Manage payments and coordinate financing team activities.
• Monitor financial trends and maintain bondholder relations.

Skills

Writing and communication skills

Advanced Excel and data analysis

Presentation skills using MS PowerPoint

Experience with Oracle

Understanding of financial markets

Problem-solving and analytical thinking

Ability to prioritize tasks

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance or related field

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Salary Range: $73,268.14- $97,812.97

General Description

The Debt Manager oversees operations of a portfolio of municipal debt and works closely with the Treasurer on all debt financing and compliance matters.

Responsibilities

• Make debt service payments as required by ordinance and bond documents.
• Respond to bondholders within 24 hours of request.
• Maintain financial requirements for bank credit facilities and continuing covenant agreements.
• Manage payments to remarketing agents, paying agent, financial advisor, trustees, rating agencies, bond counsel, and other entities associated with the City’s debt program.
• Maintain compliance with federal tax laws and support arbitrage rebate calculations.
• Maintain records per the records retention schedule; purge quarterly.
• Assist with the execution of sound, prudent, and efficient debt management strategies.
• Prioritize issuances using the internal master debt model, DBC database, and other tools.
• Manage all aspects of debt including structure review, budget debt service payments, debt service transfers, bondholder relations, Council agenda, and Official Statement preparation.
• Review closing memorandum and coordinate with Treasury's cash management, investments, etc.
• Prepare mapping of accounting and establish general ledger accounts and set up the budget.
• Review transcripts to identify debt covenants and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate investments of bond proceeds in accordance with the City’s debt policy.
• Execute timely drawdowns of bond proceeds to reimburse the general fund.
• Monitor assigned portfolio for refunding existing debt instruments.
• Manage compliance with SEC 15c2-12 disclosure requirements.
• Develop strategies to fund projects and other capital-related items.
• Interact with internal City departments to understand project and cash flow needs.
• Monitor and analyze economic trends to support forecasts impacting the City’s debt issuances.
• Ensure compliance with State of Georgia statutes and City Debt Policies.
• Update Debt Policies to support Treasurer, CFO, and City Council annually.
• Prepare and support material for consideration by City Council.
• Handle selection of financing team, preparation of preliminary and final official statements, rating agency presentations, marketing strategy, bond pricing and closing.
• Provide extensive standard and custom reporting of accounts and balances.
• Compile Annual Debt Report and Treasury Department submission to the Annual Budget Book.
• Respond to Public Requests for Information and Open Records Requests.
• Assist in audit reporting for assigned Comprehensive Annual Financial Report footnotes, schedules, and testwork/confirmations.

Specific Responsibilities

• Debt Modeling
• Quarterly Reporting
• State and City Legislative Review
• Attendance at FEC Pre-Briefings, FEC Meetings, and Full Council Meetings, as needed.
• External/Internal Audit Findings
• Infrastructure Bond Affordability and Analyses
• Bond Financing Support and Rating Agency interaction
• Special Ad-hoc Projects
• Treasury Management System Implementation and Upgrade

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, SUMIF statements, macros.
• Presentation skills using MS PowerPoint.
• Strong track record of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience with Oracle.
• Demonstrated understanding of financial markets and processes.
• Ability to understand, communicate, and explain variance drivers.
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal and team‑building skills; ability to communicate at all levels.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving, decision‑making, and analytical thinking.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple assignments.
• Ability to prepare and present reports.
• Self‑motivated, pro‑active, and positive attitude.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of education, skills, experience, and training.

Preferred Requirements/Certifications

• Master’s degree in finance, Public Policy, Business Administration, or another related field.
• Three or more years of professional experience in Finance, Accounting, Banking, or Consulting.
• Demonstrated experience with debt management.
• Demonstrated capital markets knowledge.
• Experience performing financial analysis and using financial models.
• Experience working in MS Office Suite.
• Municipal finance, government, or banking experience.