Finance Director

GGFOA; Waycross (GA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Waycross seeks a Finance Director to lead the Finance Department, overseeing budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. The role manages accounts payable, cash management, and internal controls while guiding department procedures and staff.

The position requires a strong background in public finance, GAAP, and strategic financial planning, with proven leadership, communication, and analytical skills to support city operations and growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance required.
• MBA preferred.
• 5+ years in public or governmental accounting or finance roles.
• Strong financial analysis and budgeting skills.
• Experience with GAAP and government accounting standards.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, supervise, coordinate, and manage Finance Department operations.
• Oversee accounts payable and cash management functions.
• Oversee accounting systems and development of procedures.
• Oversee customer billing and financial reporting systems.
• Develop annual budget and capital improvements program; assist department heads.

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

MBA preferred

Tools

Financial software

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the overall administration of the Finance Department.

JOB TITLE

Finance Director

DEPARTMENT

Finance, City of Waycross

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the overall administration of the Finance Department.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Plans, supervises, coordinates, and manages the operations of the Finance Department.
• Oversees the accounts payable function.
• Oversees the city cash management program and authorizes transfer of cash and investment assets.
• Oversees the operations of the city accounting system and the development and review of accounting procedures.
• Oversees the customer service billing system.
• Oversees the city financial reporting system and prepares financial reports and other specialized reports as requested.
• Oversees the development of the annual city operating budget and the capital improvements program; assists department heads as requested.
• Prepares revenue forecasts for budget and management decisions.
• Monitors expenditure levels of all city departments for compliance with budgetary and management objectives.
• Develops and implements procedures for collection of all city revenues.
• Oversees the operations of the city internal auditing system.
• Assists external auditors by providing needed data and responding to inquiries.
• Develops the annual department operating budget and monitors expenditures under the current budget.
• Acts as Treasurer for the City’s component units
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public finance, budgeting, and accounting.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of computerized financial information management.
• Knowledge of economic trend forecasting and analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of special requirements pertaining to accounting for and investment of government funds.
• Knowledge of government auditing procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, city ordinances, and department policies and procedures.
• Skill in management and supervision.
• Skill in utilizing financial computer software programs.
• Skill in operating such office equipment as a calculator, copier, and facsimile machine.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The City Manager assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The work is reviewed through conferences, reports, audits, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), relevant federal and state laws, and city ordinances, policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines.

COMPLEXITY

The work consists of varied administrative and technical duties. The number of guidelines to be followed contributes to the complexity of the work.

SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of this position is to manage the financial operations of the city. Successful performance helps ensure the effective and efficient processing of all government financial transactions and the accurate reporting of the government financial condition.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with accountants, bankers, brokers, attorneys, City Commission members, vendors, insurance agents, and representatives of federal, state, and local agencies.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts are typically to exchange information, provide services, motivate personnel, and resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct supervision over Deputy Finance Director (1), Purchasing Manager (1), and Accountant I (1)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance required; MBA preferred
• 2-5 years of governmental accounting experience
• 3-5 years of management experience with increasing responsibilities
• Excellent financial, analytical, and strategy development skills
• Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia
• Strong presentation and consultative skills
• Excellent people and relationship skills
• Ability to be bonded.

Equal Opportunity Employer – Drug-Free Workplace